1 Thessalonians 5:22

Modern

Abstain from every form of evil.

Traditional

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Literal

Abstain from every form of evil.

Latin

Ab omni specie mala abstinete vos.

Greek

English

Abstain from every form of evil.

They should reject every form of evil, especially false prophecies (5:19–21).

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

2 Corinthians 6:3
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
2 Corinthians 8:20–21
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
1 Corinthians 10:31–33
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Exodus 23:7
Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.
1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.
1 Thessalonians 4:12
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
Jude 1:23
…save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
Isaiah 33:15
He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil—
Matthew 17:26–27
“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.