Abstain
The Greek word used here is "ἀπέχεσθε" (apechesthe), which means to hold oneself back or to refrain. This term implies a conscious and deliberate action, suggesting that believers must actively choose to distance themselves from evil. In the context of the early church, this would have been a call to maintain purity and holiness in a world filled with pagan practices and moral corruption. The use of "abstain" emphasizes the importance of self-control and the intentional effort required to live a life pleasing to God.

From
The preposition "from" indicates separation or distance. It suggests a clear demarcation between the believer and the object in question, which in this case is "every form of evil." This separation is not merely physical but also spiritual and moral. It calls for a distinct lifestyle that sets Christians apart from the prevailing cultural norms that are contrary to God's will.

Every
The word "every" (Greek: "παντός," pantos) signifies totality and inclusiveness. It leaves no room for exceptions or compromises. This comprehensive term underscores the idea that all forms of evil, regardless of how minor they may seem, are to be avoided. It reflects the holistic nature of Christian ethics, where even the smallest deviation from righteousness is significant.

Form
The Greek word "εἴδους" (eidous) can be translated as "appearance" or "kind." This suggests that believers are to avoid not only evil itself but also anything that might appear to be evil or could be perceived as such by others. This reflects a concern for both personal integrity and the witness of the Christian community. It calls for discernment and wisdom in evaluating actions and situations to ensure they align with God's standards.

Of evil
"Evil" in Greek is "πονηροῦ" (ponērou), which encompasses wickedness, malice, and moral corruption. In the biblical context, evil is anything that is contrary to the nature and will of God. The early Christians lived in a world where evil was prevalent in various forms, from idolatry to immorality. This exhortation serves as a reminder that believers are called to be holy, as God is holy, and to reject anything that would compromise their relationship with Him or their testimony to the world.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Thessalonians, providing guidance and encouragement to the early Christian community.

2. Thessalonica
A city in Macedonia where the early church was established. It was a significant location for trade and culture, influencing the spread of Christianity.

3. The Thessalonian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, a group of believers facing persecution and needing instruction on living a holy life.

4. Evil
In this context, refers to anything morally wrong or contrary to God's will, encompassing both actions and appearances.

5. The Early Christian Community
The broader context in which this letter was written, characterized by the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian ethics.Understanding Form of Evil
The Greek word for "form" (eidos) can mean appearance or kind. This suggests avoiding not only evil actions but also anything that might appear evil or lead to evil.

Holistic Avoidance
Abstaining from evil involves both external actions and internal attitudes. Christians are called to be vigilant in their thoughts, words, and deeds.

Discernment and Wisdom
Believers must cultivate discernment to recognize what constitutes evil in various contexts, relying on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Community Accountability
Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability in the pursuit of holiness and avoidance of evil.

Witness to the World
By abstaining from evil, Christians serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to Christ through their example.(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.--This translation cannot stand. Possibly it might be rendered "every form of evil," but the most natural version would be, "Hold yourselves aloof from every evil kind"--i.e., evil kind of whatever you may be testing. The word "evil" is here used in the moral sense, and does not constitute an exact antithesis to the "good" of the preceding verse.

Verse 22. - Abstain from all appearance of evil. This verse is connected with the last, and states negatively what is there stated positively. Test the declarations of the prophets; retain the good, and reject the evil. The word translated "appearance" has been differently rendered; it denotes form, figure, species, kind; so that the clause is to be rendered, "Abstain from all form of evil" (R.V.), or, "of the evil," the word being an abstract substantive. The whole exhortation is similar to that given in Romans 12:9, only there the negative statement is put first: "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Some suppose that the metaphor employed is from the practice of money-changers who tested the money offered to them, rejecting what was base and retaining what was genuine. Among the Fathers we meet with the phrase, "Be ye experienced money-changers," as a traditionary saying of our Lord; and some suppose that the apostle refers to this saying, and give the following paraphrase: "The good money keep; with every sort of bad money have nothing to do; act as experienced money-changers: all the money presented to you as good, test." Such a supposition is fanciful and far-fetched.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Abstain
ἀπέχεσθε (apechesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 568: To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

every
παντὸς (pantos)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

form
εἴδους (eidous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 1491: Visible form, shape, appearance, outward show, kind, species, class. From eido; a view, i.e. Form.

of evil.
πονηροῦ (ponērou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)