NPC #6

Bible Study with Gordon Fee

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

vs. 12-13

brothers- the whole community, men and women. These first 2 verses are for everyone.

The people of the church community are to appreciate their leadership for three aspects of their ministry:

1) They labor among them-The leadership is part of the community, not separate from it. They are defined by what they do, not by who they are or the position they hold.

2)They have charge over- Fee thought this was an acceptable translation of the words, but not so in this context. He thought it being the second imperative in the clause that the context would be better served if it was translated “cared for.” Again another acceptable translation.

3) They give instruction- Or admonish and correct the community.

14-15

brothers- same word as in verse 12, but the list of things to follow shows that Paul is now talking to the leadership.

1) They are to admonish the unruly- Fee likes the translation of this word. However he does not like translations that call leadership to admonish the “idol.” The unruly are doing something. Usually they are causing trouble, but they are not sitting still.

2)They are to encourage the fainthearted- Fainthearted is not the same as the feeble minded (KJV).

3) They are to help the weak- Pretty straight forward.

4)They are to be patient with everyone- This means everyone!

Vs 15
In the end everyone is to seek the good. Now here Fee mentioned something about doing the good thing this not always doing the right thing. But the good thing is the right thing. So take it for what you want, just avoid trading evil for evil and seek the good alternative.