1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Early Christians faced tension between freedom in Christ and care for weaker consciences. Paul taught: 'All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient' (1 Cor 10:23). Believers could eat meat offered to idols without sin (food is amoral), yet should abstain if it scandalized weaker believers (1 Cor 8:9-13). This principle extends beyond food: avoid actions that, while not intrinsically sinful, might stumble others or damage testimony. Contemporary application: activities legal and amoral might be unwise if they appear evil to observers or tempt weaker believers. Wisdom considers both intrinsic morality and practical impact.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern which 'appearances of evil' to avoid even when the action itself isn't sinful?
- What practices, while not intrinsically evil, might you abstain from to avoid scandalizing others or damaging gospel witness?
- How do you balance Christian freedom with concern for weaker consciences and outside observers?
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Analysis & Commentary
Abstain from all appearance of evil—apo pantos eidous ponērou apechesthe (ἀπὸ παντὸς εἴδους πονηροῦ ἀπέχεσθε). The phrase is ambiguous in Greek. Eidos (εἶδος) can mean
Context favors the second: after commanding testing (v. 21), Paul says reject every kind/type of evil discovered. Don't merely hold fast the good (v. 21a); also abstain from evil (v. 22). Ponēros (πονηρός, 'evil') describes moral wickedness, active malice.
If 'appearance' is correct, the command means avoid even seeming evil—actions that, while not sinful, might scandalize others or damage testimony. This interpretation supports concern for Christian witness (4:12; Col 4:5). If 'form/kind' is correct, the command means reject all types of evil discovered through testing—false prophecy, false teaching, immoral behavior. Either interpretation supports holiness: avoid evil itself and avoid actions appearing evil. Both meanings are biblically sound; the text likely emphasizes rejecting evil in all its forms after testing reveals it.