1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse doesn't just say don't pay back evil; it commands us to actively seek out opportunities to do good, not just to fellow believers, but to everyone. This isn't about avoiding retaliation, but about a relentless pursuit of positive action, even towards those who have wronged us.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians, offering practical guidance on how believers should live out their faith amidst persecution and the anticipation of Christ's return. He's just discussed the importance of spiritual maturity and mutual encouragement, and now he’s providing concrete instructions for their interactions with others, urging them to break cycles of retaliation and actively pursue goodness. This verse directly follows his reminder that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, emphasizing that their conduct should reflect their hope in his coming.
Ever feel that burning urge to get even? Paul hits us with a direct command here that goes against our gut reaction.
The Cycle of Retaliation
It's so easy to fall into the trap of 'an eye for an eye.' When someone hurts us, our instinct is to hurt them back. This verse, however, calls us to break that cycle. It's not about ignoring injustice, but about refusing to be defined by a desire for vengeance. Paul is saying that repaying evil with evil only perpetuates the hurt and creates more problems. It doesn't solve anything; it just escalates it.
A Higher Standard
This isn't about being weak or a doormat. It's about recognizing that as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Our response to wrong should not mirror the wrong itself. Instead, we're to trust God to handle the ultimate justice and to focus on diffusing the situation with grace.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Thessalonians 5:15 is available in the Sola app.
It's not enough to just not do evil. God calls us to something far more proactive and positive.
The 'Always Seek' Imperative
The second part of the verse shifts from what not to do to what we must do: 'always seek to do good.' The word 'seek' here implies actively pursuing, looking for opportunities. It's a deliberate, intentional effort. This isn't a passive waiting game; it's an active engagement with the world around us, looking for ways to be a force for good.
Good for Everyone
And who are we to do good to? 'One another' – meaning fellow believers – and crucially, 'to everyone.' This expands our circle of concern beyond our immediate Christian community to encompass all people. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s love and our expression of it should be universal, breaking down barriers and extending kindness without discrimination.
Understand the original words
kakon · Greek Noun/Adjective
Moral wrongdoing or wickedness that is contrary to the will of God; the Bible forbids returning this with similar actions.
agathon · Greek Adjective/Noun
Actions that are morally excellent, beneficial, and reflective of God's character, which believers are called to pursue even toward those who treat them poorly.
The Thessalonians faced significant opposition, making Paul's instruction to not repay evil with evil a radical call to transform their community by consistently demonstrating love, even to their persecutors.
c. AD 48
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas encounter hostility and superstition in Lystra. Paul is even stoned and left for dead.
c. AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem
A major dispute arises over whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The council's decision affirms Gentile inclusion, shaping the early church's identity.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, facing opposition and persecution in cities like Philippi and Athens. He establishes the church in Thessalonica during this time.
c. AD 50-51
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul briefly preaches in Thessalonica, a major Roman port city, and establishes a vibrant Christian community amidst a hostile environment.
c. AD 51-52
Expulsion of Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels Jewish people from Rome due to disturbances, possibly related to early Christian preaching. This reflects the social unrest surrounding the new movement.
c. AD 52— this verse
First Letter to the Thessalonians
Written from Corinth, this letter addresses issues of persecution, theological understanding, and Christian conduct within the young Thessalonian church.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
This event, and the subsequent persecution of Christians under Nero, highlights the potential for scapegoating and retaliation against the Christian community.
Jesus directly teaches his followers not to resist an evildoer, which echoes the principle of not repaying evil for evil.
Romans 12:17Paul reiterates the same command, emphasizing the importance of 'conciliating all things' and not avenging oneself, which deepens the understanding of 'doing good to everyone'.
1 Peter 3:9Peter connects not repaying evil with receiving a blessing, highlighting the positive spiritual outcome of this behavior.
Proverbs 20:22This Old Testament proverb warns against saying you will repay evil, showing this is a long-standing principle of wisdom for God's people.
This verse doesn't just say don't pay back evil; it commands us to actively seek out opportunities to do good, not just to fellow believers, but to everyone. This isn't about avoiding retaliation, but about a relentless pursuit of positive action, even towards those who have wronged us.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians, offering practical guidance on how believers should live out their faith amidst persecution and the anticipation of Christ's return. He's just discussed the importance of spiritual maturity and mutual encouragement, and now he’s providing concrete instructions for their interactions with others, urging them to break cycles of retaliation and actively pursue goodness. This verse directly follows his reminder that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, emphasizing that their conduct should reflect their hope in his coming.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians, offering practical guidance on how believers should live out their faith amidst persecution and the anticipation of Christ's return. He's just discussed the importance of spiritual maturity and mutual encouragement, and now he’s providing concrete instructions for their interactions with others, urging them to break cycles of retaliation and actively pursue goodness. This verse directly follows his reminder that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, emphasizing that their conduct should reflect their hope in his coming.
"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." — This verse doesn't just say don't pay back evil; it commands us to actively seek out opportunities to do good, not just to fellow believers, but to everyone. This isn't about avoiding retaliati…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
