In 1 Thess 5:20, we are told to not despise prophesyings.?

Question

Does this mean not to discourage people who have prophetic gifts? Why would one do that?

Answer 1

Let us look at the whole Chapter. It is telling us how to live our lives so that we will not be led astray. Let us look at the previous verse which is in the very same sentence.

19. Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
20. do not treat prophecies with contempt.

When The Holy Spirit comes upon a person, it is like a fire. It consumes us without destroying us(Just like the burning bush). But we can put that very same Spirit out by having a too critical mind. If we look down upon those who Prophecy over us, who are in the Church, or by puting God in a box and saying that God can and can not do something. Or by even saying that God has changed and that He does not do things the old way anymore. God has never closed the door to revelations. I know because He gives me revelations all the time. He speaks to me and to everyone who has turned from their sins and allowed Jesus to be the Lord over their Life. God has chosen me to be an Apostle. I was appointed by God, Himself, and not by men.

God is in control of our life and we have to trust that He is leading us, therfore we must believe that the ones that God has been put over us for a reason.

Now let's look at the following verse.
21. Test everything. Hold on to the good.
22. Avoid every kind of evil.

This means that we should check everything by testing it by comparing it with the Word of God, not man's interpretations. If it does not contradict the Word, then it is good. This means that you must read the whole Bible for yourself with the help of the Holy Spirit, so that you, yourself, can discern the Spirit of Living God.

I hope that this helps you, Please write me if you have anymore questions. I will be glad to help.

Sincerely Yours, Pastor Jeff Ludin, An Apostle Of Jesus

Answer 2

Revelatory prophetic utterances (1 Cor. 12:10) were limited to the apostolic era. But the non-revelatory gift of prophecy is permanent, as preachers are called to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2), that is, proclaim the divine record. When Paul preached in Berea, the believers were "examining the Scriptures daily" to see if what he said was true. That was a noble and excellent response (Acts 17:10–11). Prophecy is essential to the health of the church, which is why Paul urged the Thessalonians not to despise it.

Answer 3

People discourage prophecy all the time.

There were a lot of false prophets in Jerusalem and Christ warns against false prophets.

When it comes to the Bible, there is nothing really to add accept preachings and doctrines that may bring out different verses to contemplate.

One has to be careful to remember the union of charity and faith.

A good heart or reborn heart is a requirement, not an option. Kindness and (chaste) love are mentioned in the Bible as essential.

Answer 4

I think you're making the mistake of reading verses, and not whole sections.

Thessalonians 5:12-22 is telling the Christians of Thessalonica to treat each other appropriately:

12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

It tells them to keep a Christian outlook:

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

And to treat holy beliefs and writings in their hearts, but to keep testing them to see if they are still true:

19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.

And I have to say this verse really strengthens my Liberal Christianity. I do test the Bible, and if something seems to cause hurt and evil, then I suspect it is not really of God.

++++++ Wow, I didn't read all the way down bvefore I answered. Apostle Jeff says almost the same thing as I do at first, then comes to the opposite conclusion. Not intentional, but kind of cool.

Answer 5

Yes,that is what it means....I think the verse before this says to not quench the Spirit,also. I assume that Paul was simply exhorting the Thessolonians to be open the moving of the Spirit of God....to allow it during corporate gatherings....possibly some were hampering the flow of the Spirit as He moved on those who had prophetic gifts.

Answer 6

poor tanslation has caused misunderstanding for a long time... The last Prophet... in the sence of giving direct revelation from
God... was John The Baptist... Since Christ came and compleated(fullfiled) what had been prophesied... the word translated prophesy should be rendered teach... which is also a valid definition of prophesying... that is what Paul did, he taught what Christ had given... There is no more to be given of God's Word and Will for mankind... it is all within the teaching of Christ... with the exception of Rvelation... which is for the time of that will bring the return of, and reign of, Christ.

look at the verse 21 it tells to "prove" or to test wha is being taught by those teaching(prophesying)... the faithful are not to take the word of any man... all are to study for themselves, to prove what is being taught i correct when compaired to the teaching of Christ Himself... Paul never claimed to be giving a new message or recvelation from God... only giveing what Christ taught... and he chalenged all who heard him to comepare, prove, test, what he said with what Christ taught.

Answer 7

Many people don't want to hear what a true prophet has to say.
many people today deny the Holy Spirit can still talk through prophets.

Answer 8

Do not treat prophesyings with contempt. 21 Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. 22 Abstain from every form of wickedness.
read the entire context of the thought.

Answer 9

despise would mean to hate the one who prophesyings..
I think it would be not to hate them that give messages to you or others..Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't strifle those who have a word from the Master, on the other hand don't be gullible. check out everything and keep only what is good..that is out of the message Bible..Instead of refusing to listen it says to listen and check it out what is being said..

Answer 10

Most people, even Christians, do not believe when someone is shown to be a prophet. They lack faith.