Deeper Reflection
ONE OF THE CHURCH LEADERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO “admonish” their erring sheep (v.12). But the rank-and-file members of the church are also to “admonish” fellow believers when it is needed, which in the case of the Thessalonians were the “idle” or “unruly” – the delinquent, disorderly and disruptive people⁵⁷ (v.14). It is clear here that pastoral responsibility does not belong to church leaders alone, but that church members are to share a mutual responsibility to help one another for building up in the faith (cf. Eph 4:16). This shared mutual pastoral responsibility is best fulfilled in a small group setting, where members know and understand one another better.In building up one another to mature in Christ, we need to wisely discern and lovingly give the type of help that corresponds to the particular needs of each person: “admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted and help the weak” (v.14). Observing carefully and listening attentively to one another is essential, so that we may give wisely “an apt answer” and “a timely word” (Prov 15:23). But let us not find ourselves admonishing the weak and fainthearted, and encouraging and helping the undisciplined.The “fainthearted” (oligopsychos – literally, “the small of soul”⁵⁸) are those who in suffering adversity (see 1 Thess 1:6; 2:14-15; 3:2-4) are discouraged with “a lack of patience, endurance or confidence”⁵⁹, and in danger of losing heart and giving up.⁶⁰ The “weak” – which could be synonymous with the “fainthearted” – includes “the morally, psychologically or spiritually weak”⁶¹. Many in the church are going through pain in diverse ways and intensity. Thus, mutual encouragement is of great help.

---

⁵⁷ G. K. Beale, 164 ⁵⁸ G. K. Beale, 165 ⁵⁹ G. K. Beale, 165 ⁶⁰ Gene L. Green, 253 ⁶¹ G. K. Beale, 165