1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
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It's easy to skim over the word "respect," but Paul uses it specifically because he knows how tempting it is to dismiss or even resent those in leadership. He's not asking for blind obedience, but for a recognition of their difficult work and spiritual guidance, reminding us that honoring them honors the Lord they serve.
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians with practical advice for Christian living and community. Immediately before this, he's been talking about the return of Christ and how believers should be alert and sober, not living in darkness. This verse transitions into instructions on how the church should function internally, emphasizing respect for their spiritual leaders.
Ever wonder how to treat those guiding you in faith? This verse calls us to a specific kind of respect, rooted in their hard work.
Paul highlights that leaders "labor among you." This isn't a passive role; it involves effort, dedication, and often sacrifice. Their work isn't for personal gain but for the spiritual well-being of the community. This labor deserves recognition and honor, not just because of their position, but because of the sweat and heart they pour into shepherding God's people.
Why should we respect our leaders? This verse grounds our respect not in their personality or performance, but in their God-given role.
The phrase "over you in the Lord" is key. Our respect for these leaders isn't a general admiration for authority figures; it's specifically for those appointed and recognized within God's economy. Their authority and guidance derive from Christ himself. Therefore, respecting them is, in essence, respecting the Lord who has placed them there and given them their mandate.
Paul doesn't just ask for respect; he mentions a specific function of leaders that often gets a mixed reaction: admonishment. What's the goal here?
Leaders are called to "admonish you." This word implies gentle correction, guidance, and instruction aimed at restoring or strengthening someone. It's not about harsh judgment but about lovingly guiding people back to the right path or helping them grow spiritually. This corrective function is vital for the health of the church, and respecting those who faithfully carry it out is crucial for our own spiritual maturity.
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Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
Refers to fellow believers who share a spiritual bond in Christ, often used to establish a sense of equality and familial duty within the church.
eidenai · Greek Verb
To know, acknowledge, or recognize the value and authority of someone, particularly those in leadership positions within the church.
kopiontas · Greek Verb (Participle)
Refers to the spiritual and physical effort expended by ministers or leaders in the service of the church and the gospel.
nouthetountas · Greek Verb (Participle)
To warn, instruct, or counsel, often with the aim of correcting behavior or protecting the community from spiritual error.
agape · Greek Noun
A self-sacrificial, godly love that seeks the highest good of the other, forming the foundational bond for Christian relationships and leadership.
eireneuete · Greek Verb
A state of harmony, reconciliation, and divine shalom that results from living according to God’s will within the community of faith.
This instruction comes from Paul shortly after the church's founding, amidst ongoing persecution. He's establishing the foundational principles for church structure and community care, urging respect for the leaders God has placed within this new, struggling flock.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
c. AD 50-51— this verse
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul and Silas preach the gospel in Thessalonica, a major Roman port city. Despite opposition, a thriving Christian community is established.
c. AD 51
Flight from Thessalonica
Paul and Silas are forced to flee Thessalonica due to violent persecution from Jewish opponents, going to Beroea.
c. AD 51
Paul Writes 1 Thessalonians
From Corinth, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, likely sent by Timothy, to encourage them amidst suffering and clarify teachings.
c. AD 52-53
Timothy's Visit and Report
Timothy returns to Paul with news from the Thessalonian believers, bringing both encouragement and questions that likely inform Paul's second letter.
c. AD 52-53
Paul Writes 2 Thessalonians
Responding to Timothy's report and ongoing issues, Paul writes a second letter to address misunderstandings about the return of Christ and encourage perseverance.
This passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Thessalonians 5:12 by urging believers to obey and submit to their leaders, emphasizing that these leaders are watchful for their souls.
1 Timothy 5:17This verse highlights the importance of honoring elders, particularly those who serve well, which directly relates to respecting those who labor and lead in the church.
Titus 1:5-9This passage outlines the qualifications for elders, detailing the kind of responsible leadership that believers are called to respect and support.
1 Corinthians 16:15-16Paul here encourages submission to those who dedicate themselves to serving the saints, which parallels the call in Thessalonians to respect those in leadership roles within the church.
It's easy to skim over the word "respect," but Paul uses it specifically because he knows how tempting it is to dismiss or even resent those in leadership. He's not asking for blind obedience, but for a recognition of their difficult work and spiritual guidance, reminding us that honoring them honors the Lord they serve.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians with practical advice for Christian living and community. Immediately before this, he's been talking about the return of Christ and how believers should be alert and sober, not living in darkness. This verse transitions into instructions on how the church should function internally, emphasizing respect for their spiritual leaders.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians with practical advice for Christian living and community. Immediately before this, he's been talking about the return of Christ and how believers should be alert and sober, not living in darkness. This verse transitions into instructions on how the church should function internally, emphasizing respect for their spiritual leaders.
"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." — It's easy to skim over the word "respect," but Paul uses it specifically because he knows how tempting it is to dismiss or even resent those in leadership. He's not asking for blind obedience, but fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
