The Apostle Paul

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Feb 14, 1854

HATH said, [1 Thess. v, 22.] "Abstain from all appearance of evil." He mentions this among other important duties, such as, "Pray without ceasing," and "Quench not the Spirit." The precious cause of our Lord has often been wounded, and the good of his people has been evil spoken of, for this reason: Many of the professed followers of Christ have not been on their watch to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." It is not only the duty of God's people to depart from all evil, and live holy in the sight of Heaven, but they must watch with the greatest care, especially when in the presence of the ungodly, to abstain from all appearance of evil.

But it may be asked, How do you understand verse 26? "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." We answer, this text must be understood in manner to harmonize with verse 22. The Apostle has not here advanced contradictory sentiments. He would be understood that the salutation was a sign of Christian fellowship, not to be given before the ungodly." He calls it a "holy kiss," therefore, not to be frequently and commonly given. It is a sin to be ashamed of any portion of God's Word. It is no less sin, through carelessness and ignorance, to make a bad use of it, and make common what the Holy Ghost has called "holy."

"Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." 1 Thess. v, 22-28.