Topical Bible: Prophecy: Despise Not

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The exhortation to "despise not" prophecy is rooted in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 , Paul instructs the believers, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This directive underscores the importance of prophecy within the early Christian community and provides guidance on how believers should approach prophetic messages.

Understanding Prophecy

In the biblical context, prophecy is a divinely inspired message or revelation, often concerning future events or the will of God. Prophets, both in the Old and New Testaments, served as God's spokespersons, delivering messages that could include warnings, encouragement, or insights into God's plans. The role of prophecy is multifaceted, serving to edify, exhort, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3).

The Importance of Prophecy

The instruction not to despise prophecy highlights its significance in the life of the church. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10) and is intended to build up the body of Christ. By dismissing or treating prophecies with contempt, believers risk ignoring divine guidance and missing out on spiritual growth and direction.

Testing Prophecies

While prophecy is valuable, Paul also emphasizes the need for discernment. Instructing believers to "test all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) implies that not every prophetic message is automatically from God. The early church was aware of false prophets and misleading teachings, necessitating a careful evaluation of prophetic words. This testing involves comparing the prophecy with Scripture, examining the character and fruit of the prophet, and seeking confirmation through prayer and the counsel of mature believers.

Holding Fast to What is Good

Once a prophecy has been tested and found to be genuine, believers are encouraged to "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This means embracing and acting upon the true and beneficial aspects of the prophecy. By doing so, the church can be strengthened and guided in accordance with God's will.

Historical and Theological Context

Throughout church history, the role and interpretation of prophecy have varied. In the early church, prophecy was a common and expected manifestation of the Spirit's work. However, as the canon of Scripture was established, some traditions placed less emphasis on contemporary prophecy, viewing the Bible as the complete and sufficient revelation of God's will. Despite these differences, the call to respect and properly discern prophecy remains relevant.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the principle of not despising prophecy encourages openness to the Spirit's work while maintaining a commitment to biblical truth. Believers are called to be receptive to prophetic insights, yet vigilant in ensuring that such messages align with the teachings of Scripture. This balanced approach fosters a healthy environment where prophecy can thrive and contribute to the spiritual vitality of the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 5:20
Despise not prophesyings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... is an index of our aspiration, and our aspiration is a prophecy of our ... Therefore,
'see that ye despise not one of these little ones,' each of whom is held by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

So, Lord, So, I Beseech Thee, Let There Spring Up...
... Let us clothe the naked, and despise not those of our ... and in Thy years which fail
not, Thou preparest ... the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xviii so lord so.htm

Being About to Prove that the Will, the Calling...
... Do not, then, like a Jew, despise the Son, Whom ... you would despise Isaiah, you would
despise Jeremiah, whom ... the Jews, despising the word of prophecy, had cast ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x being about to.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." The apostle
cautioned the Thessalonians not to despise the gift of prophecy, and in ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

Encouragement for the Depressed
... by this question, "Who hath despised the day of small things?" and by a subsequent
prophecy which removed ... Therefore, despise not the time of small discernment. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/encouragement for the depressed.htm

Of the Lights and Stars of Heaven --Of Day and Night, Ver. 14
... [1295] Let us clothe the naked, and despise not those of ... and in Thy years which fail
not [1306] Thou ... the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xviii of the lights and.htm

Depravity Lies at the Bottom of Demon-Worship.
... and you say that she has the gift of prophecy. ... you are superior to the passions,
you will despise all worldly ... Do not abhor us who have made this attainment, but ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xix depravity lies at the.htm

Prophecies of the Death of Christ.
... you cannot suppose that this is the prophecy of any ... in their obstinacy, [3364] reject
and despise all these ... cross of His Christ; but they will not prove from ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xix prophecies of the death.htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... All things that thou lovest, despise, that thou be not kept ... of men and of Angels,
but, have not charity, I ... yet another; "if I should have all prophecy, and all ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcii on the same.htm

Of the Beatific vision.
... Lord Jesus also said, "See that ye despise not one of ... there is no reason why we should
not understand this of ... God," [1683] no doubt they were a prophecy of the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 29 of the beatific vision.htm