Archive for the ‘Holy Spirit’ Category
Gift of Prophesy
We come now to the gift of prophesy found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 10.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia simply defines a prophet as, “The Seer and Speaker of God.”
The Old Testament prophets foretold the future, encouraged the believers, rebuked sinful acts and practices, warned of coming judgement and urged repentance. They spoke to secular and religious rulers as well as the general population.
In the New Testament we find a slightly different definition written in:-
1 Corinthians chapter 14 verse 3 but he who prophesies speaks to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort.
The foretelling of the future is not mentioned by the apostle Paul in this letter to the Corinthian Church. Yet, we find that Agabus foretold of a famine (Acts chapter 11 verses 27-28) and Paul’s coming sufferings (Acts chapter 21 verses 10-11). So, we must conclude that revealing future events was still part of the prophet’s role. Only a few other prophets are directly named or referred to in the New Testament. Judas and Silas (Acts chapter 15 verse 32); the four daughters of Philip (Acts chapter 21 verses 8-9); the prophets at Antioch (Acts chapter 13 verse 1): The apostles also appear to have had this gift as well; Paul predicts that none of the ships crew will be lost (Acts chapter 27 verses 23-26).
As stated in the previous topic some churches believe that the role of a prophet is no longer valid. As with the apostles there is no longer a need for them as the church is established and the Bible the canon of Scripture is readily available. Prophecy met a unique need in the early church but is no longer needed as the Bible is the complete revelation of God. This line of thought partially comes from:-
Ephesians 2 verse 20 (we the church) are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.
And
1 Corinthians chapter 13 verses 8–13:-
Charity never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be abolished; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be abolished. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when the perfect thing comes, then that which is in part will be caused to cease. When I was an infant, I spoke as an infant, I thought as an infant, I reasoned as an infant. But when I became a man, I did away with the things of an infant. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know even as I also am fully known. And now faith, hope, charity, these three remain; but the greatest of these is charity.
It depends on whether Paul the author was referring to the abolition of prophecies, tongues and knowledge occurring at the establishment of the church and the Bible or when God’s Kingdom is fully established. As the church is established the foundation (Ephesians 2 verse 20) is complete and has fulfilled its role. If Paul is referring to the church and the Bible then these three gifts are surplus to requirements. If he is referring to God’s Kingdom then they are still relevant.
Paul also says in Romans 12 verse 6:-
Then having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith.
He was speaking about the believers (church) having different roles within the church. He was referring to the same in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 verse 3 where he said that prophesy was for instruction, encouragement and comfort of the believers. All three are still required in today’s churches. It is true to say that teachers and pastors do provide these requirements but it does not necessarily mean that the office of a prophet is defunct.
Ephesians 4 verses 11-12:-
And truly He (Christ) gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
This passage of Scripture puts all these offices and giftings as running concurrently not in a contradictory manner.
Whichever view you hold there are people prophesying in the churches today. If you believe the office of a prophet is obsolete you will not heed them anyway: If you believe that prophecy is still relevant today it is wise to check out what they are saying rather than blindly believing them. The Old Testament gives warnings about false prophets and heeding what they say (Deuteronomy chapter 13 verses 1-5). The words of a prophet should always lead you into God’s truth, if they are not in line with Scripture they are not from God: Also if they prove to be false they are not from God. So, called contemporary prophets have predicted all manner of things from earthquakes to revivals which have not occurred and are still prominent in churches. Jesus Christ Himself gave them a warning in
Matthew chapter 7 verses 22-23:-
Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works? And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness!
The warning is there for all to see, these are people calling Jesus Christ, Lord they are claiming to be professing believers with gifts. Yet, Jesus has rejected them. If Jesus chooses to reject such people then we need to be very wary of those proclaiming to be prophets.
All Bible quotes taken from the modern King James version.