1 Thessalonians 5:15

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:15

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15, King James Version)

1. Setting the Scene: The Flow of 1 Thessalonians 5[i]

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians closes with a series of pastoral instructions shaped by the hope of Christ’s return. Earlier in the chapter, he writes:

“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, KJV)

Because Christ will return unexpectedly, believers are called to live as “children of the day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5, KJV), marked by faith, love, and hope. This eschatological frame is essential: Christian ethics flow from Christian hope. The commands that follow are not moralism but gospel-shaped living.

Verses 12 to 22 form a cluster of short, practical exhortations. They describe a community shaped by grace, holiness, and mutual care. Verse 15 sits at the heart of this cluster, addressing how Christians respond to wrongdoing.

2. Exegetical Insights into 1 Thessalonians 5:15

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man”

Paul uses a strong imperative: “See that…” This is a communal responsibility. The church is to watch over one another so that no believer slips into retaliatory behaviour.

The phrase “render evil for evil” echoes the teaching of Jesus:

“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil…” (Matthew 5:39, KJV)

and Paul’s own teaching elsewhere:

“Recompense to no man evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17, KJV)

The command is universal: “unto any man.” Christians do not retaliate against fellow believers, nor against outsiders. The gospel removes the category of “acceptable enemies.”

Retaliation is natural to the flesh, but unnatural to the Spirit. The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of refusing to return evil for evil:

“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again…” (1 Peter 2:23, KJV)

“but ever follow that which is good”

The word “follow” carries the sense of active pursuit, even of chasing after something. Goodness does not simply happen; it is pursued with intention and perseverance.

This pursuit is grounded in God’s character:

“See that none render evil for evil… but ever follow that which is good.”
Goodness is not defined by cultural preference but by the revealed will of God.

“both among yourselves, and to all men”

Christian ethics begin in the household of faith but never end there. The church is a training ground for love, forgiveness, and goodness, which then overflow into the wider world.

This reflects the broader teaching of Scripture:

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, KJV)

The gospel creates a community that is both inwardly caring and outwardly generous.

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3. Theological Themes

1. The Gospel Transforms Our Response to Wrongdoing

Retaliation belongs to the old life. The new life in Christ is shaped by grace. Because God has not repaid us according to our sins, we do not repay others according to theirs.

2. Christian Ethics Are Eschatological

Because Christ is returning, believers live differently now. The hope of the future shapes the behaviour of the present.

3. Goodness Is Active, Not Passive

Christians are not merely to avoid evil; they are to pursue good. This reflects the Christian emphasis on sanctification as Spirit-empowered effort grounded in grace.

4. The Church as a Community of Mutual Oversight

“See that…” implies shared responsibility. Christian discipleship is communal, not individualistic.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

1. Reject the Culture of Retaliation

Modern society often celebrates payback, sarcasm, and “getting even.” Social media amplifies outrage and revenge. Christians are called to a countercultural way of life.

In workplaces, families, churches, and online spaces, believers must resist the instinct to retaliate.

2. Pursue Goodness Intentionally

Goodness requires planning, prayer, and practice. It may involve:

• choosing forgiveness when wronged
• speaking truth with gentleness
• offering practical help to someone in need
• advocating for justice without bitterness
• blessing those who oppose us

3. Extend Goodness Beyond the Church

The church must be known not only for internal care but also for outward love. This includes kindness to neighbours, generosity to the poor, and grace toward those who disagree with us.

4. Encourage One Another in Holiness

Because Paul addresses the whole community, believers should gently help one another resist bitterness and pursue goodness. This is part of healthy church life.

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5. Meditation Guide

Reflect

Sit quietly and reflect on the verse:

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

Ask yourself:

• Where am I tempted to repay evil for evil?
• Who has wronged me, and how might I respond with grace?
• What good can I actively pursue this week?

Pray

• Thank God that he has not repaid you according to your sins.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart toward those who have hurt you.
• Pray for opportunities to pursue goodness in your community.

Act

Choose one concrete act of goodness to perform today for someone inside the church and one for someone outside it.

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[i] 1 Thessalonians 5

King James Version

5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.