Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 mean?
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1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
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This verse isn't just a casual suggestion to be nice about spiritual insights; it's a command to take seriously the very words God speaks through people. It's easy to dismiss genuine prophetic utterances as just someone's opinion or a fleeting feeling, but Paul warns us not to treat these divine messages with contempt.
Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter, offering final instructions and encouragement to the Thessalonian believers. After urging them to be alert and to encourage one another, he dives into specific guidance about spiritual gifts, including the importance of discerning and not dismissing prophetic messages, which were meant to build up the church. This comes right before he tells them to test everything and hold onto what is good.
The Bible tells us to test everything. So why are we told not to despise prophecies? How do we balance testing with receiving?
Testing the Waters
The Apostle Paul gives us a vital instruction here: 'Do not despise prophecies.' This doesn't mean we accept everything uncritically. The early church, and even Jesus himself, dealt with false teachings and deceptive spirits. So, how do we avoid despising, while still being discerning?
The Two Sides of the Coin
In a world hungry for direction, what role does prophecy play? Is it an ancient relic, or a living tool for God's people?
God Still Speaks
'Prophecy' in the New Testament context often refers to inspired speech that builds up, encourages, and comforts the community (1 Corinthians 14:3). It's not just about predicting the future; it's about hearing God's heart for a situation or a person.
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Why Not Despise?
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.
dokimazete · Greek Verb
The process of examining, proving, or scrutinizing something to determine its genuineness, quality, or validity. In a spiritual context, it involves discerning truth from error by applying God's word.
katechete · Greek Verb
To keep, hold, or guard something securely. It implies a firm grasp or commitment to a teaching, tradition, or principle, refusing to let it go.
kalou · Greek Adjective
That which possesses inherent moral, spiritual, or ethical excellence according to God's standard. It is the opposite of evil and is aligned with the character of God.
The early church was a dynamic environment filled with new spiritual gifts, including prophecy. Paul's instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:20 was crucial for helping the nascent community discern genuine God-inspired messages from those that were not, amidst the fervor of new spiritual experiences.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, forming the core of early Christian belief and message.
c. AD 30s-40s
Early Church Growth and Missions
Following Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowers believers, leading to rapid expansion of the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem
A significant early church council addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law, affirming a more inclusive path.
c. AD 50-51
Paul's Founding of the Thessalonian Church
The Apostle Paul establishes a church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, facing opposition.
c. AD 51— this verse
Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians
Written from Corinth, this letter addresses issues in the young church, including misunderstandings about Christ's return and living faithfully.
c. AD 52
Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians
A follow-up letter likely written shortly after the first, further clarifying teachings on the Day of the Lord and encouraging perseverance.
This passage highlights the purpose of prophecy, which is to build up, encourage, and comfort others, showing the valuable nature of genuine prophetic gifts.
1 John 4:1This verse warns us to test all spirits, reminding us that while prophecy can come from God, discernment is crucial to distinguish truth from deception.
Acts 2:17-18Quoting Joel, Peter explains how in the last days, God's Spirit will be poured out, enabling even ordinary people to prophesy, illustrating the widespread nature of God's prophetic word.
Jeremiah 29:8This verse from the Old Testament shows God warning His people against listening to false prophets, reinforcing the need for careful evaluation of messages claiming divine origin.
This verse isn't just a casual suggestion to be nice about spiritual insights; it's a command to take seriously the very words God speaks through people. It's easy to dismiss genuine prophetic utterances as just someone's opinion or a fleeting feeling, but Paul warns us not to treat these divine messages with contempt.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, offering final instructions and encouragement to the Thessalonian believers. After urging them to be alert and to encourage one another, he dives into specific guidance about spiritual gifts, including the importance of discerning and not dismissing prophetic messages, which were meant to build up the church. This comes right before he tells them to test everything and hold onto what is good.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, offering final instructions and encouragement to the Thessalonian believers. After urging them to be alert and to encourage one another, he dives into specific guidance about spiritual gifts, including the importance of discerning and not dismissing prophetic messages, which were meant to build up the church. This comes right before he tells them to test everything and hold onto what is good.
"Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good." — This verse isn't just a casual suggestion to be nice about spiritual insights; it's a command to take seriously the very words God speaks through people. It's easy to dismiss genuine prophetic uttera…
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Last reviewed October 2026