“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” 1st Thessalonians 5:12-13

Paul closes most of his letters with practical instructions in discipleship. This portion of scripture teaches us to hold God’s ministers in the highest respect.

The Greek words in this phrase are used similarly in Ephesians 3:20;

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

God is able to do more than we can ever comprehend. This extreme measure is the same attitude we should have toward God’s ministers.

God’s ministers live and work among their congregations. They must answer to God for their teaching and admonishing of the people of God. This is a VERY high calling and very serious. Therefore, we owe them the utmost respect as men of God. We owe them kindness, charity, prayers of support, and natural support as well.


And all of these should be exceeding abundantly above what we think is enough!