1 Thessalonians 5:20 – “Do not treat prophecies with contempt.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Paul gives a clear warning: don’t look down on or ignore prophecies. In the early church, prophecy was one of the ways God spoke to His people-through messages that revealed His will, encouraged the church, or warned of things to come. Some of these prophetic words were spoken by leaders, others by ordinary believers moved by the Holy Spirit.
To “treat prophecies with contempt” means to dismiss them, mock them, or push them aside as unimportant or suspicious. Paul urges the Thessalonians not to fall into that kind of attitude. Instead, they should take prophecy seriously-but not blindly. In the next verse (5:21), he tells them to test everything, which shows that prophecy must be handled with both openness and discernment.
The big idea is this: when God speaks-whether through Scripture or spiritual gifts-we must not harden our hearts or close our ears.
Historical Context
In the first-century church, believers didn’t have the complete New Testament yet. So God often used prophecy to guide and strengthen the church. It was a gift mentioned alongside teaching, encouragement, and leadership.
But not all prophecy was genuine. Some false teachers and fake prophets claimed to speak for God but led people into error. As a result, some churches became overly cautious or even cynical toward anything labeled prophetic.
It’s likely that in Thessalonica, some believers had become skeptical and were beginning to reject all prophecy altogether. Paul is correcting that mindset. He’s saying: don’t go to the extreme of shutting everything down just because some people misuse it. Be wise, but be open to what God might want to say.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that God still communicates with His people and that we should be careful not to reject His voice. While today we have the full Bible-God’s final and perfect Word-there’s still a need for spiritual sensitivity. God uses preaching, teaching, encouragement, and sometimes timely personal insights (what some might call “prophetic words”) to build up the church.
Paul’s command here reminds us to stay open to how God might speak, while also testing what we hear by His Word. We’re not called to accept everything without question, but we are called to be receptive, humble, and discerning.
This verse also reminds us that spiritual gifts-especially those that involve speaking truth-are for the good of the church and should be welcomed, not rejected.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short, punchy, and direct. The phrase “do not treat… with contempt” implies an attitude issue. Paul isn’t just talking about actions but about heart posture. He’s warning against dismissiveness, cynicism, or pride that keeps us from listening.
The verse flows from the previous command (“Do not quench the Spirit”) and leads into the next one (“Test everything”). Together, these form a balanced teaching: don’t shut the Spirit down, but don’t believe everything uncritically. It’s a call to spiritual maturity.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 14:1 – “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 – “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
- Acts 2:17 – “In the last days… your sons and daughters will prophesy.”
- 1 John 4:1 – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
- Hebrews 1:1–2 – “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a challenge to stay open to how God may speak-not just through Scripture (which is our highest authority), but also through Spirit-filled teaching, godly counsel, and encouragement from others. We’re called to be neither gullible nor closed off.
If someone shares a word that lines up with God’s truth and is spoken in humility and love, we shouldn’t automatically reject it. We should listen, pray, compare it with Scripture, and let God confirm what’s true.
It’s also a reminder not to be prideful or dismissive when others speak truth into our lives-especially when it’s convicting or uncomfortable. God often speaks through people to get our attention.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God is a God who speaks. From the beginning, He has always revealed Himself through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. He doesn’t leave us guessing. When God sends a word-whether through Scripture, a sermon, or someone speaking truth into our lives-it’s because He loves us and wants to guide us.
This verse shows that God doesn’t want us to miss out on what He’s saying. He calls us to listen-not because He’s trying to control us, but because He knows what’s best and wants us to walk in His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate Word from God. Hebrews 1:2 tells us that God “has spoken to us by His Son.” Everything we hear, whether it comes through teaching, encouragement, or a prophetic word, must be measured by Jesus and His truth.
During His ministry, Jesus warned against false prophets (Matthew 7:15), but He also affirmed that the Spirit would come and guide His followers into all truth (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit always points us back to Christ-so anything truly from God will reflect the character and truth of Jesus.
Listening carefully and humbly to the Spirit, through the lens of Christ, is how we stay rooted and safe in truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever been quick to dismiss something someone shared with you spiritually? Why?
- How can you grow in being both open to the Spirit and discerning with what you hear?
- What helps you test and confirm whether something truly comes from God?
- Are there any voices or influences you’ve been treating with contempt that God may be using to speak truth to you?
- How does remembering that God speaks out of love help you stay humble and teachable?