AND WE URGE YOU, BRETHREN, ADMONISH THE UNRULY: parakaloumen (1PPAI) de humas, adelphoi, noutheteite (2PPAM) tous ataktous: (Romans 12:1) (Jeremiah 6:12; Ezekiel 3:17, 18, 19, 20, 21; 33:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Acts 20:27,31; 1Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28) (Titus 1:6,10) (2Thessalonians 3:11, 12, 13)

And we urge you brethren - Paul is introducing a new series of exhortations, as he is concerned that the church deal effectively with three "groups" of members whose attitudes and action needed attention - the idle, the timid and the weak. Specific behavior is called for in interacting with each of these groups of people. In each case the verbs (except the first verb urge) are in the present imperative which is a command to carry these out as a perpetual duty (empowered by grace and strengthened with the Spirit of course!).

Milligan writes that here we encounter...

A fresh series of instructions still addressed like the preceding to the whole company of believers, and calling upon the (stronger) ‘brethren’ to extend their aid towards those who are ‘weak.’ (St. Paul's Epistles to the Thessalonians. 1908)

Ed note: Verbs in red on this site are commands, yellow highlighting indicates there is an in depth study of the Greek word.

Urge (3870) (parakaleo from para = side of + kaléo = call) conveys the basic idea of calling one alongside to help or give aid. Because a person can be called alongside for many purposes, the word has a wide range of meanings but in this context the idea is to entreat, request or appeal to.

One of the Greek historians use parakaleo to describe a Greek regiment which had lost heart and was utterly dejected. The general sent a leader to talk to it to such purpose that courage was reborn and a body of dispirited men became fit again for heroic action.

Admonish (3560)(noutheteo [word study] from noús = mind + títhemi = place) literally means to place in the mind and so to warn or give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil. The idea is to lay it on the mind or heart of the person, with the stress being on influencing not only the intellect, but also the will, emotions and disposition. The idea is to counsel about avoidance or cessation of an improper course of conduct. 

Noutheteo describes "putting sense into someone’s head", alerting them of the serious consequences of their actions and does not mean being judgmental or critical in a superior manner but instead imparting a caring kind of warning against danger. This group of idle or unruly believer's daily conduct must be corrected even while it is being disapproved.

Brethren (80) (adelphos from collative a = denoting unity + delphús = womb) is literally one born from same womb and so a male having the same father and mother as reference person. Figuratively, adelphos as used in this verse refers to a close associate of a group of persons having well-defined membership, specifically here referring to fellow believers in Christ who are united by the bond of affection.

Admonish the unruly - Those who are "out of step" with the rest of the crowd.

Unruly (813)(ataktos from a = without, not + tásso = to set in order, arrange) means those who are out of line, disorderly. Ataktos is primarily a military term describing a soldier out of step or an army moving in disarray.  Then it was further applied to those who quit the ranks and did not perform their duty. More generally ataktos speaks of whatever is out of order and came to mean disorderly or irregular living of any kind." In the Greek papyri, the cognate verb (atakteo) is used with the meaning "to be idle" or to neglect one's duties.

The NIV paraphrases these individuals as "idlers" implying that they are those who could work but refused to do so (I have a 27 you daughter who fits this category!) Another apropos word would be "loafers"! Apparently they were neglecting their daily tasks and thus were out of order or out of place compared to the rest of the church.

Why might they be unruly, idle, loafing around? Considering Paul's emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ in both the first and second epistle, the thought (Ryrie Study Bible) is that some Thessalonians were so sure that the Coming was so close that they had given up their jobs in order to prepare for it! This is being so "heavenly minded" that one is of no "earthly good"! The command is directed to stir up the loafers and order them to do their duty.

Milligan adds that...

In the present passage the special reference would seem to be to the idleness and neglect of duty which characterized certain members of the Thessalonian Church in view of the shortly-expected Parousia (Intr. p. 46 f.). Contrast the unbroken front over which St Paul rejoices in Col 2:5 (note) "For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline [taxis = order] and the stability [stereoma = anything firm, solid and so unchanging] of your faith in Christ." (St. Paul's Epistles to the Thessalonians. 1908)

Stedman agrees observing that...

