The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:22 states “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (KJV). This verse is an important principle for Christians to follow in living their lives in a way that honors God and avoids sin. But what exactly does it mean to “abstain from all appearance of evil”? Let’s explore this verse in more depth.
The Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:22
This verse comes within a broader section of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians where he is giving various exhortations about how they ought to live. In chapter 5 verses 12-22, Paul instructs them to:
- Respect and honor their spiritual leaders (v. 12-13)
- Warn the unruly (v. 14)
- Comfort the discouraged (v. 14)
- Help the weak (v. 14)
- Be patient with everyone (v. 14)
- Aim for good to all people (v. 15)
- Rejoice always (v. 16)
- Pray continually (v. 17)
- Give thanks in everything (v. 18)
- Not quench the Spirit (v. 19)
- Not despise prophecies but test them (v. 20-21)
- Abstain from every form of evil (v. 22)
Paul is giving broad ethical commands about how Christians should live in holiness and treat others, with verse 22 summarizing that we should avoid all types of evil and sinful practices. This verse caps off how we are to live in a righteous manner before God.
The Meaning of “Abstain from All Appearance of Evil”
When Paul urges us to abstain from every “appearance” or “form” (ESV, NASB) of evil, he is not simply referring to avoiding things that look evil on the surface. The Greek word translated “appearance” is “eidos”, which refers to an outward expression of one’s character. The idea is that we should avoid anything that has even a hint or semblance of being sinful, wicked, or morally wrong.
Paul’s command encompasses even subtle forms of evil that may seem minor but still taint one’s character and testimony. Christians are to guard carefully against anything that might appear evil to others or tempt them to sin. This requires wisdom, discernment, and an acute ethical sensitivity.
Avoiding Evil Itself
At the most basic level, this verse means we should avoid actual evil itself. Whatever is truly sinful, immoral, wicked, or unbiblical we should steer clear of completely. We know certain behaviors are wrong based on clear teachings of Scripture, so we should never justify or indulge in them in any way.
Avoiding Questionable Practices
But this verse goes even further to say we should avoid the very appearance of evil. There may be “gray areas” where certain practices are not necessarily sinful in themselves but may appear questionable to others. We should avoid these types of potentially controversial practices and actions to protect our Christian witness. For example, while moderate drinking may not be wrong in itself, abstaining from it protects our testimony and avoids appearing hypocritical if we condemn drunkenness (Romans 14:21).
Avoiding Temptation
Abstaining from any semblance of evil is also important to avoid temptation. Often a seemingly minor compromise can lead down a slippery slope into greater evil. Forsaking the initial appearance or thought of evil protects us from falling into sin. For instance, viewing pornography just once opens the door to greater temptation and addiction. Avoiding the initial temptation prevents going down a sinful path.
Avoiding Offending Others
An important part of avoiding the appearance of evil is preventing our Christian liberty from offending others who may view certain practices as sinful. Even if we have freedom in Christ to engage in something, it should be avoided if it causes others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). For example, we may abstain from alcohol around a Christian struggling with alcoholism to avoid appearing to approve of drunkenness. Love should guide our actions more than just what benefits ourselves.
Examples of Abstaining from the Appearance of Evil
Here are some examples of how Christians can apply this verse today:
- Entertainment choices – Avoiding movies, video games, and music with profanity, violence, sexuality, or promotion of sin. Even if we think we can “handle it”, it puts our character in question.
- Using social media – Being careful in what we post and the values we promote online so as not to endorse worldly standards.
- Dress and fashion – Refraining from wearing provocative, offensive, or inappropriately revealing clothing that reflects poorly on our faith.
- Business practices – Not engaging in shady financial dealings or “cutting corners” ethically in the name of profit and success.
- Speech – Avoiding gossip, lies, profanity, and coarse joking which can appear ungodly even in humor.
- Alcohol/Drugs – Abstaining from intoxication and abuse of alcohol/drugs which impairs moral judgment.
- Romantic relationships – Establishing physical boundaries in dating relationships and avoiding intimate situations that can compromise purity and morality.
- Hanging with ungodly peers – Being careful about close friendships with bad influences that could draw us into sin and cause outsiders to question our faith.
This list is not exhaustive but illustrates some potential “gray areas” where abstaining from questionable practices can help protect our witness. Careful, biblically-informed discernment is required.
Is This Legalism?
Some Christians interpret this passage in a strict, legalistic way and can judge others harshly for matters the Bible leaves to Christian freedom. However, avoiding the appearance of evil should be motivated by a desire to honor God and avoid hindering the gospel. Love, biblical priorities, and holy lives – not just following manmade rules – should guide our actions.
While Christians should thoughtfully consider how their conduct appears to others, this verse should not be used to try to force extrabiblical rules of conduct onto others. Complete avoidance of any practice that could possibly appear sinful or offensive can lead to over-scrupulosity and religious bondage.
The Heart Attitude
Outward actions alone are not enough. Abstaining from every appearance of evil requires cultivating an inner heart that sincerely desires to please God and considers how our conduct impacts others. We should regularly evaluate our hearts and motives to ensure we care about honoring Christ in all we do, not just checking off a list of dos and don’ts.
As believers led by the Holy Spirit, God grants us freedom in “gray areas” where the Bible doesn’t provide absolute clarity. Following strict manmade rules can lead to a judgmental and legalistic approach. But exercising our freedom responsibly means carefully avoiding anything that could reasonably appear sinful or offensive to others.
Being Salt and Light
Avoiding all appearance of evil goes hand in hand with being “salt and light” and setting an example of Christlike character in the midst of a dark world (Matthew 5:13-16). By living uprightly, we point others to the gospel. This requires prayerful wisdom in balancing both moral purity and loving witness to win others to Christ.
Overall, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is a call for all believers to live their lives above reproach. By God’s grace, Christians should exercise discernment and uphold the highest standards of biblical conduct in an increasingly immoral culture.