1 Thessalonians 5:20 says “Do not despise prophecies.” This is an important verse that teaches us not to dismiss or disdain prophecies and prophetic words. In order to properly understand this verse, we need to examine the context and look at what the Bible says about prophecy and prophets.
The Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:20
The book of 1 Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica. In chapter 5, Paul is giving exhortations to the believers on how they should live. Verse 19 instructs them “Do not quench the Spirit.” This means they should not suppress or stifle the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. That leads directly into verse 20, “Do not despise prophecies.”
Paul did not want the Thessalonians to quench the Spirit by despising or dismissing prophecies. He knew prophecies were one way the Holy Spirit spoke to and worked through believers. So they were not to treat prophecies with contempt or apathy.
The Nature of Prophecy
What exactly are prophecies? And what is the gift of prophecy? In the New Testament, prophecy generally refers to revelation from God through the Holy Spirit to believers. It is a message given to edify, exhort, and comfort others (1 Corinthians 14:3). The gift of prophecy is the special ability to receive revelations from God and proclaim them. While Old Testament prophets spoke the very words of God, New Testament prophecy is not equal to Scripture. Still, it is vitally important in ministering to others.
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul encourages believers to especially seek the gift of prophecy over tongues. He writes, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). The gift of prophecy builds up others, while tongues without interpretation only build up the self (1 Corinthians 14:2-5). Paul regulates the use of prophecy in the church, yet affirms its essential role in worship.
Therefore, prophecy is an important gift of the Holy Spirit that we should value today. The Bible nowhere indicates that the gift of prophecy ceased after the time of the apostles. While no longer adding to Scripture, prophecy can still strengthen, encourage, and comfort believers with a timely word from God.
How to Treat Prophecies
Keeping in mind the importance of prophecy in Paul’s day, we can better understand his exhortation to the Thessalonians not to despise prophecies. To despise means to regard as worthless, look down on with contempt, or scorn. Based on other Scriptures, here are some principles for how we should treat prophecies today:
- We should not automatically dismiss or reject prophecies out of hand (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
- We should test prophecies and weigh them carefully (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1).
- We must reject false prophecies that contradict God’s Word and lead people astray (Jeremiah 23:16; Matthew 7:15).
- We should value true prophecies that build up others and bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 14:3-4).
Therefore, we should have a balanced, biblical approach to prophecy. We ought to test prophecies without despising them. And we should only embrace true prophecies that align with Scripture and point people to Christ.
Effects of Despising Prophecy
What are some potential effects if we ignore Paul’s warning and despise prophecies?
- We may miss out on a timely word from God that could have strengthened or comforted us.
- We can quench the Spirit and hinder His work in us (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).
- We can become cynical, skeptical, or overly critical toward spiritual gifts.
- We may disregard genuine prophecies and prophetic ministries.
- We can miss opportunities for growth and hearing from God.
In contrast, by valuing prophecy properly our faith can be renewed, the body of Christ built up, and unbelievers brought under conviction (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). Not despising prophecies allows God to work in our midst as He desires.
How to Apply 1 Thessalonians 5:20
So how should we apply this verse today? Here are some practical applications:
- Pray for and develop a healthy respect for the gift of prophecy.
- If you receive a prophetic word, avoid quickly dismissing it; pray and weigh it.
- Seek to discern true prophecies that point people to Christ.
- When prophecies come forth, test them against Scripture and general revelation.
- Embrace prophecies that are sound, spur growth, and bring glory to God.
- Avoid manipulating prophecies for selfish gain or controlling others.
- Utilize the gift of prophecy to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.
As we put these principles into practice, we can nurture a healthy environment where the gift of prophecy and other spiritual gifts can operate for God’s glory and our edification.
Examples of Despising Prophecy
Unfortunately, there are many examples today of how prophecy can be despised or disregarded in the church:
- Outright rejecting prophetic words without any consideration.
- Cynically dismissing prophecies as irrational or impossible.
- Ignoring prophecies that challenge our comfortable status quo.
- Failing to test prophecies that align with our preferences.
- Allowing fear, confusion, or wounds to make us antagonistic toward prophecy.
- Refusing to make room for prophetic ministry in corporate worship.
- Withholding accountability when prophets speak inaccurately or without love.
- Tolerating false prophecies because they offer hope.
- Turningprophecy into entertainment rather than ministry.
We must guard against these attitudes and be willing to change when the Holy Spirit convicts us. Scripture commands us not to despise prophecies, so may we embrace this gift as God intends.
Conclusion
1 Thessalonians 5:20 provides an important exhortation for Christians to value and not despise prophecies. In context, Paul did not want believers to quench the Spirit by rejecting prophecies in their midst. Prophecy is a vital gift of the Holy Spirit that we should nurture today. At the same time, we must test prophecies and reject anything contradicting God’s Word. By having a balanced, biblical approach to prophecy we can benefit greatly. May we heed Paul’s instruction so that prophecy can strengthen, encourage, and comfort the body of Christ as God desires.