In Thessalonica, it meant those people whom he had referred to earlier who had quit working because they expected the Lord to come at any moment. These were living off the gifts of others, and were not willing to work and support themselves. "Admonish them," says the apostle. Tell them to mend their ways. Do not let them go on like that. He does not mean to do this in a mean-spirited way, but to point out to them that this kind of behavior is unacceptable.  (Loving Christianly)

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J. A. James - The sin of killing time (from "The Young Man's Friend and Guide Through Life to Immortality") "Only fools idle away their time." Pr 12:11

Idleness is a complicated vice. Yes, I say VICE! First it is a most wasteful vice. It wastes time, which is more precious than rubies; it wastes a man's mental faculties; it wastes property.

Idleness is a disgraceful vice. How reproachful is it in a being made to be active, to spend life in doing nothing, and to throw away his mental powers in sloth.

Idleness is a criminal vice. God has commanded us to be active, and will call us to account for the sin of killing time.

Idleness is a dangerous vice. Doing nothing is next to doing evil—and is sure to lead to it. From its very inaction it ultimately becomes the active cause of all evil. "The Devil tempts all men; but the idle man tempts the Devil."

Idleness is a wretched vice. An idle man is the most miserable of all God's creatures. Woe be to the man who is doomed to bear the pain and penalties of a slothful disposition.

ENCOURAGE THE FAINTHEARTED: paramutheisthe (2PPMM) tous oligopsuchous: (1Thes 2:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Isaiah 35:3,4; 40:1,2,11; Eze 34:16; Mt 12:20; Lk 22:32; Jn 21:15, 16, 17; Romans 14:1; 15:1, 2, 3; Galatians 6:1,2; He 12:12 )

Encourage (3888)(paramutheomai [word study] from para = towards, beside, pictures one coming to another's side of one to stimulate or comfort + muthéomai = to speak from múthos = a tale, myth, speech) literally means to speak to someone coming close to his or her side and speak to them in a friendly way. The meaning can develop along two main lines -- with reference to rousing up someone's will about what ought to be done (admonish to something) or with reference to what has happened rousing up hope for a good outcome  (to console about something, cheer up - as in a secular use - "consolation for Alexander when he was depressed") It was used in secular Greek especially in connection with death or other tragic events.

In the NT it means to relate near, encourage, console (to serve as a source of comfort in disappointment, loss, sadness, trouble), comfort. The idea is to speak kindly, soothingly, to comfort or pacify.

As noted Paul uses the  present imperative  which calls the saints to practice this virtue as their lifestyle. How is your "ministry of encouragement" lately? (remember that the English word encourage is derived from en = in + courage = root derivation means related to the heart)

The TDNT makes the point that...

It is natural to seek a distinction between parakaleo and paramutheomai, but difficult to find a convincing criterion by which to draw any sharp line of demarcation. Both are characterized by the twofoldhess of admonition and comfort, nor can one show that in the NT the element of comfort is the more pronounced in the case of paramutheomai.  For in all the relevant passages other meanings might be seen with at least the same right, eg., “to encourage” at 1 Th 2:12, “to strengthen” at 1Th 5:14...In the NT, however, the close relation between admonition and consolation in the two groups has a very different basis from that in secular usage. In the secular world consolation only too often takes the form of moral exhortation...In the NT, however, admonition becomes genuine comfort and vice versa, so that it is hard to separate or distinguish between the two...The unity of admonition and consolation is rooted in the Gospel itself, which is both gift and task. (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W.  Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans)

Fainthearted (3642)(oligopsuchos from oligos = puny in extent, degree, number, duration or value + psuche = soul, mind) means literally "small souled", little-spirited, faint-hearted, feebleminded (KJV - this is a bit misleading as the Greek word does not carry any hint of mental deficiency), fretful, worried. The idea is that this is a description of the person who feels their resources are too small for a given situation and so they are despondent or discouraged.

This word for faint-hearted or timid (NIV, TEV) referred especially to those who were self-denigrating, who had a low opinion of themselves.

The Septuagint (LXX) uses oligopsuchos in Isaiah 57...

