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Selected Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Th 5:15 |
King James |
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
(Rom 12:17; Pe1 3:9.)
unto any man--whether unto a Christian, or a heathen, however great the provocation.
follow--as a matter of earnest pursuit. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
See that none render evil for evil - See the notes on Mat 5:39, Mat 5:44. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance; compare notes on Rom 12:17, Rom 12:19. This law is positive, and is universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to "return evil for evil," that moment we are acting wrong. It may be right to defend our lives and the lives of our friends; to seek the protection of the law for our persons, reputation, or property, against those who would wrong us; to repel the assaults of calumniators and slanderers, but in no case should the motive be to do them wrong for the evil which they have done us.
But ever follow that which is good - Which is benevolent, kind, just, generous; see the notes, Rom 12:20-21.
Both among yourselves, and to all men - The phrase "to all men," seems to have been added to avoid the possibility of misconstruction. Some might possibly suppose that this was a good rule to be observed toward those of their own number, but that a greater latitude in avenging injuries might be allowable toward their enemies out of the church. The apostle, therefore, says that the rule is universal. It relates to the pagan, to infidels, sceptics, and persecutors, as well as to the members of the church. To every man we are to do good as we are able - no matter what they do to us. This is the rule which God himself observes toward the evil and unthankful (notes, Mat 5:45), and is one of the original and beautiful laws of our holy religion. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
That which is good (τὸ ἀγαθὸν)
Not to be limited to profitable, beneficent (as Lightfoot, Lnemann), although ἀγαθός commonly includes a corresponding beneficent relation of its subject to another subject, which is emphasized here by to all men. See on Rom 5:7. It may also include what is absolutely, morally good, as Rom 2:10. So Heb 13:21; Pe1 3:11; Rom 7:18. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| See that none - Watch over both yourselves and each other. Follow that which is good - Do it resolutely and perseveringly. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
See that none render evil for evil - Every temper contrary to love is contrary to Christianity. A peevish, fretful, vindictive man may be a child of Satan; he certainly is not a child of God.
Follow that which is good - That by which ye may profit your brethren and your neighbors of every description, whether Jews or Gentiles. |
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.