1 Thessalonians 5:20
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Despise not prophesyings - Do not suppose that ye have no need of continual instruction; without it ye cannot preserve the Christian life, nor go on to perfection. God will ever send a message of salvation by each of his ministers to every faithful, attentive hearer. Do not suppose that ye are already wise enough; you are no more wise enough than you are holy enough. They who slight or neglect the means of grace, and especially the preaching of God's holy word, are generally vain, empty, self-conceited people, and exceedingly superficial both in knowledge and piety.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
prophesyings--whether exercised in inspired teaching, or in predicting the future. "Despised" by some as beneath "tongues," which seemed most miraculous; therefore declared by Paul to be a greater gift than tongues, though the latter were more showy (Co1 14:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Abstain from all appearance of evil. Of doctrinal evil. Not only open error and heresy are to be avoided, but what has any show of it, or looks like it, or carries in it a suspicion of it, or may be an occasion thereof, or lead unto it; wherefore all new words and phrases of this kind should be shunned, and the form of sound words held fast; and so of all practical evil, not only from sin itself, and all sorts of sin, lesser or greater, as the (w) Jews have a saying, "take care of a light as of a heavy commandment,'' that is, take care of committing a lesser, as a greater sin, and from the first motions of sin; but from every occasion of it, and what leads unto it, and has the appearance of it, or may be suspected of others to be sin, and so give offence, and be a matter of scandal. The Jews have a saying very agreeable to this (x), "remove thyself afar off (or abstain) from filthiness, and from everything, , "that is like unto it".'' (w) Pirke Abot, c. 2. sect. 1. (x) Apud Drusium in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20-21 Prophecy, meant to build up the church (1 Cor 14:1-4), should not be rejected. Instead, the Thessalonians should test the prophecies (1 Cor 12:10; 14:29) to discern their origin, to check their agreement with the teaching of the apostles (2 Thes 2:2; 1 Jn 4:1-3), and to gauge the character of those who utter them (Matt 7:15-20). Early Christian teaching said, “Not everyone who speaks about spiritual things is a prophet, but only if the person’s conduct is like the Lord” (Didache 11:8). They should hold on to what is good—namely, prophecies that have been tested and found to be genuine.
1 Thessalonians 5:20
Christian Living
19Do not extinguish the Spirit.20Do not treat prophecies with contempt,21but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Second Coming
By A.W. Tozer3.0K53:21Second ComingPSA 84:7MAT 6:33JHN 14:31CO 15:25EPH 4:111TH 5:20HEB 10:25The sermon transcript is about the preacher's intention to talk about the coming of the Lord Jesus and not about details or schedules. The preacher shares a personal story about his joy and relief upon being reunited with his daughter after a difficult time in the military. He emphasizes the importance of being together and the value of family. The preacher also mentions the lack of focus on prophetic teaching in current Bible conferences compared to the past.
The Gift of Prophecy
By Brian Guerin346:06ProphecySpiritual GiftsZEC 4:7MAT 7:16ACT 2:17ROM 12:61CO 13:11CO 14:1EPH 4:111TH 5:201PE 4:10REV 19:10Brian Guerin emphasizes the significance of prophecy in the Christian life, encouraging believers to pursue a personal relationship with God and to be open to the gifts of the Spirit, particularly prophecy. He illustrates the importance of bearing fruit in one's life as a reflection of one's walk with the Lord, and he shares personal anecdotes to highlight the necessity of encouragement and edification within the church community. Guerin also addresses the misconceptions surrounding prophecy, advocating for a healthy approach that allows for growth and learning, while emphasizing that prophecy should be rooted in love and aimed at building up the church. He encourages the congregation to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, assuring them that mistakes are part of the learning process, and ultimately, the goal is to glorify God and strengthen one another.
Stand Up, Ye Prophets of the Lord
By George Fox0ProphecyFaithfulness in Ministry1TH 5:20George Fox urges the prophets of the Lord to boldly proclaim the truth and not to be discouraged by the world's disdain for prophecy. He emphasizes the importance of remaining true to their divine calling and responding to the God-given insights within themselves and others. Fox encourages both men and women in ministry to stay grounded in their spiritual gifts while warning against pride and the dangers of straying from God's guidance. He reminds them that true prophecy leads to the Son of God, who is the ultimate judge of their actions.
Epistle 291
By George Fox0GEN 2:18GEN 3:16ACT 9:36ACT 18:241CO 7:141CO 14:34COL 2:61TH 5:20TIT 2:3REV 12:17George Fox preaches about the importance of women in the church, highlighting their roles as disciples, prophetesses, teachers, and elders. He emphasizes that women are to be obedient to Christ, prophesy, and keep the comely order of the gospel just like men. Fox encourages women to take their possession in the gospel order, walk in Christ Jesus, and fulfill their stewardship in the Lord. He also addresses the significance of elder women, referring to them as mothers in the church who nurture, teach, and admonish others in spiritual matters.
Iv. the Unveiled Prophecy Sign
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 12:9JOL 2:28AMO 3:7MAT 24:29ACT 1:71CO 14:3EPH 3:51TH 5:202PE 1:19REV 1:3Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of understanding prophecy, especially in relation to 'the time of the end' and 'The day of the Lord' as mentioned in Daniel and Matthew. He highlights the increasing unveiling of prophecy in modern times, contrasting the past neglect with the current surge in interest through conventions, conferences, and literature. Chafer urges the audience not to dismiss those studying prophecy as fanatics, but to recognize the significance of comprehending God's plan through prophecy, which serves as a foundation for missions.
