Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Obey them that have the rule over you (cf. Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:24). This threefold mention of rulers is unique to this letter. In others, Paul includes the rulers in his exhortations. Here, the address is to the general body of the Church, as distinguished from the rulers, to whom they are charged to yield reverent submission. This is just what might be expected when the apostle of the Gentiles was writing to the Palestine Christians, among whom James and the eleven had exercised immediate authority. It was important he should not seem to interfere with their guides, but rather strengthen their hands: he claims no authority directly or indirectly over these rulers (Birks). "Remember" deceased rulers (Hebrews 13:7); "obey" your living rulers: not only obey where no sacrifice of self is required, and where you are persuaded they are right [so peithesthee: "obey"], but х hupeikete (G5226)] "submit" with dutiful yielding when your natural judgment and will are averse.
They, х autoi (G846)] - on their part: as they do their part, so do you yours. So Paul, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
Watch, х agrupnousin (G69)] - 'are vigilant.'
For, х huper (G5228)] - 'in behalf of.'
Must give account - the strongest stimulus to watchfulness (Mark 13:34-37). Chrysostom ('De Sacerdotio,' b.
vi.), 'The fear of this threat continually agitates my soul.'
Do it - "watch for your souls." It is a perilous responsibility for one to have to give account for others, who is not sufficient for his own (Estius, from Aquinas). I wonder whether it be possible that any rulers should be saved (Chrysostom). Compare Paul's address to the elders, Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, where also he connects ministers' responsibility with the account to be hereafter given (cf. 1 Peter 5:4).
With joy - at your obedience: anticipating, too, that you shall be their "joy" in the day of giving account (Philippians 4:1).
Not with grief - at your disobedience: apprehending also that you may be among the lost, instead of being their crown of rejoicing. In giving account, the stewards are liable to blame if anything be lost to the Master. 'Mitigate their toil by every attention, that with alacrity, rather than grief, they may fulfill their duty, arduous enough in itself, even though no unpleasantness be added on your part' (Grotius).
That. Grief in your pastors is unprofitable for you, for it weakens their spiritual power. 'The groans х stenazontes (G4727): 'grief'] of other creatures are heard; how much more of pastors!' (Bengel): God may avenge on you their 'groaning.' If they must render God an account of their negligence, so must you for your ingratitude (Grotius).