It was difficult for the church to answer to her high calling in the early days of Christianity. Especially was this true of a small church and one which did not have the benefit of an apostolic presence to guide her in regard to doctrine and the defence of the faith. Such a church was the one at Thessalonica. It is no wonder that the Apostle ends most of his let­ters with admonitions to the church to be faithful, and 1 Thessalonians is no exception.

In the study of this epistle it must never be for­gotten that Paul had spent a very short time in Thessalonica. He had used every moment at his dis­posal to instruct and to build them up in the faith. But, there is a very definite limit to the amount of in­struction which can be given in a few weeks and there is also a limit to the amount of instruction which can be absorbed and understood by the hear­ers in so short a period of time. It is evident from these two epistles that the Apostle had proclaimed "the whole counsel of God" to them — that he had fed them with meat as well as with milk. We indeed stand amazed that these Christians have understood the gospel as well as they did. However, there are a few things which he desires to bring to their atten­tion in order that the life of the church may prosper even more than it has.

Respect for Office⤒🔗

Because he does not mention elders and deacons in these epistles, there are those who believe that the admonition found in these verses is directed to the whole membership of the church. Besides, it was one of the first churches to come into existence, and, therefore, they believe, there was no organization to be found in this early church. We believe, however, that this view is not correct. Indeed, these admoni­tions come to the church, but they are to be seen in reference to the office-bearers which he appointed in every church. Those who labor among them are in office. In all of his missionary labors Paul has sought to establish the church — the body of believers and not an aggregate or loose collection of individuals. Therefore his insistence on office in every place so that the church could be the church and carry out her task in this world.

His admonition to the church is very gentle. He beseeches them, he asks them to do those things of which he will speak. He speaks of their attitude to those "that labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you". These are the character­istic duties of the elders in every church. The people are to "know them", i.e., they are to appreciate them. Apparently there was a problem on this score in this church. This is not surprising. It is a fault which has been repeated throughout the history of the church. The members of this church must re­member that these office-bearers are the gift of Christ to the church. Their office is to aid the church. Even when they admonish you — it is for your welfare. When we remember that this church counted some "important" people among its mem­bers and that some of the elders may have been from the lower classes, we can understand that a problem might arise.

These office-bearers labor among you. He uses a term denoting strenuous labor. They labor diligent­ly and their work is difficult. These have been ap­pointed by the Lord and their authority is from Him. There is a beautiful Christian warmth associated with these words. They do not labor among you as those who are serving themselves, but they labor among you and are over you in the Lord! They also admonish you to obey His Word. So the flock of Jesus Christ is tended and nourished and led.

Now these office-bearers are to be highly es­teemed in love for their work's sake, says the Apos­tle. He forms a new Greek word, a compound, in order to express the high esteem in which they are to be held. There must be an affection for them. It is not to be an esteem because of their persons, but for their work's sake! The people must remember that these men are doing the work of Jesus Christ!

What is the nature of this office? Is it authorita­tive or is it service? Both. They are to serve the body of Christ with all their labors. They are not working for themselves, but, for Another. At the same time this service cannot be rendered properly except by the authority He has given them. They never come with the cold voice of authority — but, in the Lord! These two aspects of office may never be divorced from each other. Authority apart from service leads to hierarchism and service apart from authority leads to a man-centered institution.

He admonishes them to be at peace among them­selves. They are to stop criticizing office-bearers and others. If they will have the proper esteem for office, that peace will come. True peace in a church is the only climate in which the gospel can be preached and where the people will grow in grace.

Mutual Discipline←⤒🔗

After he has admonished them concerning the respect they are to have for the office-bearers who work among them, he also addresses a few words to the whole church regarding some of its members. The discipline is not to come by way of the offices only, but mutual discipline is to be exercised. The church of Christ is not to be a passive body, it is to be deeply concerned about all those who are in need. Christians are to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of their brethren.

First of all, he exhorts them to admonish the dis­orderly. By these disorderly ones he means those who are idle, those who do not work for a living. Paul has little respect for those who will not work. He tells the Thessalonians in his second letter to them that those who will not work shall not eat (3:10). However, in this particular place he does not seem to have in mind the generally lazy person, but rather, those who do not work because of their erroneous view concerning the imminent return of Christ. Why work anymore if He might come today or tomorrow? These are "out of step". These must be admonished. These are not promoting the work of the church but will become a burden. The thought of the return of Christ may not lead to idleness but to unbroken labor while it is day.

Mutual Support←⤒🔗

Then there are also the "fainthearted", those meek souls who worry about various things. There were those in Thessalonica who worried about those who had passed away before the Lord's return. They also worry about their own faith. These faint­hearted have been found in the church of all ages. Assurance is lacking. The rest of the church must deal gently with them. They must be encouraged. This encouragement is given in the Word. Only when the Word is understood and believed will they lose their faintheartedness.

The weak must be supported. He does not refer to the weak in body, i.e., the sick, but those who are weak in faith. The Apostle distinguishes between the fainthearted and the weak. These two groups seem to have a lot in common and one would have to know the congregation at Thessalonica intimately to be able to understand the difference between the two. He commands the congregation to be long-suffering to all. Don't let them go! Be aware of the needs of each one and minister to these needs with the riches of the gospel. The church of Jesus Christ may never evidence the spirit of satisfying only one's own ego, but must be of spiritual help to all those who are fellow members of the body of Christ.

Kindness Instead of Revenge←⤒🔗

Having given several specific admonitions to the church to correct some of the difficulties which have risen in the Thessalonian church, the Apostle now comes with a more general exhortation. The church must always give evidence of the fact that she is grounded in Jesus Christ. All of her teaching and action must display this foundation. She may not live contrary to the principles which He Himself has laid down. This particular church has been harassed by both Jews and Greeks. There was the temptation to strike back. This, however, would be contrary to the clear teaching of her Lord. Christians are not to render evil for evil. Instead, they are even to love their enemies. To love in the face of hostility will put their faith to the test, but it is required. It is often said that this teaching of Christ was totally new. However, this teaching was rooted in the Old Testament. The writer of Proverbs counseled the people of God to give bread and water to the enemy (Proverbs 25). Time and again the people were told that ven­geance belonged to God alone. Christ brought it into sharper focus but it is the teaching of the Word of God from beginning to end.

Instead of rendering evil for evil they must "follow after that which is good." They must pursue this. They must strive with all their might to be of bene­fit to those who are hostile to them. Thus the church will exert her greatest influence in this world. The message of the gospel is foreign to the thinking of the natural man. The members of the church of Christ, who have believed the gospel, must make it plain in their lives that this gospel changes men's lives and that their attitude to others is the direct opposite from that of the world.

These admonitions which the Apostle has given to the church are to be accepted for their own welfare and to pave the way for the gospel in the lives of those who are now still hostile. They are not only to pursue that which is good to their fellow believers but also to those outside. The true church must live its confession in all relationships. Then only will its faith prove itself genuine and that church will be the light of the world.

Questions for Discussion:←⤒🔗

1. Do the offices in the church belong to its well­being or to its being? Can a church exist without them? Explain.

2. What is the proper relationship between authori­ty and service as shown in the offices of the church? Discuss.

3. When Paul speaks of esteeming them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake, does this mean anything more than the love which we must show at all times and to everyone? Explain.

4. Is discipline only to be exercised by elders? What is the importance of self-discipline? Of mutual dis­cipline? Are all three related?

5. Does Scripture demand that we identify the poor? Is one who refuses to work entitled to the financial help of the church?

6. How can we encourage the fainthearted? How does a person receive assurance?

7. What does it really mean to love your enemies? Does this trample justice?