Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - 5:14
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Admonish the disorderly (noutheteite tous ataktous). Put sense into the unruly mob who break ranks (a privative and taktos, verbal adjective of tassō, to keep military order). Recall the idlers from the market-place used against Paul (Act 17:5). This is a challenging task for any leader.
Encourage the fainthearted (paramutheisthe tous oligopsuchous). Old verb to encourage or console as in Joh 11:31, though not so common in N.T. as parakaleō, the compound adjective (oligos, little or small, psuchē, soul), small-souled, little-souled, late word in lxx. The verb oligopsucheō occurs in the papyri. Local conditions often cause some to lose heart and wish to drop out, be quitters. These must be held in line.
Support the weak (antechesthe tōn asthenōn). Middle voice with genitive of antechō, old verb, in N.T. only in middle, to cling to, to hold on to (with genitive). The weak are those tempted to sin (immorality, for instance).
Be long-suffering toward all (makrothumeite pros pantas). These disorderly elements try the patience of the leaders. Hold out with them. What a wonderful ideal Paul here holds up for church leaders!