Who are those who labor among you in 1 Thessalonians 5:12?

The apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was written to a young, growing church amidst heavy persecution and spiritual infancy. These new believers had “turned away from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9, NLT) but were still learning how a healthy church functions. Their spiritual leaders were likely new to their roles, and the church was still establishing patterns of order, respect, and mutual care. In this context, Paul instructs the Thessalonians “to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, ESV).

In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, “those who labor among you” refers to individuals with leadership duties in the Thessalonian church. At this early stage of the church’s development, no formal ministerial offices or authorizing procedures existed, so Paul’s reference encompasses all those holding positions of spiritual oversight.

Paul describes these individuals using three interconnected phrases that characterize who they are and their leadership responsibilities:

They “labor among you”

The Greek verb (kopiōntas) translated as “labor” in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 means to work to the point of extreme fatigue or weariness. It refers to strenuous, ongoing efforts. These leaders were not figureheads; they were diligent workers who poured themselves into teaching, shepherding, serving, praying, and caring for the flock. Paul uses the same word to describe his own ministry: “For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT). Ministry is not casual work; it is sacrificial labor (see 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 11:23–28; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24–29).

They are “over you in the Lord”

Paul identifies “those who labor among you” as spiritual overseers. The Greek words translated as “over you” refer to those with the authority to lead and be in charge. Their authority is not political or personal but “in the Lord,” meaning it is rooted in Christ’s design for His church. These are the elders of the church, whom Paul instructed, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

The apostle Peter gave similar directives to elders: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example” (1 Peter 5:2–3, NLT; see also Hebrews 13:17). Those “who labor among you” were Thessalonian church leaders entrusted with spiritual responsibility and accountability before God.

They “admonish you”

To “admonish” in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 means to instruct, warn, counsel, and correct one’s behavior with love and truth. It is not harsh criticism, but caring guidance aimed at protecting believers from sin and error. Paul uses this word often to describe loving discipline intended to produce spiritually wise and mature disciples (see 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28; 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). Admonition is a pastoral act rooted in Scripture, motivated by love, and aimed at spiritual maturity.

Because the church was young, some believers may have struggled to respect or appreciate their leaders. Paul commands the congregation to “esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” As members of Christ’s body, we are called to recognize our leaders, acknowledge those who labor among us, appreciate their hard work, and respond appropriately to their leadership (see 1 Corinthians 16:15–16; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5).

Esteeming our spiritual leaders is not about elevating them above the congregation but about cultivating a healthy, loving relationship between God’s shepherds and His sheep. We honor them not based on their personality or position, but because of their labor in the Word, their spiritual oversight, and their faithful and loving admonition.

By respecting those who labor among us, we obey God’s design for His church. When leaders labor faithfully, and congregations respond biblically, the church becomes a place of spiritual growth, unity, and peace. Paul ends this section with the simple but powerful command: “Live in peace with each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). Peace flourishes where leadership is honored, their teachings are received, and love governs relationships.