11 ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and
edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them
which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for
their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Here are given some additional reasons for the
church, the body of Christ, meeting together regularly. The members of the
church, if they know the Bible, are able to comfort and edify each other, to
have their faith affirmed. This is helpful particularly in times of
persecution. In a book written specifically and doctrinally for the Jewish
church at the beginnings of Christianity and for that same body of people in
the Tribulation to come not surprisingly entitled, “Hebrews,” this instruction
is given.
Hebrews
10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of
our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke
unto love and to good works: 25 Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Also, Paul instructs the Thessalonians to hold the
elders who served them in high regard for the efforts they made in comforting
and edifying the assemblies. Being over them in the Lord was a matter of
responsibility and example not dictatorial rule as is evident in many
fundamentalist churches.
1 Peter 5:1
¶ The elders which are among you I
exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and
also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy
lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as
being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye
shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Paul wanted the little Christian assemblies he
started to appreciate those who served the Lord by serving them. This was
understood even under the Old Testament view.
Deuteronomy
12:19 Take heed to thyself that thou
forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.
As Jesus had told his disciples.
Matthew
10:10 Nor scrip for your journey,
neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of
his meat.
Paul reinforces the care the church should make for
those who had the responsibility of caring for them.
Galatians
6:6 Let him that is taught in the word
communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
1Corinthians
9:9 For it is written in the law of
Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.
Doth God take care for oxen?10 Or saith
he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that
he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should
be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have
sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your
carnal things?12 If others be partakers
of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this
power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.13 Do ye not know that they which minister about
holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar
are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so
hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the
gospel.
1Timothy 5:17
¶ Let the elders that rule well be
counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith,
Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is
worthy of his reward.
Then, as was presented in Ephesians and in many other
places in his writings, Paul tells the Thessalonians to be at peace with each
other.
Ephesians
4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of
the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Romans
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the
things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
This is also reflected in the Old Testament as David
said;
Psalm
133:1 « A Song of degrees of
David. » Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity!
According to historical records the early Christians
met before dawn on the first day of the week, which was always a work day, and
sang hymns, read scripture, and prayed. They would then hold each other
accountable for living a Godly life and go out to work. Many of the early
Christians were poor laborers and craftsmen, or even slaves.
Paul has told them to draw comfort from each other
and care for the elders who have the responsibility for pastoring and for
teaching.
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