For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly (Hebrew = shaphal = low, humble, low in station; LXX = oligopsuchos) And to revive the heart of the contrite. ( Is 57:15)

Paul does not state why they are fainthearted but from the context Milligan writes...

whether from over-anxiety regarding their departed friends, or from fear of persecution, or from any other cause leading to despondency. (Ibid)

Hiebert adds that...

They are members who have become discouraged for some reason, perhaps because of adverse circumstances or because of their deep consciousness of their own sinfulness, causing them to despair of being able to live the Christian life. These timid, discouraged individuals needed to be encouraged, cheered up, stimulated, and helped along. They did not need to be rebuked and warned like the idle, but rather needed to be encouraged through the use of helpful words to continue the battle for the Lord. Let such souls, who instinctively fear the worst, learn to take courage from the gentle Lord who would not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax (Mt 12:20) (Ibid)

Stedman writes that Paul is referring to the...

one who feels inadequate and ungifted. We would call them the introverts among us. "Help them find their place," says the apostle. This is addressed to everybody. People who feel out of it, who think they do not belong and cannot contribute anything, must be helped to find their place because they do have a place. In the wonderful picture of the body at work, in First Corinthians 12, the apostle says, "The ear cannot say, 'Because I am not an eye I am not part of the body.' No," says Paul, "even if it says that, it does not make it any less a part of the body," {cf, 1Cor 12:16}. There are people who feel that way. They think, "I cannot do anything. I do not have any gifts." That is wrong thinking. God has equipped all His people with gifts. We are to help each other find our place, give them something to do and encourage them in the work that they are doing. (Loving Christianly)

Matthew Henry writes regarding this group that...

By these are intended the timorous and faint-hearted, or such as are dejected and of a sorrowful spirit. Some are cowardly, afraid of difficulties, and disheartened at the thoughts of hazards, and losses, and afflictions; now such should be encouraged; we should not despise them, but comfort them; and who knows what good a kind and comfortable word may do them?

HELP THE WEAK: antechesthe (2PPMM) ton asthenon: (Acts 20:35)

Help (472) (antechomai from antí = against or to + écho = have) literally means to hold one's self over against. The primary sense is, keeping one's self directly opposite to another so as to sustain him. The present imperative calls for this to be our lifestyle. "Lay hold of the weak" with the idea of supporting them.

In middle voice the idea is hold oneself face to face with, holding to support or keeping one's self directly opposite to any one.  The idea is of supporting another by keeping one's self directly over against the weak one so as to sustain him.

Hiebert writes...

Let the strong put their arms around the weak and hold them up. They need to be assured that they are not forgotten or despised because of their helplessness. (Ibid)

Weak (772)(asthenes [word study] from a = without + sthénos = strength, bodily vigor) (Study related verb astheneo - note concentration of asthenes/astheneo in Corinthian epistles - almost 50% of NT uses) is literally those without strength or bodily vigor. Asthenes describes one's state of limited capacity to do or be something and is used literally of physical weakness (most of the uses in the Gospels) and figuratively of weakness in the spiritual arena (weak flesh, weak conscience, weak religious system or commandment [Gal 4:9, Heb 7:18], etc) and thus powerlessness to produce results, this latter meaning well exemplified in Romans 5...

For while we were still helpless (asthenes), at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Ro 5:6-note)

In the present context, although one cannot exclude the literal meaning (for Paul also approved of support for the physically and materially weak and impoverished as shown by his own efforts to supply the material needs of the Jerusalem church -- Acts 24:17; 1Cor 16:1; Gal 2:10), the figurative meaning (spiritual weakness) is more likely.

Stedman has a good word writing that asthenes...

means especially those whom Romans 14 describes as being "weak in the faith" {Ro 14:1KJV-note}; those who do not know very much about the doctrine of the Christian life, who have not learned the truth that sets them free and need extra help. Perhaps they are not sure of their salvation, or they feel guilty about the past and do not sense they have really been forgiven yet by God. Whatever it may be, the word is to help them, to hold them fast. That demands a little extra effort; a phone call perhaps, an invitation to lunch or a quiet talk about their needs. This is addressed to us all. We are all to watch out for one another like this. (Loving Christianly)

Matthew Henry adds that...

