1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 And we beseech you, brothers, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;… The apostle next touches upon the relation of the Church to its teachers. I. THE APPOINTMENT OF PASTORS IN THE CHURCH. 1. This was by Divine appointment. "He gave pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11). There is no hint given in Scripture of a time when pastors would cease to be necessary, and when the Church would be served by an "any-man ministry." 2. It was the custom of the apostles to "appoint elders in every city," for they understood the advantages of a full ecclesiastical organization. II. THE OFFICIAL POSITION AND DUTIES OF PASTORS. 1. They are laborers in the Church. "We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you." (1) This work is no sinecure, but a hard exhausting service, with heavy responsibilities and many cares. (a) It is labor in preaching. For they "labor in the Word and doctrine" (1 Timothy 1:5), "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), giving each of the household of faith "a portion of meat in due season" (Luke 12:42). (b) It is labor in earnestly contending for the faith as well as in dispensing the ordinances of religion. (2) It is labor in a Divine partnership. For pastors are "laborers together with" God in the work of perfecting the Church (1 Corinthians 3:9). 2. They are presidents in the Churches. "Those which are over you in the Lord." This refers to the elders or presbyters, who are also called pastors, or shepherds, or bishops (Acts 20:17, 28). (1) The appointment of rulers is essential to order and harmony m the Church. (2) Yet they are not a sacerdotal caste, nor "lords over God's heritage" (1 Peter 5:3). (3) Their official superiority is "in the Lord," because from him deriving its warrant, motive, and blessing. 3. They are spiritual guides. "And admonish you." They have "to watch for your souls as they that must give account" (Hebrews 13:17). Therefore they must "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2). They have to "warn every man, and teach every man in all wisdom, that they may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 1:28). They have to warn against sins committed, and urge to duties neglected. III. THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHRISTIAN PEOPLE TO THEIR PASTORS. 1. They must give them due recognition as pastors. They must "know them." They must make themselves acquainted with them, that pastors may be the better able to know the state of their souls, and they must acknowledge their position as "stewards of the mysteries of God," and submit to their ministry. 2. They must "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. (1) The bond is not to be one of mere official relationship, but of affection. (2) A due respect for the ministry is an important element in its efficiency and success. Therefore we are to hold such in reputation," and to count them "worthy of double honor." 3. The ground of this claim is "for their work's sake. Not for the mere office, which may be often filled unworthily, though it is still entitled to consideration, but for the sake of the labors of love" involved in its faithful discharge. Ministers who "make full proof of their ministry" challenge the abiding respect of their flocks. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: 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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