1 Thessalonians 5:21

Translations

Modern

…but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

Traditional

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Literal

…but test all things. Hold fast to the good.

Latin

Omnia autem probate: quod bonum est tenete.

Original

Greek

English

…but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:20–21

Do not treat prophecies with contempt: No one should dismiss prophecy intended to spiritually strengthen the church (1 Corinthians 14:1–4). Instead, the Thessalonians should evaluate the prophecies to understand where they come from. Paul says they should make sure any prophecies align with the apostles' teachings (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 4:1–3). The church should also assess the character of those who deliver the prophecies (Matthew 7:15–20).

Early Christian teaching stated, “Not everyone who speaks about spiritual things is a prophet, but only if the person’s behavior is like the Lord” (Didache 11:8). Paul encourages the Thessalonians to hold fast to what is good. Specifically, this means to test prophecies to see if they prove true.

1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:22

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Gift of Prophecy

Related verses

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Ephesians 5:10
Test and prove what pleases the Lord.
Luke 12:57
And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?
Acts 17:11
Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.
Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
1 Corinthians 2:14–15
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Philippians 3:16
Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.
Matthew 7:15–20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Being Neutral Celebrating Halloween Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Discerning of Spirits Discernment Exposing a Lie Good Media Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Psychology Religion: True Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast What is Good Testing Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Yoga

1 Thessalonians 5:21

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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