William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:15

Our apostle from this verse closes his epistle with. general exhortation to all Christians to be found in the practice of several necessary and important duties; the first of which is to abstain from all revenge, render to no man evil for evil;. malicious desire of revenge is so far beneath. Christian, that it is the baseness of. man. Let him that does the wrong look to it, could. heathen say. Not only revenge in the action, but in the affection, is greatly sinful before God, and deeply penal also; as jealousy is the rage of. man, so malice and revenge is the rage of the devil, it is the very soul and spirit of the apostate nature.

By good here, as it stands in opposition to rendering evil, must be understood good-will and beneficence, or doing good to enemies, and this the apostle would have us follow, or, as the word signifies, pursue with eagerness, as the hunter doth his game, and this continually. Ever follow that which is good, without interruption, notwithstanding. multiplication of injuries; and this not only among themselves, who were Christian professors, but even among heathens (with whom they lived) though bitter enemies to Christianity.

Learn hence, that. Christian must not turn vindictive and impatient, or incline to any desires or motions towards private revenge, notwithstanding the malicious temper of his adversary continues: but instead of being overcome of evil, must labour to overcome evil with good; render to no man evil for evil, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:15

Old Testament

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