Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:21

"prove all things; hold fast that which is good;" — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ASV)

To balance the two prohibitions, Paul stipulates that all charismatic manifestations be tested with a view to accepting what is valid and disallowing what is not (vv.21–22). “Everything” is subject to the limitation of vv.19–20 (i.e., the exercise of spiritual gifts). The mere claim to inspiration is not a sufficient guarantee, because inspirations are known at times to come from below (1 Corinthians 12:2). The nature of the “test” (GK 1507) is not specified, but suggestions are forthcoming from related passages. In 1Jn 4:1ff. (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3), the test is theological in nature, having to do with a proper view of Jesus as the Christ and Lord. In 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:29, discernment is a specific spiritual function in combination with the gift of prophecy; it consists of an ability to discern whether another’s prophetic speech is genuinely inspired. But perhaps these two tests are too specialized for the present context, and preference should be given to a more general criterion of whether a positive contribution to the body’s edification and mutual love has been made.

Testing like this will identify some spiritual activities as attractive and conducive to a growing love and to Christian power (5:11; 1 Corinthians 13; 14:3–5, 12, 26). These are genuine gifts and should be clung to tenaciously. Regarding “hold on to the good,” Paul speaks of a determined tenacity to retain what is beneficial to the church (cf. Romans 12:9). The Thessalonian church had been remiss in this (vv.19–20).