Some are not well able to perform their work, nor bear up under their burdens; we should therefore support them, help their infirmities, and lift at one end of the burden, and so help to bear it. It is the grace of God, indeed, that must strengthen and support such; but we should tell them of that grace, and endeavour to minister of that grace to them.

BE PATIENT WITH ALL MEN: makrothumeite (2PPAM) pros pantas: (Isaiah 63:9; 1Corinthians 13:4,5; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2,32; 5:1,2; Colossians 3:12,13; 1Timothy 3:3; 6:11; 2Timothy 2:24,25; 4:2; He 5:2,3; 13:3)

Paul balances the three preceding commands with three attitudes that are necessary if we are to carry out the commands. The first is found in this verse and the other two in verse 15.

Be patient (3114) (makrothumeo [word study] from makros = long, distant, far off, large + thumos = temper, passion, emotion or thumoomai = to be furious or burn with intense anger) (See study of makrothumia) literally describes prolonged restraint of thumos, of emotion, anger or agitation. It means one's temper is long (as opposed to "short tempered) and does not give way to a short or quick temper toward those who fail. It describes holding out of the mind for a long time before it gives room to action or passion. The picture of this word is that of a person in whom it takes a long time before fuming and breaking into flames!

Longsuffering is that admirable quality that refuses readily to yield to anger and retaliation in the face of provocation or irritation. In the simplest of terms patience is willingness to keep trying over and over again.

In short, we are to manifest a "long fuse" before we "blow up"! Considering the nature of the three groups Paul has just mentioned, the readers of this letter would need supernatural patience to obey the  three previous commands.

Makrothumeo refers to the ability to be inconvenienced or taken advantage of by a person over and over again and yet not be upset or angry! Try this in your natural state! Without a doubt only an individual walking in the Spirit, filled with and controlled by the Spirit can obey this command.

Don't give way to a quick burst of temper toward those around you who fail or fall but be considerate toward them, holding off your mind not giving it room to take action or invoke passion. Take a long time before fuming and breaking into flames (in fact don't even "strike the match"!)

It is only fitting that makrothumeo is used in Paul's practical definition of love...

Love is patient (makrothumeo -  present tense = continually!), love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant (1Co 13:4-note)

Everyone (3956) (pas) means all -- No exceptions. Not just those people you like but those you don't particularly like to be around. Some feel Paul is speaking only of believers, but in either event practical application would include both believers and non-believers.

The venerable Matthew Henry adds that...

We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and suppress our anger, if it begin to rise upon the apprehension of affronts or injuries; at least we must not fail to moderate our anger: and this duty must be exercised towards all men, good and bad, high and low. We must not be high in our expectations and demands, nor harsh in our resentments, nor hard in our impositions, but endeavour to make the best we can of every thing, and think the best we can of every body

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The devil's tennis-ball - (Thomas Brooks, "The Privy Key of Heaven" 1665) "Warn those who are idle." 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Take heed of an idle and slothful spirit. An idle life and a holy heart are far asunder. By doing nothing men learn to do evil things. It is easy slipping out of an idle life into an evil and wicked life. Yes, an idle life is of itself evil, for man was made to be active, not to be idle. Idleness is a mother-sin, a breeding-sin; it is the devil's cushion--on which he sits; and the devil's anvil--on which he frames very great and very many sins. Look! as toads and serpents breed most in standing waters, so sin thrives most in idle people. Idleness is that which provokes the Lord to forsake men's bodies, and the devil to possess their souls.

No man has less means to preserve his body, and more temptations to infect his soul, than an idle
person. Oh shake off sloth! The sluggish Christian will be sleeping, or idling, or trifling; when he should be in his closet a-praying. Sloth is a fatal sickness of the soul; get it cured--or it will be your eternal bane. Of all devils, it is the 'idle' devil which keeps men most out of their closets. There is nothing that gives the devil so much advantage against us as idleness.

Idleness is the time of temptation. An idle person is the devil's tennis-ball, tossed around by him
at his pleasure.

