1 Thessalonians 5:19

Quench. Gr. sbennumi, “to extinguish,” “to put out,” “to stifle,” “to suppress.” In Matt. 12:20; Mark 9:44-48; Eph. 6:16; Heb. 11:34 the word is used for extinguishing fire and in Matt. 25:8 for the failure of lamps. Since the Spirit is associated with fire (Matt. 3:11; Acts 2:3), sbennumi is particularly appropriate. It is probable that the Thessalonian church had been cooling the ardor of some of its number who had been exercising spiritual gifts (see on 1 Cor. 12:1; 14:1) in an enthusiastic manner. Paul cautions the church against extinguishing the flames of the spiritual fires that burn in their midst, lest they drive away the Holy Spirit. By so advising, he gives no license to fanatical manifestations that discredit the Spirit, but speaks only of such works as may be rightly sponsored by the Holy Spirit.