1 Thessalonians 5:13

“and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves”

“Esteem:”: “To think, to estimate” (Vincent p. 48). “Hold them in special esteem and affection” (Mof). “Exceedingly highly in love”: “Inserted to show that this should be done without stint” (Morris p. 167). “Those who are recognized as leaders must be given appropriate respect. Paul emphasizes that such respect must be shown in full measure and it must not be grudging or partial” (Marshall p. 148). “He wants them to be loved, and not thought simply as the cold voice of authority. Love is the characteristic Christian attitude to man, and this should be shown within the church. Especially is this so in relationships like those between rulers and the ruled, which in other groups of men are apt to be formal and distant” (Morris p. 167). “What attitude should the local congregation adopt towards its elders? They are neither to despise them, as if they were dispensable, nor to flatter or fawn on them as if they were popes or princes, but rather to respect them” (Stott p. 121). “For their works sake”: “For the sake of their work” (Mof). The reason of the respect is the work they are doing. It is not. question of personal prestige” (Barclay p. 239). See 1 Timothy 5:17 and Hebrews 13:17. “It is not. matter of personalities. It is the good of the church that is the important thing” (Morris p. 167). Marshall notes, “Paul adds that such respect is to be shown in love. It does not spring from fear, from an unwilling submission but from love and gratitude for their service in the gospel” (p. 149).

Erdman notes, “ It is not enough to respect those who are leaders in the church, to refrain from criticizing them, or to honor them for the work they are called to do. All Christians must help them and share in their labors” (p. 67). See 1 Thessalonians 5:14). “It is. matter of fact that we are often slow to realize to this day that effective leadership in the church of Christ demands effective following. If we are continually critical of them that are set over us, small wonder if they are unable to perform the ‘miracles' that we demand of them” (Morris p. 167). We must never downplay the importance of the work they perform (Hebrews 13:17). Such “esteem” also includes speaking respectfully about the elders in front of others and especially our children.

“Be at peace among yourselves”: This seems to be connected with what Paul has just previously stated. Stott notes, “This combination of appreciation and affection will enable elders and people to ‘live in peace with each other'” (p. 121). Some suggest that those who were not working (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ff), were failing to listen to the admonitions being given by the elders of this congregation. The phrase "among yourselves" means that the imperative "be at peace", applies equally to all members, including the elders. Elders and members are both responsible for keeping the peace. God puts. high priority on peace in the local congregation (Romans 14:17; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:22; James 3:18; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Obviously the gospel that can bring about reconciliation between God and man should be preached by people who are at peace with each other.