Monday | 01 June 2026
Addressing the Jews at Antioch in Pisidia, the apostle Paul said, ‘Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: “Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you”.’ Act 13:40‑41. A ‘despiser’ is a person who claims to be a believer, but who, on account of their self‑righteousness, is unable to receive the commands of Christ that are proclaimed by His messengers. Consequently, they are unable to lay hold of the faith that comes by hearing the word and, for this reason, they ‘will by no means believe’.
Elsewhere in the Scriptures, the despiser is described as a scorner or a mocker. For example, King Solomon wrote, ‘A scoffer [equally, ‘scorner’] seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands’. Pro 14:6. The scorner assumes the liberty to judge Christ’s messengers, their word, and its implications, on account of their presumed competence, expertise, experience or gift. They may, or may not, be malicious in their retort, but through their judgements place themselves in a position of superiority.
Jesus drew attention to this demeanour, or attitude, when He contrasted the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector. Luke recorded this lesson in his Gospel, writing, ‘He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess’.” ’ Luk 18:9‑12.
Further Study:
Psalm 1
References:
Act 13:40-41
Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.’
Pro 14:6
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.
Luk 18:9-12
Also, He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” ’