Paul's letter to the Thessalonians concludes with some general exhortations. These exhortations most likely directed to the leaders of the church, but they also apply to the members. The Thessalonian church seems to have come from the lower strata of society and so quality leadership was lacking. The leaders (elders) might not have properly handled the social problems which grew out of the congregation's second-coming enthusiasm.

v12. Paul's concluding exhortations cover verses 12-22. Addressing the congregation, he asks that they "respect", in the sense of appreciate, those who "work hard" (labor) in the church. Most likely these "laborers" are the leaders of the church who exercise a spiritual ministry, most probably a Word ministry. The labor is i] leadership and ii] admonition. Leadership in the New Testament is usually of a pastoral kind, exercised through the Word of God. Admonition, in the sense of rebuking evil, is again exercised through the Word.

v13. "Hold them in special esteem and affection", Moffatt. Paul wants the leaders highly regarded, not dismissed. Given the difficulties that have developed in the church between the leaders and the members, he calls on both sides to keep the peace, rather than get into disputes.

v14. Paul now focuses on the leaders and gives them some pastoral advice: First, "warn those who are idle." Admonish, rebuke those who have given up employment and are living on the generosity of others. This is possibly a result of the expectation of an immediate return of Christ. Second, "encourage the timid." Console and encourage those who are overwhelmed by life's stress and strain. Such should not be condemned. Third, "be patient." Rather than push our own barrow, consider the views of others and accept their limitations, accept their "humanity".

v15. A leader attacked, insulted and provoked, may want to respond viciously. Patience under provocation is called for. Don't nurse grudges and retaliate. In fact, says Paul, try to develop a habitual attitude of consideration toward others. This advice is good for all church members.

v16. God created us to be happy in him, so "be joyful.

v17. Our eternal standing in the sight of God, both now and forever, is a gracious gift of God. What we are in Christ, along with our living for Christ, rests on the prayer of faith. So, be steadfast, focused on such prayer. Paul is not speaking about Father Christmas prayers, but prayer according to the will of God.

v18. "Give thanks in all circumstances." In the face of life's troubles we can look to our God with a thankful expectation and all things will ultimately work for good for those who love him.

v19. It is unclear what Paul means by putting out the Spirit's flame. Given the following verses, it is likely that he is referring to manifestations of the Spirit (gifts). The "sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God" is another possibility.

v20. The exhortation to consider carefully a prophetic word is also unclear in that we are unsure what is meant by prophecy. Some see it as a specific word, such as the Agabus prophecy in Acts (fore-tell). It could also be primary revelation. This ceased at the end of the New Testament period. It is probably something similar to modern preaching in the sense of a powerful application of a Biblical truth (forth-tell).

v21-22. Following on, Paul now reminds his readers to use their common sense when it comes to prophecy, or any Christian teaching. They must test it, be discriminating. They must retain what is good and true and reject what is evil.

v23. Having exhorted his readers toward Christ-likeness, Paul now prays that these qualities be realized in their lives. He uses the word "sanctify" to convey this idea. Sanctification is a state of holiness, which, in the renewing power of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, we seek to realize in our daily life; albeit, always imperfectly. Although we yield ourselves to renewal through faith, it is "God himself" who sanctifies. Thus, Paul prays for their sanctification; that they might be wholly affected by the Spirit's renewing work and stand approved in the day of Christ's return.

v24. Paul is confident that his prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians will be realized.

We all need encouragement in the Christian life, for although the Spirit is daily shaping us into the image of Christ, we must still rely on his renewing work and cooperate with it.

When Paul writes to the Thessalonians, he speaks with people just like us. There are those in the church who are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly use - they are off with the fairies. Then there are those whose assurance is weak - they are no longer sure of their salvation. Then there are those whose moral life is undermined - they are just like us. So Paul encourages them. First, he asks the brethren to respect their leaders in the Lord. He asks for love, for acceptance of one another. He asks for joy, constancy in prayer and a thankful heart in their relationship with the Lord. Finally, he asks for the acceptance, exercise and testing of gifts of ministry in their fellowship.

He concludes by praying that these qualities will be realized in their fellowship. May they be realized in ours as well.

There are some 13 exhortations in this short passage. Identify each and discuss their meaning and implication.