The fowler bends his bow and spreads his net for birds when they are set, not when they are upon the wing. So Satan shoots his most fiery darts at men, when they are most idle and slothful.

Slothful and idle people commonly lie so long a-bed, and spend so much precious time between the comb and the mirror, and in eating, drinking, sporting, and trifling; that they can find no time for private prayer. Certainly such as had rather go sleeping to hell, than sweating to heaven, will never care much for prayer. And therefore shun sloth and idleness, as you would shun a lion in your way, or poison in your food, or coals in your bosom! (Grace Gems)

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Look Close - Imagine what bowling would be like if you couldn't see the pins. Well, in 1933 Bill Knox bowled just such a game—and had a perfect score!

The event took place in Philadelphia. Bill wanted to demonstrate the technique of spot bowling, in which you throw the ball at a mark on the floor just beyond the foul line. He had a screen placed over the lane so he couldn't see the pins at the far end but could still see the marks. He knew that a bowler can throw more accurately when aiming at a mark that is close rather than at pins a long way off. He proved his point by bowling a perfect game of 300—12 strikes in a row!

Spot bowling reminds me of Paul's words in today's Bible reading. He told the Thessalonian believers that the ultimate goal of their salvation was to "be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Although this could be done only by Christ, who was working in them (1Th 5:23,24), their part was to focus on "near actions" that were in line with that end. He urged them to comfort one another, help the weak, warn the wayward, pray without ceasing, and rejoice always (1Th 5:12-22).

Lord, help us to concentrate on what we can do today to stay in line with Your eternal goal for us. —Mart De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Thinking It Over
Which admonitions in 1 Thessalonians 5 do you find difficult to obey? Why?
What can you do to overcome that difficulty?
Keep eternity's goal in sight by walking daily in God's light.

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Why Do We Suffer?- READ: 2Corinthians 12:1-10  - When evangelist Vance Havner was in his mid-thirties, he developed a troubling nervous disorder. Previously he had been critical of people who were experiencing this condition. He said, "For 2 years I suffered from nervous exhaustion, and I learned not to laugh at nervous people."

How easy it is to make light of the difficulties others face until we experience a similar problem! In God's school, we learn to sympathize with a variety of frailties we thought shouldn't affect Christians or should be easily overcome. We learn that God doesn't deliver us quickly and easily from such conditions.

Paul was a person of great faith and strength, but his "thorn in the flesh" (2Cor. 12:7, 8, 9, 10) remained with him in spite of his repeated pleas for God to remove it. Instead of resenting this "thorn," Paul learned to welcome the resulting weakness that led him to find strength in Christ. This same apostle, perhaps because of his affliction, had earlier urged Christians to "comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all" (1Th. 5:14).

Through the emotional and physical thorns that God allows in our lives, we learn what it means to trust Him. And in the process, we learn patience and kindness toward all. — David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Because I've grieved and tasted bitter loss,
Because I've stumbled carrying my cross,
Because I've learned of Christ's sufficiency,
I'll show His grace to others just like me. —Gustafson

We can comfort others because God has comforted us.

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Friend or Foe? - During the Boer War (1899-1902), a man was convicted of a very unusual crime. He was found guilty of being a "discourager." The South African town of Ladysmith was under attack, and this traitor would move up and down the lines of soldiers who were defending the city and do everything he could to discourage them. He would point out the enemy's strength, the difficulty of defending against them, and the inevitable capture of the city. He didn't use a gun in his attack. It wasn't necessary. His weapon was the power of discouragement.

Encouragement, on the other hand, can be a powerful friend. It strengthens the weak, imparts courage to the fainthearted, and gives hope to the faltering. One of the greatest ministries we can have is to lift the spirits of fellow believers.

Many Christians have become weary in their daily conflict with the evil one and are tempted to give up in their spiritual struggle. They need an encouraging word. Pastors and others involved in ministry need expressions of appreciation and the assurance of our prayer support. With discouragement taking its toll, they need encouragement to spur them on.

Encourage someone today! — Richard De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

People all around are hurting,
Wounded by discouragement;
God has called us to befriend them,
Bringing His encouragement. —Sper

A little encouragement can spark a great accomplishment.