12But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who are toiling exhaustingly among you and taking the lead over you in the Lord and admonishing you, [5:13] and to esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. [5:14] And we urge you, brothers and sisters: admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, hold to the weak, be patient toward all. [5:15] See that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good — both for one another and for all. [5:16] Rejoice always. [5:17] Pray without ceasing. [5:18] Give thanks in all circumstances — for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [5:19] Do not quench the Spirit. [5:20] Do not despise prophecies. [5:21] But test all things; hold fast to what is good. [5:22] Abstain from every form of evil.
1TH 5:12-22
Christian Living
In the world it was spoken into
In the Thessalonian community, a mix of Jewish and Gentile converts navigated the tensions of maintaining unity while living in a Roman colony. The exhortation to 'know those toiling among you' reflects the Greco-Roman patronage system, where leaders were expected to provide guidance and protection. The term (toiling) implies labor to the point of exhaustion, often in spiritual or communal service, while (taking the lead) suggests active care and oversight. The admonition to 'esteem them super overexcessively in love' aligns with the honor-shame culture, where respect for leaders was crucial. Addressing the (unruly) highlights the need for order in a community where social roles were tightly regulated. Encouraging the (fainthearted) speaks to those struggling with fear or doubt, common in a society rife with persecution and uncertainty. The call to 'repay no one evil for evil' contrasts sharply with the Roman ethos of retributive justice, emphasizing a countercultural ethic rooted in Christ. The emphasis on constant prayer and thanksgiving reflects Jewish piety, adapted for a mixed community.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
1TH 5:12
- KJV
- And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
- BSB
- But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
- Koinōnos
- But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who are toiling exhaustingly among you and taking the lead over you in the Lord and admonishing you,
1TH 5:13
- KJV
- And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
- BSB
- In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
- Koinōnos
- and to esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
1TH 5:14
- KJV
- Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
- BSB
- And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
- Koinōnos
- And we urge you, brothers and sisters: admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, hold to the weak, be patient toward all.
1TH 5:15
- KJV
- See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
- BSB
- Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
- Koinōnos
- See that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good — both for one another and for all.
1TH 5:16
- KJV
- Rejoice evermore.
- BSB
- Rejoice at all times.
- Koinōnos
- Rejoice always.
1TH 5:18
- KJV
- In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- BSB
- Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is Godʼs will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Koinōnos
- Give thanks in all circumstances — for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1TH 5:19
- KJV
- Quench not the Spirit.
- BSB
- Do not extinguish the Spirit.
- Koinōnos
- Do not quench the Spirit.
1TH 5:20
- KJV
- Despise not prophesyings.
- BSB
- Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
- Koinōnos
- Do not despise prophecies.
1TH 5:21
- KJV
- Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
- BSB
- but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
- Koinōnos
- But test all things; hold fast to what is good.
1TH 5:22
- KJV
- Abstain from all appearance of evil.
- BSB
- Abstain from every form of evil.
- Koinōnos
- Abstain from every form of evil.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Where the historical framing draws from
- Josephus, WarsWars 2.8.1
›Josephus, Wars Wars 2.8.1
“And now Archelaus's part of Judea was reduced into a province, and Coponius, one of the equestrian order among the Romans, was sent as a procurator, having the power of [life and] death put into his hands by Caesar.”
Cited to ground: Archelaus's part of Judea was reduced into a province, and Coponius, one of the equestrian order among the Romans, was sent as a procurator, having the power of [life and] death put into his hands by Caesar.
Translator's notes
1TH 5:12
- toiling:The word translated 'toiling' implies labor to the point of exhaustion, often with a sense of struggle or difficulty, not just simple work.
- taking the lead:The phrase 'taking the lead' suggests not just being in charge, but also providing care, protection, and diligent oversight, much like a guardian of a household.
1TH 5:14
- unruly,:The term 'unruly' originally referred to soldiers who broke ranks or were out of order, carrying a sense of being undisciplined and disorderly, not just disobedient.
- fainthearted,:The word translated 'fainthearted' describes someone with a small or weak spirit, indicating a lack of courage or resolve in the face of difficulty.