1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Quench not the Spirit.— This has generally been expounded as referring to the gifts of the Spirit; the exercise of which in themselves or others, should not be hindered. See 1 Timothy 4:14. 1 Corinthians 14:39. The phrase here used, σβεννυτε, quench, or extinguish, according to some, has a reference to the descent of the Spirit, as in flames of fire; as may also the original word αναζωπυρειν, 2 Timothy 1:6. The extensive meaning of thewords may be thus expressed: "Extinguish not spiritual gifts in others, by preventing them from the exercise of them in the solemn assembly; nor extinguish them in yourselves, by pride, idleness, absenting from the solemn assembly, or by the disorderly exercise of them there; much less by wickedness or apostacy. No, rather stir up the gifts which were given you by the laying on of my hands: allow others in their turns to exercise their gifts; and, by reading, meditation, prayer, and praise, by frequenting the solemn assembly, and by such an use of your spiritual gifts there, as may turn most to the edification of others, together with a steady perseverance in faith and love, and a holy Christian conversation;—by these means stir up and improve your spiritual gifts, until that holy religion, which they attest, through the power of Divine grace, entirely purify your hearts and lives, and blaze so bright, as to give light to all around you."