1 Thessalonians 5:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

NIV: Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

NASB: See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.

CSB: See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

NLT: See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

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

NKJV: See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

In this verse Paul appeals to his readers to do good to everyone, rather than trying to "get even" when someone commits an offense against them. Paul was a strong believer in the Lord's ability to address wrongdoing. In Romans 12:17–19 he writes, "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. … Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" He adds in verse 21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Instead of looking for an opportunity to pay back offenders, we need to look for opportunities to forgive and bless them. Writing to the Colossian Christians, Paul instructed them to forgive "… each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive" (Colossians 3:13). Although each of us had offended Jesus, He died for us, forgave us, and gave us everlasting life. Whenever we feel like taking revenge on someone, we ought to reflect on the grace and kindness Jesus showered on us in spite of the offenses we committed against Him.

It should be noted that Paul's instruction here does not merely say to be forgiving to brothers and sisters in Christ. While believers ought to be peaceful towards "one another," this verse specifically says this attitude ought to extend "to everyone."

First Thessalonians 5:12–22 gives the Thessalonian believers a series of exhortations. As children of the day, who were anticipating the Lord's return, they needed to live righteously. As a church, they needed to relate well to their leadership. Paul calls upon them to treat all their fellow believers kindly and patiently and to do good to one another. Paul admonishes the believers to be joyful at all times and to keep on praying. Constant thanksgiving was to mark their lives. Further, Paul tells his readers not to quench the Holy Spirit or to have a negative attitude toward prophetic ministries. However, they were supposed to keep a firm grasp on teachings that they tested and found to be true. Lastly, Paul directs his readers to avoid every kind of evil.

First Thessalonians chapter 5 reiterates that the rapture will occur quickly, catching the unbelieving world unprepared. In contrast, Paul presents faithful Christians as those who are aware and ready for this event. This passage uses the contrast of day versus night to highlight those differences. Paul also completes his letter by offering various practical instructions. These include the need to be peaceful, hardworking, and forgiving. He also commends constant prayer and an attitude of joyfulness, before closing his letter with a command for this letter to be read aloud.

The end of chapter 4 discussed the nature of the rapture: a sudden, physical ''taking away'' of believers from the earth. Here, Paul continues to refer to this event's sudden and dramatic nature. A key analogy used in this passage is that of daytime versus darkness, and the concept of being awake and alert. As with many of Paul's letters, practical instructions make up the bulk of his closing statements. In particular, Paul adds a command that this letter be read aloud among all of the people of the Thessalonian church.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.