1 Thessalonians 5:20

Dutch 2023 (Venster Bijbel)

Veracht profetieën niet.

Wat betekent dit?

This verse from 1 Thessalonians says not to look down on prophecy or prophesying. Paul, the apostle, is speaking here and he emphasizes respecting people's gifts of prophecy.

Uitgelegd voor kinderen

Imagine if you had a friend who was really good at solving puzzles. You wouldn't want anyone to say your friend’s puzzle-solving isn’t important, right? In the same way, we shouldn't ignore or make fun of someone when they're sharing messages from God.

Historische achtergrond

The letter is written by Paul around AD 51-52 to the church at Thessalonica. The audience was a mix of Jewish and Gentile converts who needed encouragement and correction on various issues, including prophecy.

Toepassing voor vandaag

In today's world, when someone shares their spiritual insights or prophetic messages in your community, listen with respect rather than dismissing them immediately. This helps build a supportive and respectful environment.

Onderwerpen

• prophecy
• respect
• spiritual gifts
• church community
• encouragement
• reverence

Gerelateerde verzen

• 1 Corinthians 14:29
• Ephesians 4:11-13
• Acts 15:32
• Isaiah 8:20
• Numbers 11:24-25

Veelgestelde vragen

What does 'despise' mean in this context?

'Despise' here means to look down on or scorn. The verse warns against dismissing prophecy as unimportant.

How can we avoid despising prophesying?

To avoid despising, listen respectfully and try to understand the message within its context before making judgments about it.

What if someone's prophecy doesn't make sense?

If a prophecy is confusing, instead of dismissing it outright, seek clarity through prayer or by discussing with other believers who can offer insight.

Why does Paul emphasize not despising prophesying?

Paul wants to ensure that the church respects and values all gifts from God, including prophecy, because they serve to build up the community in faith and understanding.