1 Thessalonians 5:13

and to esteem them exceedingly highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

This admonition reaches something of a superlative in sacred instructions regarding the esteem and honor to be bestowed upon men, men in possession of the office of the eldership, and charged with the spiritual guidance of a church. This divine order is frequently neglected, but to the hurt of all who do so. True and faithful elders of the church are the most honored men in the New Testament, aside from the holy apostles and prophets themselves. It is not for themselves alone, personally, that this honor and esteem are intended, but as a mark of respect and appreciation for their work, which is the most important on earth.