In I Thessalonians 5:21-22 we read, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” The specific Greek word for “prove” is “dokimazo,” and means “...to test, prove...” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the New Testament Words, Prove, page 898). The one Greek word whence comes the two English words “all things” is “panta,” and means “...wholly, entirely, by all means...altogether...no doubt...” (Vine’s, page 39).
Simply put, then, this phrase enjoins on everyone who would comply with its terms the duty of testing every thing, no matter what the thing may be, by all means, to determine its propriety. Having done this, we are to do one of two things concerning the things proved: 1) hold it fast if it is found to be good (right, proper); or 2) abstain from it if it is found to be evil.
The Greek word whence comes “hold fast” is “katecho,” and means “...to hold firmly...” (Vine’s, page 553).
The source of “good” in the Greek is “kalos,” and means “...that which is intrinsically good...” (Vine’s, page 494). We therefore, having tested a matter, if it be found to be truly “good in itself,” are to firmly adhere to its requirements.
“Abstain” comes from the Green “apecho,” and means “...to hold oneself from...[and] invariably refers to evil practice...” (Vine’s, page 8).
As for “appearance”, it comes from the Greek “eidos”, and means “...every form of...” (Vines, page 58).
“Evil” comes from the Greek “ponarou”, and refers to anything which is wicked, specifically anything which is against the law (of God).
The injunction, then, is that, having tested a thing, if it be found to be against the law of God, we are to hold ourselves from engaging in it in every form (any form). Obey this command!
Before doing anything, put it to the Bible test. See what God says about the matter, and if He allows it, you may do it (within the confines of the stumbling-block passages, and in light of expediency).
If he requires a thing, you must do it. If he forbids a thing, you must not do it. If He specifies the way in which a thing is to be done, you must do it in just that way.
If he allows liberty in the way a thing is done, you may practice liberty in the way of doing it (within the confines, again, of the stumbling-block passages and in light of expediency).
It doesn’t matter if you have always done a thing a certain way, if it is wrong, do not do it any longer. And, if you have always formerly forbidden a thing, if it is right (or allowable), be careful not to accuse those who do it of sinning. The Bible is the final and only standard (cf., I Corinthians 1;10, John 12:18-19). God, not man, determines what is right and what is wrong. Man must submit to His determinations. Prove all things.
Tim Smith 1272 Enon Road, Webb, AL 36376 (334) 899-8131
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