1 thessalonians 5:20 - Don’t despise prophesies.
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What does "1 thessalonians 5:20" mean?
The verse "Don't despise prophecies" (1 Thessalonians 5:20) in the New Testament encourages believers not to treat prophetic utterances or messages with contempt or disregard. To understand its meaning, it's helpful to consider the context of the passage and the nature of prophecy in early Christian communities.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
Don't Despise/Treat with Contempt: The Greek word translated as "despise" (ἐξουθενέω, exoutheneo) carries the sense of holding something in low regard, treating it as worthless, or rejecting it without proper consideration. It implies a negative and dismissive attitude.
Prophecies: In the context of 1 Thessalonians and the early church, "prophecies" refers to messages, revelations, or inspired utterances spoken by individuals believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit. These prophecies could include:
Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort: (1 Corinthians 14:3) Prophecy aimed to build up the church, encourage believers, and offer comfort.
Revelation of God's Will: Prophecies might reveal God's specific direction or intention for individuals or the community.
Foretelling the Future (Less Common): While some prophecies could involve predicting future events, this wasn't necessarily the primary focus.
Why Not Despise Prophecies?
Paul's instruction to not despise prophecies stems from several reasons:
1. The Source of Prophecy: If prophecy truly comes from the Holy Spirit, then despising it is akin to despising the Spirit's work.
2. Potential for Good: Prophecy, when genuine, can be a valuable means of spiritual growth, guidance, and encouragement for the church.
3. Discernment is Key, Not Dismissal: Paul doesn't say to blindly accept all prophecies. In verse 21, he immediately adds, "Test all things; hold fast what is good." The emphasis is on careful evaluation and discernment, not outright rejection.
4. Maintaining Unity: Despising prophecies can create division and tension within the community, hindering the work of the Holy Spirit.
Context is Important
It's crucial to read 1 Thessalonians 5:20 alongside the next verse, 5:21, "Test all things; hold fast what is good." This clarifies that Paul isn't advocating for unquestioning acceptance of every prophetic utterance. Instead, he's urging believers to:
Be Open: Don't automatically dismiss prophetic messages.
Be Discerning: Evaluate them carefully, comparing them to Scripture, the character of the speaker, and the overall harmony of the message with Christian teaching.
Embrace What is True: If a prophecy is found to be genuine and beneficial, embrace it and act upon it.
In summary:
"Don't despise prophecies" means believers should not dismiss or treat prophetic utterances with contempt. They should approach them with an open mind, carefully evaluate them, and embrace what is genuine and beneficial while rejecting what is false or harmful. This requires discernment and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide their understanding.
1 thessalonians 5:20 - Don’t despise prophesies.
What does "1 thessalonians 5:20" mean?
The verse "Don't despise prophecies" (1 Thessalonians 5:20) in the New Testament encourages believers not to treat prophetic utterances or messages with contempt or disregard. To understand its meaning, it's helpful to consider the context of the passage and the nature of prophecy in early Christian communities.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
Don't Despise/Treat with Contempt: The Greek word translated as "despise" (ἐξουθενέω, exoutheneo) carries the sense of holding something in low regard, treating it as worthless, or rejecting it without proper consideration. It implies a negative and dismissive attitude.
Prophecies: In the context of 1 Thessalonians and the early church, "prophecies" refers to messages, revelations, or inspired utterances spoken by individuals believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit. These prophecies could include:
Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort: (1 Corinthians 14:3) Prophecy aimed to build up the church, encourage believers, and offer comfort.
Revelation of God's Will: Prophecies might reveal God's specific direction or intention for individuals or the community.
Foretelling the Future (Less Common): While some prophecies could involve predicting future events, this wasn't necessarily the primary focus.
Why Not Despise Prophecies?
Paul's instruction to not despise prophecies stems from several reasons:
1. The Source of Prophecy: If prophecy truly comes from the Holy Spirit, then despising it is akin to despising the Spirit's work.
2. Potential for Good: Prophecy, when genuine, can be a valuable means of spiritual growth, guidance, and encouragement for the church.
3. Discernment is Key, Not Dismissal: Paul doesn't say to blindly accept all prophecies. In verse 21, he immediately adds, "Test all things; hold fast what is good." The emphasis is on careful evaluation and discernment, not outright rejection.
4. Maintaining Unity: Despising prophecies can create division and tension within the community, hindering the work of the Holy Spirit.
Context is Important
It's crucial to read 1 Thessalonians 5:20 alongside the next verse, 5:21, "Test all things; hold fast what is good." This clarifies that Paul isn't advocating for unquestioning acceptance of every prophetic utterance. Instead, he's urging believers to:
Be Open: Don't automatically dismiss prophetic messages.
Be Discerning: Evaluate them carefully, comparing them to Scripture, the character of the speaker, and the overall harmony of the message with Christian teaching.
Embrace What is True: If a prophecy is found to be genuine and beneficial, embrace it and act upon it.
In summary:
"Don't despise prophecies" means believers should not dismiss or treat prophetic utterances with contempt. They should approach them with an open mind, carefully evaluate them, and embrace what is genuine and beneficial while rejecting what is false or harmful. This requires discernment and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide their understanding.