15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord,
Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently:
Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And his ears open to their prayer; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good?
Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God.
But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
"If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don't leave him, you shall surely help him with it.
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.
As says the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be on you.
If I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (Yes, I have delivered him who without cause was my adversary),
Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
He said to me, "See you don't do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, "Look! Don't do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5
Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 5
The apostle, having spoken in the end of the foregoing chapter concerning the resurrection, and the second coming of Christ, proceeds to speak concerning the uselessness of enquiring after the particular time of Christ's coming, which would be sudden and terrible to the wicked, but comfortable to the saints (v. 1-5). He then exhorts them to the duties of watchfulness, sobriety, and the exercise of faith, love, and hope, as being suitable to their state (v. 6-10). In the next words he exhorts them to several duties they owed to others, or to one another (v. 11-15), afterwards to several other Christian duties of great importance (v. 16-22), and then concludes this epistle (v. 23-28).
1Th 5:1-5
In these words observe,
1Th 5:6-10
On what had been said, the apostle grounds seasonable exhortations to several needful duties.
1Th 5:11-15
In these words the apostle exhorts the Thessalonians to several duties.
1Th 5:16-22
Here we have divers short exhortations, that will not burden our memories, but will be of great use to direct the motions of our hearts and lives; for the duties are of great importance, and we may observe how they are connected together, and have a dependence upon one another.
1Th 5:23-28
In these words, which conclude this epistle, observe,