Gospel-driven Community

Even at this early stage in the life of the Thessalonian congregation, leaders had of necessity been charged with spiritual care and oversight. Paul endorsed the legitimate esteem of church workers and leaders, commanding believers not only to show them respect, but also to express love for them. Some Thessalonian leaders, whom Paul had named elsewhere, may have been on the apostle's mind when he wrote this: Jason (Acts 17:6-9), Aristarchus (Acts 20:4; 26:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24), Secundus (Acts 20:4) and possibly Gaius (Acts 19:29).