1 Thessalonians 5:14
Admonish the disorderly (nouqeteite touv ataktouv). Put sense into the unruly mob who break ranks (a privative and taktov, verbal adjective of tassw, to keep military order). Recall the idlers from the market-place used against Paul (Acts 17:5). This is a challenging task for any leader.
Encourage the fainthearted (paramuqeisqe touv oligoyuxouv). Old verb to encourage or console as in John 11:31, though not so common in N.T. as parakalew, the compound adjective (oligov, little or small, yuxh, soul), small-souled, little-souled, late word in LXX. The verb oligoyuxew occurs in the papyri. Local conditions often cause some to lose heart and wish to drop out, be quitters. These must be held in line.
Support the weak (antexesqe twn asqenwn). Middle voice with genitive of antexw, old verb, in N.T. only in middle, to cling to, to hold on to (with genitive). The weak are those tempted to sin (immorality, for instance).
Be long-suffering toward all (makroqumeite prov pantav). These disorderly elements try the patience of the leaders. Hold out with them. What a wonderful ideal Paul here holds up for church leaders!
