Session 9 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-24
MEMORY VERSE: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:24
A state license plate usually includes some type of slogan that defines that state in some way. We see words like keystone, sunshine, lone star, dairyland, garden, evergreen, empire, and golden. These slogans give that state and the people who live in it some type of identity. The slogan also carries some type of expectation or characterization of the residents of that state. Paul called on the Thessalonians to identify with Christ and to live up to the expectations of doing so.
(In PSG, p. 82)
For Paul, the key to living out the Christian faith was to live with an eternal perspective. With that in mind, he taught the Thessalonians about Christ’s second coming (4:13–5:11). The apostle assured his readers that Jesus would come back in an unmistakable way. When He returns, He will take all His people with Him—the living and the dead from every nation and every epoch. Paul noted that those who are not prepared for the Lord’s return will be surprised by His arrival and will face the consequences of rejecting Him. That is why it was so important to Paul that the Thessalonians—and all believers—stay alert and watchful, always looking for Christ’s return and always warning others of the danger of refusing His offer of salvation.
As he closed the letter, Paul continued focusing on practical matters (5:12-24). He challenged his readers to focus on the basic practices that lead to a strong faith. He told them several things to do—and a few to avoid. Spiritual maturity was Paul’s deepest desire for this young congregation.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Once Paul left Thessalonica, local leaders stepped in to nurture spiritual health and encourage effective ministry among believers. Paul told his brothers and sisters to support these leaders. In English, the wording sounds like a request: we ask you. However, the Greek language is much more direct, urging readers to obey Paul’s directions. They were to give recognition to their leaders, which means to acknowledge and show respect.
The Thessalonian leaders had earned this recognition by faithfully fulfilling three ongoing ministries. First, they were willing to labor among you, a phrase that indicates toil past the point of exhaustion. These individuals put in long days of hard work to encourage and support the church.
Second, they were willing to lead you in the Lord—that is, as the Lord would lead. The Greek term implies someone who stands before others. While this suggests authority, it also points to loving leadership and pastoral care. The Thessalonian leaders set an example worth following, while filtering it all through love.
Finally, they were willing to admonish the Thessalonians. They accepted the role of teachers, giving instruction in righteous living. They also accepted the responsibility of correcting improper behavior. This was a thankless job but one that was necessary when sharing the whole truth of God.
These likely weren’t the only tasks leaders carried out, but Paul was not making an exhaustive list. Instead, he provided a broad overview to remind the Thessalonians of what their leaders were doing for them. Their sacrifice and faithfulness deserved honor and respect.
Paul had already encouraged the Thessalonians to grow in their love toward one another. Now he specifically challenged them to esteem their leaders very highly in love. Honor was based on affection, not fear or obligation. The apostle emphasized the value of healthy relationships between leaders and followers.
Again, the leaders deserved this outpouring of love because of their work. Paul used a different Greek word for work here than he had used for labor in verse 12. It’s possible he was focusing on the proper exercise of leadership gifts across the three general tasks mentioned. If so, the Thessalonian leaders were using their Spirit-given gifts well by investing time and energy into their calling. As a result, the Thessalonians were not honoring position or authority but faithful ministry through the wise exercise of God’s blessings.
Paul added the challenge to live at peace among yourselves. Satan uses disunity as a weapon against God’s people because of its subtle yet devastating nature. Paul urged believers to respond to one another in love and to resolve conflicts in a godly manner (Rom. 12:16-19).
14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to observe a list of practical commands. The first was to warn those who are idle. The Greek word translated warn is the same word rendered “admonish”as in verse 12. The word idle conveys disorder, like a soldier straying from his ranks. Admonishing involves bringing spiritual stragglers back into line and providing a sense of order for their unruly thoughts and actions. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul expounded on the principle of hard work (2 Thess. 3:7-12), including the possibility of discipline for those who refused to repent. Here it is possible that some Thessalonians had grown lazy in anticipation of Christ’s return. Paul directed them to get back to work for the kingdom.
