Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:15

"See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ASV)

See that none render evil for evil. See Barnes on Matthew 5:39, 44.

The meaning here is that we are not to take vengeance. Compare Barnes on Romans 12:17 and Romans 12:19.

This law is positive and universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to "return evil for evil," that moment we are acting wrongly. It may be right to defend our lives and the lives of our friends, to seek the protection of the law for our persons, reputation, or property against those who would wrong us, and to repel the assaults of calumniators and slanderers; but in no case should the motive be to do them wrong for the evil they have done to us.

But ever follow that which is good. This means what is benevolent, kind, just, and generous. See Barnes on Romans 12:20 and Romans 12:21.

Both among yourselves, and to all men. The phrase "to all men" seems to have been added to avoid the possibility of misunderstanding. Some might possibly suppose that this was a good rule to be observed towards those of their own number, but that greater leeway in avenging injuries might be allowable towards their enemies outside the church.

The apostle, therefore, says that the rule is universal. It relates to the heathen, to infidels, skeptics, and persecutors, as well as to the members of the church. To every person we are to do good as we are able—no matter what they do to us. This is the rule that God himself observes toward the evil and unthankful (see Barnes on Matthew 5:45), and is one of the original and beautiful laws of our holy religion.