1 Thessalonians 5:22

The Text: Abstain from all appearance of evil

The Meaning Given To It: The child of God needs to be careful in his/her conduct lest it be misinterpreted by others. It is possible to do things which may be right but which appear to be evil; that is, they may seem wrong when actually they aren't. And while this is certainly a scriptural idea that is adequately covered in such passages as Matt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:14-16 (as salt of the earth and light of the word we should want to keep away from any semblance of impropriety) this is not, as some think, the teaching of this passage.

The Context: Verses 19-22 are often regarded as separate statements which have no relationship to one another and form no context. But, take another look......

Quench not the Spirit is a reference to the working of the Holy Spirit among the people of God. At the time that Paul wrong, the Spirit worked through those who possessed spiritual gifts and these "workings" were not to be "quenched." Now, however, the Spirit works among men as Truth is taught and the Spirit's work must not be stifled by creating conditions and situations in which this Spirit-inspired word is not allowed a free hearing.

Despise not prophesyings looks at our attitude toward the "speaking forth" of what the Spirit has revealed.. We are not to "regard as nothing" any message that comes from the Divine source.

Prove all things turns attention to an attitude of examination: testing what is taught by using the scriptures as the standard, Acts 17:11.

Hold fast that which is good is what we do as a consequence of proving all things. Upon a scriptural testing of what has been taught, I am to adhere closely and strictly to that which is "sound doctrine."

It is in this context that "abstain from all appearance of evil" is found and in which it must be interpreted.

The Meaning: Evil doctrine is evil regardless of how innocent and pure it may appear; regardless of from whom it comes; regardless of the manner of delivery. However impressive these things may be, if, as a result of proving all things, I discover that someone's teaching does not measure up to the Spirit-revealed standard, that doctrine is evil and we must abstain from it regardless of what "form" it takes. It might come in the form of lofty oratory or the language of the scholar or in the person of someone of noble character but these things are not the basis upon which I prove all things and either "hold fast" or "abstain".

David Smitherman