Writers_Block wrote on Feb 27^th, 2012 at 1:55am:

is that the appearance of evil in others' eyes, or the appearance of evil an in things that might tempt us?

Writers_Block wrote on Feb 28^th, 2012 at 12:35am:

i believe that is a misreading of the text.

Writers_Block wrote on Feb 28^th, 2012 at 11:33pm:

first, the basic context of the verse (namely, I Thess. 5:22).
other translations could point out a clear picture without going into original languages.  for example, the NIV reads, "Avoid every kind of evil" (italics added). that's a far cry from avoiding other people from misperceiving/misinterpreting your actions.  even Jesus' actions had the appearance of evil in the associations He kept.

but if you do take a look at the Greek (OL), you'll find the word (eidos) is a word that seems to always mean the appearance as in something appearing.  for example, Jesus appearing before them.  or, active seeing (as opposed to passively being seen).
similarly, the word eidon is used in a verse like Acts 15:6 - to consider something or ponder on something.

prosopon, however, would be more of a word that would capture the idea of how something appears - it's outward appearance to someone observing.
Mt. 16:3 referring to the appearance of the sky, uses this word.
Gal. 2:6 likewise uses this word for judging the outward appearance (in fact, this is the clinching issue... God does not judge by outward appearances - prosopon).

one of the major points in the NT is that outward appearances of what we do aren't important; they weren't important for Jesus, for example.  they also weren't important to Paul who had a sharp disagreement with Peter over that exact issue.  it's the inward that matters.
spirit and in truth, and all that.

Writers_Block wrote on Feb 27^th, 2012 at 1:55am:


Ironically, you seem to be aligning yourself with those who accused Jesus of sinning.