1 Thessalonians 5:20
Do not despise prophecies,
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Thessalonians 5:20
Do not despise prophecies,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to hear "don't dismiss prophecies" and think of predicting the future, but Paul is actually urging us not to disdain or make light of what God is speaking through His people, even if it doesn't always sound like what we expect. This isn't about perfect pronouncements, but about honoring the ongoing voice of God within the community.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians with practical advice for Christian living and church order. He's just told them to test everything and hold onto what is good, and now he's specifically addressing the spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, urging them not to dismiss it outright, but to discern its truth and value. This instruction flows into his final exhortations to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
The word 'prophecy' can sound like a big, scary prediction. But in the New Testament, it's often much simpler and more accessible than you might think.
Not Just Fortune-Telling
When Paul talks about "prophecies" here in 1 Thessalonians, he's not primarily talking about predicting the future. While that can be a part of it, the New Testament understanding of prophecy is broader.
It's about speaking forth God's truth, often with a revelatory or encouraging edge. Think of it as receiving a thought, an insight, or a strong impression from the Holy Spirit and sharing it.
It seems simple enough: don't look down on prophecies. But why is this warning so crucial that Paul includes it right before telling believers to test everything?
Closing the Door on God
To "despise" means to scorn, to dismiss, to think little of. Paul is saying, don't treat God's communication with contempt. When we despise prophecy, we're not just rejecting a person or a message; we risk rejecting God Himself.
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 early church was filled with spiritual fervor, and the gift of prophecy was present. This letter, written by Paul to a young, persecuted church, addresses the need for discerning and valuing genuine prophetic utterances without despising them.
c. AD 49-51
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
The Apostle Paul and his companions Silas and Timothy establish the church in Thessalonica during Paul's second missionary journey.
c. AD 51
Departure from Thessalonica
Due to intense opposition and persecution, Paul is forced to leave the city, but he leaves behind a vibrant, though young, Christian community.
c. AD 51
Timothy's Report to Paul
Timothy, sent back to check on the new believers, returns with news of their steadfastness in faith amidst suffering, but also with questions and challenges they face.
c. AD 52— this verse
First Thessalonians Written
From Corinth, Paul writes his first letter to the Thessalonian church to encourage them in their faith, address misunderstandings, and provide instruction.
This passage directly explains the purpose of prophecy, showing it's for building up, encouraging, and comforting others, which helps us understand *why* we shouldn't despise it.
1 Samuel 3:19-20This shows Samuel, a prophet, whose prophecies were confirmed by God, illustrating the serious weight and divine backing that true prophecy carries.
Acts 11:27-30Here, prophets are shown discerning needs and directing relief efforts, demonstrating that prophecy often involves practical, God-given insight for the community.
Jeremiah 28:7-9This passage highlights the importance of discerning true prophecy from false by its outcome, reminding us to test prophetic words against God's established truth and character.
It's easy to hear "don't dismiss prophecies" and think of predicting the future, but Paul is actually urging us not to disdain or make light of what God is speaking through His people, even if it doesn't always sound like what we expect. This isn't about perfect pronouncements, but about honoring the ongoing voice of God within the community.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians with practical advice for Christian living and church order. He's just told them to test everything and hold onto what is good, and now he's specifically addressing the spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, urging them not to dismiss it outright, but to discern its truth and value. This instruction flows into his final exhortations to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians with practical advice for Christian living and church order. He's just told them to test everything and hold onto what is good, and now he's specifically addressing the spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, urging them not to dismiss it outright, but to discern its truth and value. This instruction flows into his final exhortations to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
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c. AD 52
Concerns about Spiritual Gifts
The early church was navigating the emergence and expression of spiritual gifts, including prophecy, sometimes leading to confusion or misuse.
"Do not despise prophecies," — It's easy to hear "don't dismiss prophecies" and think of predicting the future, but Paul is actually urging us not to disdain or make light of what God is speaking through His people, even if it…