and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
Verse 13. And to esteem them very highly in love. To cherish for them an affectionate regard. The office of a minister of religion demands respect. They who are faithful in that office have a claim on the kind regards of their fellow-men.
We must comfort and exhort one another, studying what builds up those around us. Cain was wrong to ask if he kept his brother; we must bear one another's burdens. By the same proximity that gives believers the greatest opportunity to edify, we bear the greatest obligation, through shared knowledge, prayer, example, and counsel we strengthen the whole church.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
And to esteem them very highly,.... Or, as the Ethiopic version renders it, "honour them abundantly"; for such are worthy of double honour, and to be had in reputation; they should be honourably thought of, and be high in the affections of the saints, who should esteem them better than themselves, or others in the community; and should be spoke well of, and their characters...