Abstain

1Thessalonians 5:16-22 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

‘Abstain from all appearance of evil.’ Twenty-two commands and admonitions: Do not sleep; be spiritually alive (5:6). Watch, and be alert for enemies. Let us be sober, not intoxicated (5:6-7). Put on the armour of God (5:8; Eph. 6:1-24). Comfort one another (5:11; 4:18). Edify or build up one another. Know or be kind to ministers (5:12). Esteem ministers highly in love (5:13). Live in peace among yourselves. Warn the unruly, the disorderly (5:14). Console the fainthearted. Sustain the weak, strengthless (5:14; 1Cor. 8:10). Be patient with all men. Render evil to no man (5:15). Follow that which is good. Rejoice always in all things (5:16). Pray always about all things (5:17). Give thanks always in all things (5:18). Quench not the Spirit (5:19). Despise not prophesyings (5:20). Test all things; retain the good (5:21). Abstain from all appearance of evil, not only from all evil (5:22).