1 Thessalonians 5:12

Know [ε ι δ ε ν α ι]. See on ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:4. Recognize them for what they are, and as entitled to respect because of their office. Comp. ejpiginwskete acknowledge, 1 Corinthians 16:18; and ejgnwsqhv takest knowledge, LXX, Psalms 143:3. Ignatius, Smyrn. 9, has ejpiskopon eiJudenai to know the bishop, to appreciate and honor him.

Are over [π ρ ο ι σ τ α μ ε ν ο υ ς]. Lit. who are placed before you. See on Romans 12:8. Used of superintendents of households, 1 Timothy 3:4; 1 Timothy 3:5, xii. of the ruling of elders of the church, 1 Timothy 5:17. It does not indicate a particular ecclesiastical office, but is used functionally. The ecclesiastical nomenclature of the Pauline Epistles is unsettled, corresponding with the fact that the primitive church was not a homogeneous body throughout christendom. The primitive Pauline church consisted of a number of separate fraternities which were self - governing. The recognition of those who ministered to the congregations depended on the free choice of their members. See for instance 1 Corinthians 16:15; 1 Corinthians 16:16. The congregation exercised discipline and gave judgment : 1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:6; 2 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 7:12; Galatians 6:1.

Admonish [ν ο υ θ ε τ ο υ ν τ α ς]. Only in Acts and Paul. See on Acts 20:31, and comp. ver. 14; Romans 14:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28.