And to esteem them very highly in love for {d} their work's sake. {8} And be at peace among yourselves.

(d) So then, when this reason ceases, then must the honour cease.

(8) The maintenance of mutual harmony, is to be especially guarded.

People's New Testament

5:13 Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. This esteem is due them on account of their work. Compare Heb 13:17 Php 1:22.

And be at peace among yourselves. Let there be no factious spirit.

Wesley's Notes

5:13 Esteem them very highly - Literally, more than abundantly, in love - The inexpressible sympathy that is between true pastors and their flock is intimated, not only here, but also in divers other places of this epistle. See 1Thess 2:7,8. For their work's sake - The principal ground of their vast regard for them. But how are we to esteem them who do not work at all?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13. very highly-Greek, "exceeding abundantly."

for their work's sake-The high nature of their work alone, the furtherance of your salvation and of the kingdom of Christ, should be a sufficient motive to claim your reverential love. At the same time, the word "work," teaches ministers that, while claiming the reverence due to their office, it is not a sinecure, but a "work"; compare "labor" (even to weariness: so the Greek), 1Th 5:12.

be at peace among yourselves-The "and" is not in the original. Let there not only be peace between ministers and their flocks, but also no party rivalries among yourselves, one contending in behalf of some one favorite minister, another in behalf of another (Mr 9:50; 1Co 1:12; 4:6).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

5:12-15 The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to guard against any differences. But love of peace must not make us wink at sin. The fearful and sorrowful spirits, should be encouraged, and a kind word may do much good. We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and keep down anger, and this to all men. Whatever man do to us, we must do good to others.