PROPHECY and PROPHETS - A Bible perspective

7/27/2019 PROPHECY and PROPHETS - A Bible perspective

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/prophecy-and-prophets-a-bible-perspective 1/23

1

PROPHECY and PROPHETS(From a Biblical perspective)

Old Testament Bible Prophets

From a biblical perspective all “true” prophecy is based on the premise borneout at 2 Peter 1:20,21., where it says; “Above all, you must understand that no

prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves 21; or becausethey wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets tospeak from God”. NLT

The primary thing we must recognize about true prophecy (God givenprophecy) is that a true prophet speak s God‟s thoughts and wishes, not thethoughts or wishes of either the individual or the organization he or she may

represent. That being said how are we to recognize whether a professedprophet is expressing God‟s thoughts or their own thoughts? If they areexpressing thoughts truly in harmony with God‟s thinking, there will be noconflict between what they say and his inspired word which he has given us asa primary means to test for truth. Additionally there will be no conflict withthe spirit of truth which Jesus said his followers would be given and through

which he would reveal all things. Also, any prophetic statements made by them which may have even the slightest affiliation with untruth cannot befrom Jehovah God, for he cannot lie.

That true prophecy was and still is an on-going function of God‟s will is borneout by the words of the true prophet Amos;

“ No indeed, Lord Yahweh does nothing without revealing his secret tohis servants the prophets.” NJB (Amos 3:7)

God‟s purpose and his will are not subject to change, but his methods and the ways he executes his will are dynamic, not stagnant. As such it is entirely logical and reasonable that he continues to use prophets as messengers of

change during times he sees a need to inform his loyal followers. Thus atcritical times in the history of his people, we see prophets on the scene. Thishas been his pattern throughout history and there is no reason to believedifferently in our day. Yet, some will make the argument that he already has inplace established prophecy, therefore there is no need for new prophets. Thisnotion is dispelled by the Bible itself where it tells us;



2

"'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Yoursons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,your old men will dream dreams” NIV (Acts 2:17)

On a basic analytical level prophecy in the Bible takes two forms of function. A prophet or prophetess may be seen as a“declarative prophet” (that is one whodelivers all manner of Jehovah God‟s thoughts to people) or they may be seenas a “predictive (perceptive) prophet” (that is that they see and transmitunknown information received from God about future events which he wantsthem to make known to his people. Some prophets were called on by Jehovahto include “predictive” and “declarative” functions in their prophecies. Thereare also instances where prophetic messages took the form of propheticscenarios which were enacted for the peoples benefit.

A study of descriptive names given to prophets in Scripture reveals a broadspectrum of ministry within the two primary components (perceptive anddeclarative) of the prophetic gifts; It reveals that there are variations withinthese two primary components, all of which are prophetic according toScripture, and all valuable and necessary. The common factor among all O.T.prophets was that they revealed God‟s thoughts, sometimes in the form of his

words and other times in their own words. The constant factor of all trueprophecy was that it conveyed God‟s message which he wanted brought to hispeople‟s attention at times he saw it as being necessary or appropriate.

TWO TYPES of prophets in the O.T.

Type 1. – “PERCEPTIVE” prophets: These include those who functionedas “SEERS” or WATCHMEN and “VISIONARIES”

(Hebrew "ro'eh" or"ra'ah"), refers to a person who sees; an observer; aperson endowed with moral and spiritual insight or knowledge.Essentially, the root "ro'eh", means 'to look at' or 'behold.' The “seer” isone who has understanding of the times. This person has the ability to

perceive and discern the spiritual significance of a situation and can giveGod‟s perspective on a given situation. This person's strengths are giftsof illumination (enlightenment) and discernment (understanding). Thiskind of prophet is extremely valuable as a watchman and intercessor inthe midst of the congregation..



4

When Prophetic burden-bearers are called to pray. These are theprophetic intercessors. They can feel the grief of the Lord over the thingsthat are not right. These prophets seem to live in the doldrums (low spirits) much of the time, but they are called there to pray "right" againthose things that are wrong. God bless them! There are many examplesof prophets interceding on behalf of the people in prayers to Jehovah.

just a few examples may be found at Dan.9:16-19 (Daniel), Nu.14:19(Moses) and 1Sam.7:5 (Samuel). Prophets are especially qualified topray for others because they have an understanding of Jehovah‟s will

which has been delivered to them in areas where others may be lessaware of .;

“Certainly the Lord will do nothing without making clear his secret tohis servants, the prophets”. (Amos 3:7 BBE )

2. The Herald

The last two kinds of prophets can be described by how they communicate more than how they receive a communication from God.The "nataph" or "herald" is the prophetically inspired preacher."Nataph" means as a primary root word; to ooze, i.e. distill gradually;

by implication, to fall in drops; to let something soak in gradually orfiguratively, to speak by inspiration. The word is translated "preach" inEzekiel 21:2,

