Gr. eidos, “form,” “outward appearance,” “kind.” Paul has referred to the “good” (v. 21) in the singular since he sees the “good” as being the one fruit of the Spirit; but he recognizes that “evil” appears in many guises, and he warns his converts against all the many forms in which it masquerades. The reading of the KJV has sometimes been used to prohibit the doing of that which is right simply because it may appear wrong to some onlookers. As appropriate as such counsel may be under certain circumstances, it is not this that the apostle is here setting forth. There are also many exceptions to such a rule. Jesus healed on the Sabbath (John 5:2-16; etc.), and ate with publicans and sinners (Matt. 9:10-13). To the prejudiced Jewish leaders these acts had the appearance of evil. But in spite of this prejudice (Matt. 12:9-13), Jesus did these acts as part of His great work of righteousness. However, He kept Himself entirely free from every form of evil.

 Gr. apechomai, “to hold oneself away from” (see on ch. 4:3).