Next, Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to comfort the discouraged. The Greek term for discouraged is a compound word that combines the ideas of “small” and “soul.” It likely refers to someone either living in fear or hopelessness. Persecution, grief, and moral failure can produce such discouragement, thus Paul urged his friends to support one another as he had supported them (1 Thess. 2:11-12).
He also challenged them to help the weak, which could refer to either spiritual immaturity or physical illness. The language leaves room for both possibilities. Given the nature of the other imperatives, Paul was probably emphasizing spiritual frailty. It was the responsibility of stronger believers to embrace weaker Christians and to strengthen them through discipleship.
The last command in verse 14 directed the Thessalonians to be patient with everyone. Patience is an attribute of God and evidence of the Spirit’s work in God’s people (Gal. 5:22-23). It does not come naturally to humans. It is a byproduct of sincere love (1 Cor. 13:4) and demonstrates itself through a refusal to act impulsively. It is interesting to note that Paul did not put limits on who deserved such patience. Instead, Christians are called to patience toward all people, whether in the church or in the world.
Hurting people often hurt others. So as the church dealt with weaker believers, they also dealt with those who went on the attack. Seeking vengeance is a natural reaction for humans, but Paul made it clear that no Spirit-empowered believer repays evil for evil. As Paul told the Romans, believers respond to their enemies with love. In cases that defy resolution, they leave justice in God’s hands (Rom. 12:17-19). Spiritually mature Christians need to help their weaker companions respond to offenses properly.
The Thessalonians should pursue what is good for others. Here, the apostle emphasized chasing something worthwhile through intentional action. Christians don’t have much time to be offended or to plot revenge when they are busy trying to outdo one another in good works. Paul wanted them to stay the course, working hard to build others up and not tear them down.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
In these three short verses, Paul gave three important commands to the Thessalonians. Some commentators view these commands in terms of personal spiritual disciplines, but Paul’s words can also relate to public demonstrations of piety. These practices are “God-directed” expressions of faith (worship) in contrast to the “people-directed” actions (fellowship) in verses 12-15 and 19-22.
Each of the commands is present tense, which indicates a recurring action. The terms always, constantly, and in everything reinforce the point. First, Paul commanded his readers to rejoice always. (See also Phil. 4:4.) Like patience, joy reflects a supernatural work of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
This does not mean Christians are always happy or cheerful. Rather, it indicates an ability to see beyond oneself and to trust in God’s sovereignty, even while celebrating the victories of others. Perspective is everything, and keeping one’s relationship with God and others in proper perspective is key to the Christian life.
Second, Paul challenged the Thessalonians to pray constantly. Again, this does not imply that Christians must be on their knees all the time. But it does reflect a spirit that maintains a constant connection to the Father. It also acknowledges that prayer is a vital element in public worship.
The third action is to give thanks in everything. Like rejoicing and praying, gratitude should be an ongoing part of our spiritual walk. A heart that remembers all God has done and trusts in all He will do stays tender and responsive. Even in difficult situations, believers can focus on thanksgiving instead of complaining. The wording also allows for gratitude toward others.
Paul added the statement that this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. While this could be tied to the command for gratitude, it also can relate to each of the three commands. The verses read like one single sentence, so every element may be viewed as part of God’s will. Paul emphasized that these commands were the result of divine instruction, not human wisdom.
19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
Paul turned his attention to a pair of actions his readers should avoid. First, he challenged the Thessalonians to reject any attitude or action that could stifle the Spirit. The Greek word translated stifle pictures a flame being snuffed out. Certainly, the Holy Spirit is God and cannot be smothered. But His work in our hearts can be ignored. Christians are to remain sensitive and obedient to the Spirit’s work in their lives. Otherwise, they grow cold and ineffective.
