What is the context?
Paul turns from the hope of salvation to relationships within the assembly. Those who labor, care for others, and admonish them are to be recognized and loved because of their work. Peace belongs with that respect.
The congregation also has responsibilities: warning the unruly, encouraging the fainthearted, helping the weak, and patience with everyone. These responses are deliberately different because the needs are different. The instruction against revenge extends to everyone, including those outside the assembly.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes recognizing the actual work of those who teach, lead, and admonish. He also distinguishes those who need correction from those who lack courage and need encouragement. The paragraph supports responsible care; it does not make every struggling person rebellious or give leaders freedom from accountability.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.