Question 1

Who are the people that “labour among you” and are “over you in the Lord”?

Accepted Answer

The people who “labour among you” and are “over you in the Lord” are the spiritual leaders of the church. They work hard in teaching, guiding, and warning God’s people. Paul says they are “over you in the Lord,” meaning their authority is not about power or status, but about caring for souls under Christ’s rule. Believers are told to know them, respect them, and value them highly in love because of the work they do, not because of their personality or position.

Question 2

What does it mean to esteem church leaders very highly in love?

Accepted Answer

To esteem church leaders very highly in love means more than simply liking them or agreeing with them. It means recognizing their hard work for your spiritual good, speaking of them with respect, and supporting them with a loving attitude. The focus is “for their work’s sake,” not because they are perfect. Paul ties this to peace in the church, because when members treat leaders with love and honor, it becomes easier for everyone to live and serve together without constant tension and conflict.

Question 3

What does warn the unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak mean?

Accepted Answer

Paul shows that not everyone in the church needs the same kind of help. “Warn the unruly” is about correcting those who are idle, disorderly, or stirring trouble. “Comfort the feebleminded” means gently encouraging those who are anxious, easily discouraged, or faint-hearted. “Support the weak” means holding up those who are weak in faith or strength, not leaving them to struggle alone. All of this must be done with patience toward everyone, reflecting the patient way Christ deals with his people.

Question 4

What does rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks mean?

Accepted Answer

These short commands describe a steady way of life, not a passing mood. “Rejoice evermore” is about a deep joy in God that remains even when life is hard. “Pray without ceasing” means keeping a constant habit and attitude of prayer, often turning your heart to God through the day. “In everything give thanks” does not say every situation is good, but that in every situation you can thank God for his care. Paul says this thankful, prayerful, joyful life is God’s will in Christ.

Question 5

What does quench not the Spirit and despise not prophesyings teach?

Accepted Answer

“Quench not the Spirit” pictures the Holy Spirit like a fire that can be smothered. We quench the Spirit when we stubbornly resist his work, ignore his nudges toward obedience, or shut our ears to God’s Word. “Despise not prophesyings” warns against treating Spirit-given messages or sound preaching as worthless or annoying. At the same time, Paul does not tell them to accept everything without thought. God’s people should stay open to the Spirit’s work while still testing what is taught.

Question 6

What does prove all things, hold fast that which is good mean here?

Accepted Answer

“Prove all things” means to test or examine teachings, influences, and claimed spiritual messages instead of accepting them blindly. The standard is what is true and good in God’s sight. After testing, believers should “hold fast that which is good,” gripping firmly whatever is right, sound, and in line with the gospel. This keeps the church from being led astray while still remaining open to the Spirit. It balances “despise not prophesyings” so that love for spiritual gifts is joined with careful discernment.

Question 7

What does abstain from all appearance of evil mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” calls believers to stay away from every form of evil. It includes clear sins, but also things that lean toward evil or give a fair reason for others to think you are involved in wrong. The idea is not to live by fear of people, but to protect both your own heart and the witness of the church. Since Paul has just talked about testing what is good, this fits: hold tightly to what is good, and step away from anything that smells of what is evil.

Question 8

How should Christians respond when someone does evil to them according to this text?

Accepted Answer

Paul says, “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good.” So when someone harms you, the answer is not to strike back in the same way. Instead, you are to look for ways to do what is truly good, both toward fellow believers and toward everyone else. This goes beyond staying quiet. It is an active choice to answer wrong with kindness and righteousness, trusting God with justice. This keeps bitterness from ruling your heart and helps peace in the church.

Question 9

How can this passage guide church life and relationships today?

Accepted Answer

This passage gives a simple pattern for church life in any age. It calls believers to respect faithful leaders, seek peace, and deal wisely with different needs: warning the disorderly, comforting the discouraged, and helping the weak. It tells us to refuse revenge, to keep joy, prayer, and thankfulness at the center of daily life, and to stay open to the Spirit while carefully testing what is taught. If a church takes these commands seriously, its relationships will be more gentle, honest, and loving.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Christian Living

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1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

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Christian Living

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