The Verse
King James Version (KJV): Despise not prophesyings.
New International Version (NIV): Do not treat prophecies with contempt.
English Standard Version (ESV): Do not despise prophecies.
Introduction
Our world today is often skeptical of the unheard, the unknown, and the divine. Our verse today, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, is a powerful reminder of the value God places on prophetic messages. Whether these messages come through his word, the Holy Spirit, or through others, God uses prophecies to reveal his plans and provide guidance to believers.
Paul, through his letter to the Thessalonians, challenges us to change our attitudes and reactions to prophecies. Our focus should not be on despising or treating them with contempt but embracing and discerning them within the framework of God’s Word.
Historical Context
The apostle Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians around 50-51 AD during his second missionary journey. Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Thessalonica after receiving good reports about their faith and love. The church, however, was facing persecution and had questions about the end times. Paul addressed these issues and encouraged the church to remain faithful, live morally, and to value prophetic utterances.
Key Word Analysis
Despise: The original Greek word is “exoutheneo,” which means to treat something as insignificant or to scorn.
Prophecies: Derived from the Greek word “propheteia,” which refers to the divine declarations or revelations from God.
Do not: This phrase, “me” in Greek, is an imperative command indicating an ongoing principle for Christian living.
Spiritual Insight
This verse reveals the high value God places on prophecy. It underscores the importance of listening to God’s voice and discerning it wisely. The verse also suggests the Holy Spirit’s active role in communicating prophetic insights, implying an ongoing, dynamic relationship between God and His people.
Life Application
As modern readers, we should approach prophecies with an open mind and a discerning heart, always testing them against the truth of Scripture. We should respect and value the ways God communicates with us, without allowing fear or skepticism to build walls of contempt.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, I know that the world can be confusing. The voices around you might be loud and many, but always remember to listen for the whispers of my Spirit. Do not scorn or ignore the prophecies, but test them and hold on to what is good. Remember, I am always speaking to you, guiding you, loving you.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, give us discernment to recognize Your voice in the midst of the noise. Help us to value and embrace the prophecies that You speak into our lives and enable us to align them with Your Word. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What does it mean to despise prophecies?
Ans: To despise prophecies is to treat them with contempt, to dismiss them as irrelevant, or to ignore their potential spiritual significance.
Ques: How can we discern true prophecies?
Ans: True prophecies align with Scripture, glorify God, and often bring edification, exhortation, and comfort to the hearers (1 Cor 14:3).
Ques: Are prophecies relevant today?
Ans: Yes, prophecies are still relevant today. God continues to speak and reveal His plans to His people through various means, including prophecies.
Ques: Is prophecy only about predicting the future?
Ans: No, prophecy can involve revealing God’s will or purpose, exhorting or comforting believers, and sometimes predicting the future.
Related Verses
1 Corinthians 14:3: But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
2 Peter 1:21: For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 19:10: For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
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