1 Thessalonians 5:20

Translations

Modern

Do not treat prophecies with contempt,

Traditional

Despise not prophesyings.

Literal

Do not despise prophecies,

Latin

Prophetias nolite spernere.

Original

Greek

English

Do not treat prophecies with contempt,

Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:20–21

Do not treat prophecies with contempt: No one should dismiss prophecy intended to spiritually strengthen the church (1 Corinthians 14:1–4). Instead, the Thessalonians should evaluate the prophecies to understand where they come from. Paul says they should make sure any prophecies align with the apostles' teachings (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 4:1–3). The church should also assess the character of those who deliver the prophecies (Matthew 7:15–20).

Early Christian teaching stated, “Not everyone who speaks about spiritual things is a prophet, but only if the person’s behavior is like the Lord” (Didache 11:8). Paul encourages the Thessalonians to hold fast to what is good. Specifically, this means to test prophecies to see if they prove true.

1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:22

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Gift of Prophecy

Related verses

1 Corinthians 14:3–6
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:1
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:37–39
If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.
1 Corinthians 11:4
Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.
Numbers 11:25–29
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again.
1 Corinthians 14:22–25
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
Acts 19:6
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
1 Corinthians 14:29–32
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Ephesians 4:11–12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
1 Corinthians 13:9
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
1 Corinthians 12:10
…to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Being Neutral Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Miracles: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Or Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Prophecy: Despise Not Prophesying Religion: True

1 Thessalonians 5:20

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