Question:
Dear Greg,
First
let me say that I appreciate the manner in which you answer questions.
My problem is this – over the years I, along with my Christian brothers
and sisters, have been hit over the head many times with Thessalonians 5:22,
“Abstain from all appearance of evil”.
It usually came in the form of correction after a minister or a
self-appointed judge of scripture observed what they determined to be the
appearance of evil, either in myself or in others.
My question -- is the translation from the old King James valid or has
there been an added word put in it along the way specifically to make it easier
to point fingers and judge people?
Most
if not all other translations leave out the word “appearance”.
Once you add “appearance” it makes it next to impossible to adhere to
that teaching in and through the eyes of others.
In fact, people accused Jesus Christ himself of the “appearance” of
evil on numerous occasions. For
example, with whom he ate and/or associated with.
Therefore it would seem to me that a person even suggesting he could keep
Thessalonians 5:22 (old King James) would be putting himself in a position
higher and holier than Jesus Christ. I
have no problem with the other translations that simply put say, “avoid all
evil”.
What
do you have to say on this subject? Thank
you in advance.
Leith
Answer: Dear Leith,
I
have had similar experiences – sad to say on both sides of the issue as you
address. Years ago I shared the
very observation/interpretation to which you object.
However, God has graciously helped me to understand that while I should
be careful not to give occasion for any one to stumble, while I should follow
Paul in doing everything I can to avoid causing offense to others, there is
another side. You address that side
well. We should not “beat others
over the head” with this passage, using it as a proof text, in an attempt to
“control” them. Neither should
we allow others to do such a thing to us.
Christians
are called to, and given by God’s grace, freedom.
Christians are taught by Paul (the author of the text in question) in
Galatians and Colossians among other places, not to let anyone enslave them,
condemn them, or call their worship of Christ into question (Romans 14).
We stand or fall before the Master – not before other humans.
Thank God!
In
Christ,
Greg Albrecht