1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – Members and leaders relationship

In both his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul also wrote to instruct Christian living in the light of the second coming of Christ. His overwhelming desire in these letters was for the community to be ready for Christ’s return. Since they all belong to the same community, he wanted each one of them to carefully handle the different areas of life to enhance their own personal effectiveness. In these two verses he addressed the issue of relationship between members and leaders. He advocated love and respect must be shown toward each other. He also promoted mutual care and support.

A careful reflection of verse 12 suggests that some Thessalonians were showing disrespect for their leaders. Hence, the apostle gently appealed to them to show proper respect for their leaders. Notice that in the beginning of verse 12, the words were “we request of you….” They were words of gentle appeal rather than authoritative instruction. His request was for them to appreciate (v.12) and esteem the leaders highly (v.13). And he gave them several reasons for the appeal:

Firstly, he said that those leaders labored diligently among them. Paul could be referring to their spiritual assignments such as teaching, shepherding and counseling. However, it is more likely that he was referring to the seemingly menial tasks that were required to take care of the believers. The word “labor” should be more accurately translated as “toil.” Paul was probably talking about the laborious and arduous efforts of caring for a people facing oppositions and undergoing trials. He told them that those leaders did not shrink away from the mundane tasks of caring for them. Instead, they diligently labored and toiled among them. Thus, they should be appreciated and highly esteemed.

Secondly, the leaders were also given the task to take charge over them. Their main task was to preside over the matters concerning the life of the fellowship. The phrase “in the Lord” tells us that their role was not a secular but a spiritual one. Like theirs, church leaders today ought also to see their ministry as a spiritual one to be discharged under the purview of the Lord. Therefore, there is no room for personal ambition and self-aggrandizement. Their role necessitates dependence on God’s grace and a large degree of spiritual maturity.

Thirdly, the leaders also gave instruction to believers. This term “instruction” could be better translated as “admonishment.” The word has to do with discipline and reproof. It is also used in conjunction with teaching, and often in the context of ethics, to warn against bad behaviors and its consequences. It is also used in connection with reminding believers of the dangers of continuing in the way of error. When admonishment is done with Christian affection, wayward brethren could be steered from their course and rescued from their wrongdoings. Done with love, wrong attitude would be aligned.

Because of their works, leaders ought to be esteemed. Paul tells us here that leaders are called to labor for, take charge over, and admonish the believers for the sake of the church. Thus, they should be appropriately esteemed and accorded due honor. When believers respect their leaders, it will result in peaceful co-existence among them. So Paul asked them to live in peace with each other.

Leaders need our support so that they can function and fulfill their God-given role. As a family of believers, and as we rightly fulfill our roles, we meet needs and ensure mutual growth. Let us both grow and glow for the Lord!