Do not treat prophecies with contempt
Do not treat
The phrase "do not treat" is a directive that carries a sense of urgency and importance. In the original Greek, the verb used here is "exoutheneō," which means to despise or to hold in low regard. This is a strong admonition against dismissing or undervaluing something of great significance. In the context of the early church, where spiritual gifts were being manifested, this command underscores the necessity of maintaining a respectful and open attitude towards divine revelations. Historically, the early Christians were encouraged to discern and value the spiritual gifts, including prophecy, as they were vital for the edification and guidance of the church community.

prophecies
The term "prophecies" refers to messages that are divinely inspired, often concerning future events or providing insight into God's will. In the Greek, the word "prophēteia" is used, which encompasses both foretelling and forthtelling aspects of prophecy. In the early church, prophecy was a crucial gift of the Holy Spirit, serving to instruct, encourage, and sometimes correct the believers. The historical context of the Thessalonian church, which faced persecution and confusion about the return of Christ, made prophecy an essential tool for maintaining hope and doctrinal clarity. Scripturally, prophecy is seen as a means through which God communicates His plans and purposes, and it is to be received with reverence and discernment.

with contempt
The phrase "with contempt" translates the Greek word "exouthenēsis," which implies a dismissive or scornful attitude. This warning against contempt highlights the potential danger of disregarding God's messages, which can lead to spiritual stagnation or error. In the conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and openness to God's voice, as expressed through His prophets. The historical backdrop of the Thessalonian church, which was navigating challenges and awaiting Christ's return, underscores the need for a respectful and discerning approach to prophecy. This attitude ensures that the church remains aligned with God's will and receptive to His guidance.

(20) Despise not prophesyings.--The highest outward or charismatic manifestation of this inward fire was the gift of "prophecy" (1Corinthians 12:28; 1Corinthians 14:1; 1Corinthians 14:5; 1Corinthians 14:39), which was an inspired and inspiring preaching, The despondency of the Thessalonians led them not only to quench the fervour of the Holy Ghost in their own bosoms, but to turn a cold and disparaging ear to the sanguine "prophets" who preached to them, the effect of which insensibility was to "quench the Spirit" by degrees in the prophets also. It is because of this double effect of gloominess, inward upon themselves, and outward upon others, that the command, "Quench not," occurs between the exhortation to thanksgiving and the warning not to despise prophecy. This seems to be the most natural way of accounting for the present warning, but there are two other main interpretations:--(1) It is said that what tempted the Thessalonians to disparage prophecy was their fascination for the more showy gift of tongues. It is true that such was the case at Corinth, and not unnaturally so; and at first sight it seems as if, in 1Corinthians 14:1, "spiritual gifts" were contrasted with "prophecy" as two separate classes, thus giving some ground for Bishop Words-worth's interpretation of our present passage--viz., that 1Thessalonians 5:19 refers to the gifts of tongues, miracles, &c., in something of the same contrast with "prophecy" in 1Thessalonians 5:20 as may be found in 1Corinthians 14:39. But, on the other hand, it seems more likely that in 1Corinthians 14:1 prophecy is not contrasted with the spiritual gifts there specified as a separate class, but selected from among them: "It is all very well to covet spiritual gifts as a whole, but it would be better to aim more particularly at that one--prophecy--which is the greatest:" just so here, "Do not quench the Spirit, in whatever direction it may blaze up; but especially do not disparage preaching." Besides, there is nothing to prove that the Thessalonians were dazzled by the more brilliant gifts: and it accords better with the context to suppose that the fault to be corrected in them was not a light sensationalism, but a tendency to damp all ardour alike. (2) Others suppose that the Thessalonians had had experience of persons who had abused the gift of prophecy, and therefore were disposed to suspect and dislike prophecy altogether. This view gains support from 2Thessalonians 2:2, and also from the command in 1Thessalonians 5:21 to test, and retain only what stood the test. There is no particular ground for contradicting this view; but it is unnecessary, and does not carry on the thought so connectedly. . . . Verse 20. - Despise not prophesyings. This refers to the miraculous gift of prophecy possessed by the primitive Church. And by prophesyings here we are to understand, not the prediction of the future, but inspired discourse, conducive to the instruction and edification of the Church. "By the term 'prophesying,'" observes Calvin, "I do not understand the gift of foretelling the future, but the science of interpreting Scripture, so that a prophet is an interpreter of the will of God." This useful gift, it would seem, was apt to be despised, and the inferior miraculous gift of tongues to be preferred before it (1 Corinthians 14:1-3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Do not treat
ἐξουθενεῖτε (exoutheneite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1848: To set at naught, ignore, despise. A variation of exoudenoo and meaning the same.

prophecies {with contempt},
προφητείας (prophēteias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4394: Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Don't despise prophesies (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)