Only Scripture - 3
By Anton Bosch0DEU 4:2MAT 15:6ACT 20:271CO 4:6GAL 1:81TH 5:202TH 2:9REV 22:18Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of not adding to the Scriptures, highlighting the severe curses pronounced by God, Moses, Jesus, and Paul on those who do so. He warns against the trend of adding traditions, church council decisions, and other extra-biblical teachings that distort the truth. The sermon underscores the need to test all teachings against the Word of God, rejecting anything that cannot be supported by clear and unequivocal Scripture, regardless of how appealing it may sound.
The Psychic Discoveries in the Last Days
By Jessie Penn-Lewis01CO 14:3EPH 4:111TH 5:202PE 1:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising prophetic utterances, which involves treating messages of prophecy with contempt or disregarding them as worthless. The command to not despise prophetic utterances is directed to the entire church, urging believers to value and respect the messages brought by prophets or preachers. The prophetic gift is explained as the declaration of God's will, aimed at edifying, exhorting, and comforting believers. The preacher warns against underestimating the wisdom found in prophetic utterances, highlighting the significance of listening attentively to God's message for spiritual growth and guidance.
Expectations for 2012
By Allan Halton0JOB 38:12PSA 97:8MAL 4:11TH 5:20HEB 12:27Allan Halton addresses the skepticism surrounding annual prophecies, emphasizing the importance of discerning true prophetic words by testing and holding onto only what is good. He predicts great shakings in the coming year, both in the world and the church, as a sign of God's judgment and promise of an unshakable Kingdom. Halton reminds the audience of God's righteousness and impending judgment on evil, offering a message of salvation for those who fear the Lord amidst the impending shakings and darkness in the world.
On the Vocal Ministry
By Ruth M. Pitman0PRO 15:281CO 14:3EPH 4:111TH 5:201PE 4:101JN 4:1Ruth M. Pitman preaches about the importance of a Meeting united in faith in the prophetic ministry, where individuals believe God speaks to them, guides them, and calls them to action. In such a Meeting, messages are carefully considered before being spoken, with the understanding that not every message is meant for everyone, but all are to be listened to with sensitivity and reverence. The speaker's identity is unimportant, as the focus is on the message being from God, not the individual. This type of Meeting can accept messages from anyone, even children or strangers, recognizing that God can speak through anyone, regardless of their understanding of the ministry.
Epistle 275
By George Fox0GEN 26:15JOL 2:28JHN 4:6JHN 16:13ACT 7:51ROM 10:101CO 14:312CO 10:141TH 5:20HEB 6:201PE 2:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of not quenching the spirit of God within oneself or in others, as it can lead to spiritual deadness and questioning due to false fear. He urges obedience to the power of the Lord and His spiritual weapons to combat hindrances. Fox encourages believers to embrace the prophetic spirit, allowing everyone to offer spiritual sacrifices and declare God's truths. He highlights the significance of feeling the Holy Spirit, building upon Christ as the foundation, and laboring in God's vineyard with heavenly treasures as rewards for those who diligently serve.
The Chief Cornerstone
By G.W. North0The Role of Prophets in the ChurchThe Gift of ProphecyJER 1:5AMO 3:7ACT 2:171CO 12:281CO 14:1EPH 2:201TH 5:20HEB 1:12PE 1:21REV 19:10G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the gift of Prophecy within the Church, highlighting its esteemed position as second only to the apostles. He explains that the Church is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. North points out that the title 'Prophet' is derived solely from the gift of Prophecy, underscoring its importance over other gifts. He illustrates this by referencing Elijah, who, despite performing miracles, was recognized primarily as a prophet. Ultimately, North encourages believers to seek the gift of Prophecy as the most valuable tool for communicating God's word.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Despise not prophesyings - Do not suppose that ye have no need of continual instruction; without it ye cannot preserve the Christian life, nor go on to perfection. God will ever send a message of salvation by each of his ministers to every faithful, attentive hearer. Do not suppose that ye are already wise enough; you are no more wise enough than you are holy enough. They who slight or neglect the means of grace, and especially the preaching of God's holy word, are generally vain, empty, self-conceited people, and exceedingly superficial both in knowledge and piety.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
prophesyings--whether exercised in inspired teaching, or in predicting the future. "Despised" by some as beneath "tongues," which seemed most miraculous; therefore declared by Paul to be a greater gift than tongues, though the latter were more showy (Co1 14:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Abstain from all appearance of evil. Of doctrinal evil. Not only open error and heresy are to be avoided, but what has any show of it, or looks like it, or carries in it a suspicion of it, or may be an occasion thereof, or lead unto it; wherefore all new words and phrases of this kind should be shunned, and the form of sound words held fast; and so of all practical evil, not only from sin itself, and all sorts of sin, lesser or greater, as the (w) Jews have a saying, "take care of a light as of a heavy commandment,'' that is, take care of committing a lesser, as a greater sin, and from the first motions of sin; but from every occasion of it, and what leads unto it, and has the appearance of it, or may be suspected of others to be sin, and so give offence, and be a matter of scandal. The Jews have a saying very agreeable to this (x), "remove thyself afar off (or abstain) from filthiness, and from everything, , "that is like unto it".'' (w) Pirke Abot, c. 2. sect. 1. (x) Apud Drusium in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20-21 Prophecy, meant to build up the church (1 Cor 14:1-4), should not be rejected. Instead, the Thessalonians should test the prophecies (1 Cor 12:10; 14:29) to discern their origin, to check their agreement with the teaching of the apostles (2 Thes 2:2; 1 Jn 4:1-3), and to gauge the character of those who utter them (Matt 7:15-20). Early Christian teaching said, “Not everyone who speaks about spiritual things is a prophet, but only if the person’s conduct is like the Lord” (Didache 11:8). They should hold on to what is good—namely, prophecies that have been tested and found to be genuine.