1 Thessalonians 5:20

“Despise not prophesyings.”

Context:Let’s delve into a Bible study on 1 Thessalonians 5:20, which is found in the King James Version (KJV). This verse states:

To better understand this verse, it’s essential to consider its context within the larger passage. Let’s begin by examining the surrounding verses:

“Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:19‑22, KJV).

• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The preceding verse (1 Thessalonians 5:19) advises believers not to “quench” or suppress the Holy Spirit. This implies that the Holy Spirit is actively working among the believers, and they should not hinder His work or dismiss His influence in their lives.
• “Despise not prophesyings”: In 1 Thessalonians 5:20, the apostle Paul instructs the Thessalonian Christians not to despise or disregard prophecies. Prophecy, in this context, refers to the act of receiving and communicating messages from God through the Holy Spirit. It involves speaking forth divine revelations, edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).
• The Need for Discernment: The subsequent verse (1 Thessalonians 5:21) encourages believers to “prove all things” and discern what is good. It implies that not all prophecies or teachings should be accepted without discernment. Rather, they should be examined and tested against the standard of truth found in the Word of God.
• Abstaining from Evil: The passage concludes in verse 22 by advising believers to abstain from all appearance of evil. This admonition reinforces the call for discernment and highlights the importance of living a holy and blameless life, avoiding anything that might compromise their witness as followers of Christ.