Do not despise prophecies,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Thessalonians 5:20
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:20 mean?
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1 Thessalonians 5:20
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This verse isn't just about ignoring grand pronouncements; it's a call to avoid contempt for any message that claims to be from God, even those that might seem ordinary or unpolished. Paul urges us to approach spiritual gifts and utterances with an open mind, rather than a quick dismissal, because true insight can come in unexpected ways. It’s a reminder that God speaks, and we need to be ready to listen to all His messengers.
Do not despise prophecies,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is giving a final burst of practical advice to the Thessalonian church, urging them to live out their faith with joy and discernment. He’s just told them to test everything and hold onto what is good, and this command to not despise prophecies flows directly from that, highlighting the importance of weighing even inspired utterances and not dismissing them out of hand. This fits within his broader encouragement for them to live holy lives, await Christ’s return with hope, and maintain loving community.
When you hear the word 'prophecy,' what comes to mind? Maybe dramatic pronouncements or predictions of the future? But what did it mean to the early church?
The Bible uses 'prophecy' in a few ways, and it's not always about predicting the future.
More Than Fortune-Telling
Often, prophecy in the New Testament means speaking God's message to people right now. It's about applying biblical truth to current situations, encouraging the community, or challenging them to live faithfully. Think of it as God's Spirit giving someone insight and the words to share it for the good of others.
For Building Up the Church
Paul, in another letter, talks about the purpose of spiritual gifts, including prophecy: 'The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort' (1 Corinthians 14:3). So, while future-telling can be part of it, the main focus is on building up God's people.
Paul warns against despising prophecies. What makes us want to dismiss God's messages, and why is it so important not to?
It's easy to become cynical or dismissive, especially if we've encountered false prophets or messages that didn't seem to pan out.
The Danger of Disdain
'Despise' means to reject, to look down upon, to treat as worthless. When we despise prophecy, we risk ignoring God's voice speaking through His people. We might miss encouragement, correction, or guidance that the Spirit intended for us.
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Keeping the Channel Open
This command is about maintaining an attitude of openness to God's communication. It's a call to humility, recognizing that God can and does speak through unexpected people and in unexpected ways. Dismissing prophetic words too quickly can shut down spiritual sensitivity in ourselves and our community.
Understand the original words
exoutheneite · Greek Verb
To treat with contempt, look down upon, or disregard as unworthy; to consider something of little value or importance.
prophēteias · Greek Noun
Divinely inspired messages or utterances communicated through individuals, designed to edify, exhort, and comfort the body of believers by revealing God’s truth and perspective.
The church in Thessalonica was young, facing intense opposition and persecution. They likely received various teachings and 'prophecies' from within their community, and Paul's warning here is a pastoral care concern, urging them to discern authentic spiritual messages from potentially disruptive or false ones.
c. 48 AD
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Lystra, and Derbe. This period saw the rapid expansion of the early Christian movement.
c. 50-51 AD
Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, revisits churches in Asia Minor before crossing into Europe and founding the church in Thessalonica.
c. 51 AD
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul and Silas establish a vibrant Christian community in Thessalonica, a major Roman port city. They teach for a few weeks before persecution forces them to leave.
c. 51 AD— this verse
Expulsion from Thessalonica
Jealous Jews incite a riot, accusing Paul and Silas of disloyalty to Caesar. The new believers help Paul and Silas escape to Berea, leaving the fledgling church behind.
c. 52 AD
Letter to the Thessalonians Written
From Corinth, Paul writes his first letter to the Thessalonians, seeking to encourage them amidst ongoing persecution and address misunderstandings about Christ's return.
This passage provides context for understanding spiritual gifts, including prophecy, and emphasizes the importance of exercising them in a way that builds up the church, which is a key aspect of not despising them.
1 John 4:1This verse warns believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, directly relating to the need to discern true prophecy from false, thus showing how to not despise prophecy by properly evaluating it.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22This Old Testament passage sets a standard for identifying false prophets by their failed predictions, which helps us understand the basis for discerning and valuing true prophetic words.
Acts 2:17-18Quoting Joel, Peter explains that prophecy will be a sign of the last days, showing that prophetic utterances are a significant aspect of God's ongoing work and communication with His people throughout history.
This verse isn't just about ignoring grand pronouncements; it's a call to avoid contempt for any message that claims to be from God, even those that might seem ordinary or unpolished. Paul urges us to approach spiritual gifts and utterances with an open mind, rather than a quick dismissal, because true insight can come in unexpected ways. It’s a reminder that God speaks, and we need to be ready to listen to all His messengers.
Paul is giving a final burst of practical advice to the Thessalonian church, urging them to live out their faith with joy and discernment. He’s just told them to test everything and hold onto what is good, and this command to not despise prophecies flows directly from that, highlighting the importance of weighing even inspired utterances and not dismissing them out of hand. This fits within his broader encouragement for them to live holy lives, await Christ’s return with hope, and maintain loving community.
Paul is giving a final burst of practical advice to the Thessalonian church, urging them to live out their faith with joy and discernment. He’s just told them to test everything and hold onto what is good, and this command to not despise prophecies flows directly from that, highlighting the importance of weighing even inspired utterances and not dismissing them out of hand. This fits within his broader encouragement for them to live holy lives, await Christ’s return with hope, and maintain loving community.
"Do not despise prophecies," — This verse isn't just about ignoring grand pronouncements; it's a call to avoid contempt for any message that claims to be from God, even those that might seem ordinary or unpolished. Paul urges us…
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Last reviewed October 2026