The Day of the Lord
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 · Berean Standard Bible
Don't get stuck in cycles of revenge or hurt; instead, actively pursue what's good for each other and for everyone you meet.
In a persecuted community, it would be tempting to retaliate or hold grudges. Paul is calling them to something harder and holier: generosity and goodness as a way of life.
Paul, calling believers to a countercultural way of living
Jesus taught this clearly—turn the other cheek, bless those who curse you. It's the way of the kingdom, which transforms enemies into potential brothers and sisters.
Ensure that no one retaliates with evil for evil; instead, pursue good consistently for one another and for all people.
The prohibition against requital ('mē tis kakon anti kakou') invokes both Jesus's teaching (Matthew 5:38-42) and the ancient lex talionis tradition. For the Thessalonians, facing potential social ostracism or worse, this demand to abandon vengeance was countercultural. The phrase 'for one another and for all people' (allēlous kai eis pantas) extends ethical obligation beyond the in-group to encompass the broader society.
Paul
This grounds Christian ethics in the cross—Christ absorbs injustice without retaliation, establishing a new paradigm where the victim refuses to perpetuate violence. It connects backward to Romans 12:17 and forward to 1 Peter 2:21-23.
13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
16Rejoice at all times.
17Pray without ceasing.
Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5 — The day will come like a thief in the night. But you are children of the light. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything.
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