1 Thessalonians 5:20

“Despise not prophesyings”

“Despise”: To set at nought or view as being contemptible.

“Do not make light of prophetic gifts” (TCNT). “do not hold prophecy in low esteem” (Knox). “Do not scoff at those who prophesy” (Tay). Paul faced people who did not appreciate the truth that was revealed through Him by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:37). The various inspired teachers in Thessalonica may have faced the same attitude, especially as they tried to admonish the lazy among them. “The meddlers, and the loafers in Thessalonica may not have appreciated some of the utterances of the true prophets” (Hendriksen p. 140). From this and other passages it appears that spiritual gifts could not only be abused (1 Corinthians 14:1), but they could also fall into disuse (2 Timothy 1:6; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:32). When the New Testament was completely revealed, these gifts ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8). In addition, they could only be transferred through the laying on of the apostles hands (Acts 8:14 ff). People can still "despise" prophetic utterances, for the word of God is composed of one prophetic or inspired utterance after another (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20). When people claim that the Old Testament is. collection of myths they are despising the messages of the prophets. When people claim that the Bible has not been accurately transmitted they are despising the prophetic utterances of the apostles, and when people reject any teaching of Scripture they are despising or giving very little value to the fact that the Bible is inspired.

For those who contend for modern day inspiration; Stott notes: “If there were such inspired people in the church today, we would have to add their words to Scripture, and the whole church would have to listen and obey” (p. 127). That's an excellent point! Many people, afraid of offending someone or some group, will say something like, “Who is to say that they aren't speaking for God?” Yet if. person is speaking for God- then we must do what they say or perish! (1 Thessalonians 4:8)