But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,
And we beseech you, brethren,.... Not in a natural or civil, but spiritual relation; and what follows relating to the ministers of the word, the apostle addresses this church on their behalf, not in an imperious and authoritative manner, but by way of entreaty, with great humility and strong affection: know them that labour among you; who were not non-residents, but were upon the spot...
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
12 And we beseech you. Here we have an admonition that is very necessary. For as the kingdom of God is lightly esteemed, or at least is not esteemed suitably to its dignity, there follows also from this, contempt of pious teachers.