One way to stifle God’s Spirit is to show disrespect for God’s Word. Therefore, Paul’s second imperative of prohibition warned his friends to not despise prophecies. They should avoid any attitudes or actions that demonstrate contempt or disdain toward God’s message. Believers should never see God’s words as worthless or count them as nothing, as this term implies.
People often associate prophecy with predicting the future. However, in the New Testament, the gift of prophecy typically referred to delivering God’s message for the present (1 Cor. 14:2-3). Its purpose was to strengthen believers and convict unbelievers. Paul urged the Thessalonians to test all things. To test means to evaluate or inspect everything. The standard for this inspection was not human opinion. Instead, the message should be compared to the truth God has revealed—the teachings provided by Paul and other divinely-inspired writers of Scripture. This is the true standard that false teaching can never withstand.
By putting all truth claims to the test of God’s Word, believers can discern what is genuine and what should be rejected. Paul challenged the Thessalonians to hold on to what is good. The Greek wording refers to taking ownership or remembering value. This implies moving beyond mental evaluation and agreement, and focusing on practical application. The Thessalonians had to make truth a part of their lives each day.
On the flip side, they were to stay away from every kind of evil. Paul used the same Greek word in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 to describe how the Thessalonians should avoid sexual immorality. He knew that keeping evil close was the spiritual equivalent of the computer term, “garbage in, garbage out.” Sin never stays dormant. Instead, the enemy uses such strongholds to attack a believer’s spiritual walk and testimony. This is why Paul urged the Ephesians to avoid giving Satan a foothold in their lives (Eph. 4:27).
(In PSG, p. 88)
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul had opened this letter with a word about his prayers for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:2-3). Now, as he closed, he offered a prayer on their behalf. He prayed that the God of peace himself sanctify them. Christ stands alone as the Author of genuine peace (John 14:27; 16:33). While the world seeks to eliminate conflict, true peace involves spiritual well-being and a calm assurance that God is in control. The death and resurrection of Jesus allow us to experience such peace with Him—and with others.
Also, God alone sanctifies us, setting us apart as holy for His purposes. This process of sanctification begins at our moment of justification (salvation) and represents a key emphasis in Paul’s letter. Perfection is never possible before eternity, but the Thessalonians could join God’s work by pursuing holiness. Paul also noted that God’s work would be done completely. The Greek compound word here can mean “through and through” and describes the ideas of lacking nothing and working until the task is finished in eternity.
Living a sanctified life depends on a holistic connection with God: spirit, soul, and body. These terms reflect back on wholeness and well-being provided by Christ’s peace. Since every part of life is under the umbrella of God’s reign, believers can remain sound and blameless until Christ comes back. Looking toward the second coming helps believers stay pure and acceptable to God.
24 He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.
Paul was confident that his prayers would be answered because he trusted the Savior who was working in his readers’ lives. He reminded the Thessalonians: he who calls you is faithful. In other words, Christ never falls short of completing His work or keeping His promises. He is absolutely reliable and trustworthy. The One who brings believers into the body of Christ has the power to prepare and sustain them for ongoing ministry.
As Paul later told the Philippians, the One who begins a good work in believers always finishes what He starts (Phil. 1:6). The writer of Hebrews echoed this sentiment, emphasizing God’s perfect integrity (Heb. 6:17-18). When God promises to produce sound and blameless children, he will do it. Paul challenged the Thessalonians to embrace this truth.
Paul ended the letter with three personal requests: prayer for him (5:25), godly affection for one another (5:26), and fellowship with other congregations (vv. 26-27). His benediction included an appeal for Christ’s grace (v. 28), much like his introduction wished them grace and peace (1 Thess. 1:1).
(In PSG, p. 89)
The Kingdom
Christians ought to pray and to labor that the kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. (See Rom. 8:19; Heb. 12:28.)
Compare related passages to gain insight.
Paul gave Timothy directions about the treatment of church leaders as well. Compare what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 5:17-20 to what he told the Thessalonian believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. How are the directions similar? How are they different? How is respect seen in both passages?