Ezekiel 21:2 "Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and drip [words] toward the holy places, and prophesy against the soil of Israel. NWT

Job 29:22 Once I spoke, they said no more, but received my pronouncement drop by drop. NAB

A herald is seen as a royal representative or official messenger, especially one representing a monarch in an ambassadorial capacity during a time

of conflict such as wartime; a person or thing that proclaims orannounces change . To herald means to give tidings of, announce,proclaim, publicize, to signal the coming of, usher in. The content of their message is every bit prophetically inspired, and as their sermons or

writings "soak in"to your mind and heart, you know you have heardfrom the heart of God on the matter. But their mode of communicationand delivery is not necessarily the same as an oracle.



5

3. the Oracle

The word “nabiy” is the most commonly used word in scripture for“prophet” and describes one who”gushes forth with a spontaneousinspired utterance” This describes one who functions as an oracle. Theroot word is “naba” and means “to speak or sing by inspiration”. A deeper connotation is to “bubble up. to gush forth, to pour forth”.

This word is used at Amos 3:8 which states: “the sovereign Lord hasspoken-who can but (naba) prophesy”, and Joel 2:8 which says “. . .your sons and your daughters shall (naba) prophesy.

This is the “inspired utterance prophet” who speaks forth in the name of God with a confident “Thus says Jehovah. . . etc. This particular ministry goes further than simple inspired insight; beyond prophetically insightful preaching or teaching; and actually speaks God‟s words into asituation.

It should be noted that there were prophets on the scene who served inmore than one of these functions at the same time. For example, WhileMoses could be seen primarily as as an “Illuminating (declarative)prophet, he also made prophetic predictions about the future.

Another important thing to be aware of is that prophets who were chosen by

Jehovah constituted a miniscule segment of the human family at any giventime. Sometimes there was only one prophet on the scene, sometimes just afew and sometimes not even one. In fact, during a period of over 4,000 yearsof history recorded by God‟s people, only fifty two individuals can even belisted as possible prophets in the Bible. And of those, only sixteen areuniversally recognized by all bible scholars as credible prophets, according tothe understanding of what constituted an O.T. prophet. This makes a trueprophet, one who has actually been called by Jehovah to disclose his messageto others an extremely rare commodity.

Below is a list of those individuals from the O.T. who have been classified by various Bible scholars as „prophets‟. In analyzing the list one will find thatthere are some individuals who do not quite fit the scriptural profile for aprophet. However in most instances, the individuals can be readily seen topossess the scriptural qualities associated with being designated a prophet.



6

When the N.T. makes reference to the “prophets of old” (Luk 1:70, Acts 3:21) itis understood to refer to a group of 16 prophets classified by bible scholars as(4) major** and (12) minor prophets*. It should be noted that this classify-cation makes no allusion to their importance, but is rather based on the lengthof their writings.

Old Testament Bible Prophets (A General list of those alleged to be prophets by bible scholars)

Code identifying the function and nature of prophets on the list:

Jones – Bold print indicates a “predictive prophet” Jones - Italicized print indicates a “declarative prophet” Jones – Bold italicized print indicates a prophet whose work included both “predictive” and “declarative” elements.

Jones – Indicates an individual whose “prophet label” appears to be of aquestionable nature

Jones*- classified as a “minor prophet”

Jones **– classified as a “major prophet”

Adam: There is no direct evidence that he was in the conventional sense a predictiveprophet. Neither is he referred to in the Bible as a prophet at all. However, we assume by implication, he transmitted God‟s thinking during his lifetime on a “need to know ” basis to those he fathered and to their generations during his lifetime.

Abel: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet.

Seth: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet.

Enos: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet

Cainan: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet

Mahalaleel: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scripturalsense a prophet

Jared: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet

Enoch: Enoch is the first one who could be seen as a prophet if only for reason that he“walked with god” for over 300 years. Walking with god would imply testifying to hisgreatness and acknowledging his God ship. Additionally, Jude made this reference toEnoch as a prophet; “ It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventhgeneration from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord came with manythousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all theungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all

http://lds.about.com/od/ldsscriptures/a/Lineage_of_Adam_to_Joseph.htm





7

the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (Jude 14-15)Technically this was not a prophecy in the predictive sense by Jude. Rather in his caseit was a prophecy in a testimonial sense. The predictive aspect is the time period in whichthese words of Enoch were reputedly spoken. Since Enoch is known to have lived beforeNoah‟s day, his words would have taken on predictive significance. Jude implies these

were words spoken by Enoch before the flood of Noah‟s day. As such, they wouldconstitute predictive prophecy.

