matters the Thessalonians should “hold on to the good” and “avoid every kind of evil” (cf. Isa. 1:16f., also 1 Thess. 4:3). This expression is sometimes understood in the sense of “every appearance of evil” (cf. AV). The word concerned (eidos) does sometimes have that meaning. If it were taken in that sense, it would mean the evil that outwardly reflects the inner character. But NIV has probably expressed the sense that Paul intended. 5:23–24 / Paul prays again for the Thessalonians. Earlier he prayed