1 Thessalonians 5:20
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1 Thessalonians 5:20
20 Despise not prophesyings.
Chapter Context
1 Thessalonians 5 is a eschatological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, wisdom. Written during Paul's second missionary journey (c. 50-51 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: New believers faced persecution from both Jewish opposition and pagan neighbors.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Thessalonians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Thessalonians 5:20
20 Despise not prophesyings.
Analysis
Despise not prophesyings—prophēteias mē exoutheneite (προφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε, 'prophecies do not despise'). Exoutheneō (ἐξουθενέω, 'to despise, treat with contempt, make of no account') indicates active rejection. Prophēteia (προφητεία) in NT means both foretelling (predicting future) and forthtelling (declaring God's message). Paul emphasizes the latter: prophecy is Spirit-inspired utterance for 'edification, and exhortation, and comfort' (1 Cor 14:3). Believers shouldn't despise prophetic ministry by
- rejecting all claims to prophetic gifting
- silencing prophetic voices
- treating prophecy as inferior to teaching
- assuming revelation ceased with apostles.
Why would believers despise prophecy? Possible reasons: (1) false prophets caused suspicion of all prophecy, (2) rationalistic mindset rejects supernatural communication, (3) concern for order suppresses spontaneous utterances, (4) clerical hierarchy restricts prophetic ministry to ordained leaders.
Paul forbids despising prophecy while commanding testing (v. 21)—both/and, not either/or. Don't reject prophecy wholesale (quenching the Spirit) but don't accept uncritically (abandoning discernment). Test prophecies; retain good; reject evil (vv. 21-22).
Historical Context
Early church prophecy was common (Acts 11:27-28; 13:1; 21:9-11; 1 Cor 14:29-33). Prophets spoke spontaneous Spirit-inspired messages during worship, providing guidance, warning, encouragement. Some apparently despised these utterances as disorderly or inferior to teaching. Paul defends prophecy's value (1 Cor 14:1: 'desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy') while regulating practice (1 Cor 14:29-33). Later church history saw decline in prophetic ministry, with institutionalization prioritizing hierarchical teaching over charismatic utterance. Pentecostal/charismatic renewal recovered prophetic emphasis, though imbalanced practices sometimes vindicated earlier suspicions.
Reflection
- How do you avoid despising prophetic utterances while maintaining biblical discernment to test them?
- What role should prophecy (Spirit-inspired messages for edification, exhortation, comfort) play in contemporary church life?
- How do you distinguish between legitimate concern for order and 'despising prophecy' through suppression of charismatic gifts?