What is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:21?

Test all things

“but test all things.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21a)

- Scripture never asks believers to accept teaching blindly. Like the Bereans who were “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11), we are called to weigh every message, movement, and impression against God’s Word.

- Practical ways to test:

• Compare every claim with clear biblical teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Look at the fruit it produces—does it align with the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) or the works of the flesh (5:19-21)?

• Ask whether it magnifies Christ and the true gospel (Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

• Seek counsel from mature believers who are grounded in the faith (Proverbs 11:14; Hebrews 13:7).

- Testing is ongoing. Hebrews 5:14 points to believers who, “by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” Discernment strengthens with practice.

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Hold fast to what is good

“Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21b)

- Once the examination is complete, Scripture commands a tight grip on whatever passes the test. Romans 12:9 mirrors the thought: “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

- “Hold fast” suggests tenacity—like clinging to a lifeline in rough waters (Hebrews 10:23). The world, flesh, and devil all tug at that line; believers must not let go.

- What qualifies as “good”?

• Sound doctrine that accords with the apostles’ teaching (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:13).

• God-honoring practices that build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:26).

• Christlike character produced by His Spirit (Philippians 4:8).

• Works that meet real needs and point people to the Lord (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10).

- Holding fast is both defensive and proactive—guarding the deposit entrusted to us (2 Timothy 1:14) while actively living it out (James 1:22).

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summary

The verse calls believers to a two-step lifestyle: rigorously sift everything through the lens of Scripture, and then resolutely cling to whatever emerges as true, pure, and Christ-honoring. Discernment without commitment leaves truth unused; commitment without discernment opens the door to error. Together they keep the church faithful, fruitful, and firmly anchored in the Lord’s unchanging Word.