1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 (ESV) 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. When we look at this le2er and the context in which it was wri2en we have a be2er understanding of why the subject “Respect Due Elders” was deemed necessary. Paul gives the gospel message to Gentiles before the Jews run him out of town. Now Paul writes a le2er back to these baby believers who only have a pagan background. He tells them they are chosen and are an example to all believers. He clears up questions about the resurrection, rapture, and Jesus’ return. Now Paul instructs these baby believers about their respect toward leaders in this newfound church. These instructions are as important today as they were then.