{9} Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are {e} unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

(9) We must have consideration of every man, and the remedy must be applied according to the disease.

(e) That keep not their rank or standing.

People's New Testament

5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren. The duties named in this section are those of the elders especially, but in a lesser sense the duty of all.

Warn them that are unruly. Those who are wayward, inconsistent, and disposed to follow their own will.

Comfort the feebleminded. Timid ones, who are easily discouraged by persecution, or cast down by trouble.

Support the weak. Those weak in faith.

Wesley's Notes

5:14 Warn the disorderly - Them that stand, as it were, out of their rank in the spiritual warfare. Some such were even in that church. The feeble - minded - Literally, them of little soul; such as have no spiritual courage.

King James Translators' Notes

exhort: or, beseech

unruly: or, disorderly

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

14. brethren-This exhortation to "warm (Greek, 'admonish,' as in 1Th 5:12) the unruly (those 'disorderly' persons, 2Th 3:6, 11, who would not work, and yet expected to be maintained, literally, said of soldiers who will not remain in their ranks, compare 1Th 4:11; also those insubordinate as to Church discipline, in relation to those 'over' the Church, 1Th 5:12), comfort the feeble-minded (the faint-hearted, who are ready to sink 'without hope' in afflictions, 1Th 4:13, and temptations)," applies to all clergy and laity alike, though primarily the duty of the clergy (who are meant in 1Th 5:12)."

support-literally, "lay fast hold on so as to support."

the weak-spiritually. Paul practiced what he preached (1Co 9:22).

be patient toward all men-There is no believer who needs not the exercise of patience "toward" him; there is none to whom a believer ought not to show it; many show it more to strangers than to their own families, more to the great than to the humble; but we ought to show it "toward all men" [Bengel]. Compare "the long-suffering of our Lord" (2Co 10:1; 2Pe 3:15).

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.