1 Thessalonians 5:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Thessalonians 5:13
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Chapter Context
1 Thessalonians 5 is a eschatological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, love. Written during Paul's second missionary journey (c. 50-51 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: New believers faced persecution from both Jewish opposition and pagan neighbors.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Thessalonians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Thessalonians 5:13
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Analysis
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves—kai hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissou en agapē dia to ergon autōn. eirēneuete en heautois (καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν. εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς). Hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissou en agapē (ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 'esteem them beyond measure in love')—hyperekperissou (ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ) is superlative: 'exceedingly abundantly.' Leaders deserve extraordinary honor, not grudging acknowledgment. En agapē (ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 'in love')—honor flows from love, not mere duty. Dia to ergon autōn (διὰ τὸ ἔργον αὐτῶν, 'for their work's sake')—honor is based on ministry, not personality or status.
And be at peace among yourselves (eirēneuete en heautois, εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς)—church unity requires both honoring leaders and maintaining mutual peace. Apparently some Thessalonians resisted pastoral authority, creating conflict. Paul addresses both sides: members must honor leaders; the community must maintain peace. Leadership without honor breeds contempt; honor without peace breeds factions. Biblical church life requires both vertical respect (toward leaders) and horizontal harmony (among members). Peace flows from gospel truth rightly applied (Jas 3:17-18).
Historical Context
Early churches faced leadership challenges—converts from paganism lacked models for church polity, resistance to authority was common, and young churches had immature members. The Thessalonians needed instruction on honoring leaders and maintaining peace. Paul's counsel balanced extremes: not despising leaders (treating them as equals) nor idolizing them (treating them as infallible). Leaders deserved honor 'for their work's sake'—based on faithful ministry, not inherent superiority. This prevented both rebellion and clericalism, fostering healthy church life where leaders served and members followed willingly.
Reflection
- How do you demonstrate 'exceedingly abundant' esteem in love for faithful spiritual leaders?
- What specific actions honor leaders 'for their work's sake' rather than personality preferences?
- How do you contribute to peace among believers versus feeding conflict through criticism or factionalism?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G26 - Divine love
Cross-References
- Peace: Mark 9:50, Ephesians 4:3, Colossians 3:15, Hebrews 12:14, James 3:18
- Love: John 15:17, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22
- Parallel theme: Psalms 133:1, Matthew 10:40