1 Thessalonians 5:12

“And we beseech you, brethren, etc.] Not in a natural or civil, but spiritual relation; and what follows relating to the ministers of the word, the apostle addresses this church on their behalf, not in an imperious and authoritative manner, but by way of entreaty, with great humility and strong affection: know them that labour among you; who were not non-residents, but were upon the spot with them; and where indeed should pastors be, but with their flocks? and husbandmen and vinedressers, but in their fields and vineyards? and stewards, but in the families where they are placed? and parents, but with their children? nor were they loiterers in the vineyard, or slothful servants, and idle…”

“beseech--"Exhort" is the expression in Th1 5:14; here, "we beseech you," as if it were a personal favor (Paul making the cause of the Thessalonian presbyters, as it were, his own). know--to have a regard and respect for. Recognize their office, and treat them accordingly (compare Co1 16:18) with reverence and with liberality in supplying their needs (Ti1 5:17). The Thessalonian Church having been newly planted, the ministers were necessarily novices (Ti1 3:6), which may have been in part the cause of the people's treating them with less respect. Paul's practice seems to have been to ordain elders in every Church soon after its establishment (Act 14:23). them which labour . . . are over . . .…”

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you - Who they were is not mentioned. It is evident, however, that the church was not left without appointed persons to minister to it when its founders should be away. We know that there were presbyters ordained over the church at Ephesus, and over the churches in Crete (Acts 20:17; Titus i. 5), and that there were bishops and deacons at Philippi Philippians 1:1, and there is every reason to believe that similar officers would be appointed in every newly organized church, The word “know” seems to mean that they were not to make themselves strangers to them - to be cold and distant toward them - to be ignorant of their needs, or…”

“Know them that, Labour among you: Are over you in the Lord: Admonish you. Know - See, mark, take knowledge of them and their work. Sometimes the same person may both labour, that is, preach; be over, or govern; and admonish the flock by particular application to each: sometimes two or more different persons, according as God variously dispenses his gifts. But O, what a misery is it when a man undertakes this whole work without either gifts or graces for any part of it! Why, then, will he undertake it? for pay? What! will he sell both his own soul and all the souls of the flock? What words can describe such a wretch as this? And yet even this may be "an honourable man!" 1 Thessalonians 5:13”

“5:12 honor (or know): This may be a call either to honor church leaders or to recognize the emerging leaders in the church (1 Cor 16:15-16). True leaders . . . work hard (1 Tim 4:10; 5:17) and govern to serve (Matt 20:25-28). They preside over, as well as help and protect, the church (Rom 16:1-2; 1 Tim 3:4-5, 12). • give you spiritual guidance: Leaders correct both moral and doctrinal errors (Acts 20:31; 1 Cor 4:14; Col 1:28).”

“to know: Co1 16:18; Phi 2:19; Heb 13:7, Heb 13:17 labour: Th1 2:9; Mat 9:37, Mat 9:38; Luk 10:1, Luk 10:2, Luk 10:7; Joh 4:38; Act 20:35; Co1 3:9, Co1 15:10; Co1 16:16; Co2 5:9, Co2 6:1, Co2 11:23; Gal 4:11; Phi 2:16; Col 1:29; Ti1 5:17, Ti1 5:18; Ti2 2:6; Rev 2:3 and are: Act 20:28; Co1 12:28; Tit 1:5; Heb 13:7, Heb 13:17; Pe1 5:2, Pe1 5:3; Rev 1:20; Rev 2:1, Rev 2:8, Rev 2:12, Rev 2:18, Rev 3:1, Rev 3:7, Rev 3:14 and admonish: Th1 5:14; Ti1 5:1, Ti1 5:20; Tit 1:3, Tit 2:15 1 Thessalonians 5:13”