Methuselah- Little is recorded about Methuselah in the Bible that would paint him asa prophet. The book of Enoch, the book of Jasher (both approcraphal writings) andhistorians, Josephus and Philo disclose a few more facts about Methusaleh. It is alludedto in the book of Jasher that both Noah and Methuselah preached the need for right-eousness to their fellow humans. Whether this constituted prophecy remains a subjectfor debate.

Noah - While it is likely that he conveyed Gods warning to the people of his day there

is no direct evidence that Noah was a prophet in the predictive sense. It is lilely that heprophesied in a declarative sense by informing the people of the consequences of disobedience to God‟s will. Also we may assume that he conveyed God‟s will to his family and their offspring. Thus he can be viewed as a declarative prophet.

Shem According to some Jewish traditions is believed to have beenMelchizedek, (e.g.,B. Talmud Nedarim 32b; Genesis Rabbah 46:7; Genesis Rabbah 56:10; LeviticusRabbah 25:6; Numbers Rabbah 4:8.), Shem is pictured as follower of Jehovah at Gen.9:26. As such it is reasonable to assume that he declared Jehovah‟s will and purpose tohis family and those around him. For this reason he is assumed by some scholars to be aprophet.

Melchizedek ; There is much speculation about Melchizedech outside of the bible.Most of it centers on Melchizedek being a heavenly son of God who came to earth toteach about God‟s plan of salvation for humans.. The Bible gives little information of major concern except that Abraham did homage to him and that he had no traceableancestry. The Bible paints him as a pre-Levitical priest worthy of great respect, but notas a prophet in any conventional sense.

Abraham God himself refers to Abraham as a prophet at Gen 20; 7.

Isaac: While events in the life of Isaac were prophetic, we find what some would

consider prophecy by word of mouth found only in the blessings of his sons.(Gen28;3,4.)

Jacob: Some view the fact that Jacob was the patriarch of the nation of Israel as anindication he was a prophet. Aside from that, it was the events in his life that hadprophetic significance, not, as far as we know, the things he spoke.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchizedek

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmud

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_Rabba

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_Rabbah


http://lds.about.com/od/visualmusicalaids/a/lineage_abraham.htm

http://lds.about.com/od/visualmusicalaids/a/lineage_abraham.htm



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_Rabba

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmud

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchizedek



8

Elias or Esaias Elias is an individual assigned the role of a prophet in Abraham‟s day only by Mormon theology. The Esaias of the New Testament (Matt 4:14 KJV) is clearly Isaiah and not Elias.

Gad: Gad was a seer or prophet in the Hebrew Bible and one of the personal prophets

of King David of Israel. References to him are found in the books of 1 Sam. 22:5 and2Sam.24:11,13,18.

Jeremy – A prophet of questionable origin, possibly attributable to the apocryphal book of Enoch. Otherwise taken as a synonym for Jeremiah a later prophet (see below)

Elihu: Elihu, one of Job‟s companions who claimed to speak on God’s behalf . Whether his words reflected God‟s thinking or his own remains open to question.

Caleb – Was one of the spies sent out by Joshua. While what he did could be seen asprophetic by some, there is no evidence that he uttered prophetic words Jehovah

authorized him to speak.

Jethro or Reuel (Exo.2:16-18) Jethro was Moses father-in law. While there isevidence that he was an advisor to Moses, the Bible only refers to him as a priest. Hisrecognition of as a prophet stems mainly from Islamic writings.

Moses: Clearly a prophet of the greatest magnitude, both in what he spoke and whathe predicted. Example (Deut:18:15) One of the few Bible examples of “self proclamation” as a prophet.

Joshua; Joshua cannot be regarded a prophet by what he is ascribed to have said in any conventional sense. However the case can be made that his deeds were prophetic. Onthat basis some see him as a prophet.

Balaam: Balaam is an example of a non-Israelite prophet who ended upprophesying mixed messages, both positive and negative from God‟s standpoint.

Zechariah*: Zechariah was in every sense a Prophet both declarative and predictive(Zech 1:3. Zech.9:3,4,9 and 12:10.)

Eli: While Eli was a high priest and a judge during the era of Samuel the prophet, there

is nothing in the bible record that portrays him as a prophet.

Samuel: Samuel was a seer as well as a declarative prophet

Nathan: Nathan was a declarative prophet who exposed and confronted David forhis sin in connection with Uriah the Hittite.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_David

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_David

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible




9

Micaiah: Micaiah is a predictive prophet who uttered a short term prophecy about a battle King Ahab was about to engage in.

Ahijah; Ahijah was a predictive prophet who forecast the division of the nation withten parts going to Jeroboam and leaving but one part (Judah) to Solomon‟s posterity

(Reheboam). 1 Ki. 11;31-33.

Jehu: Jehu declared Jehovah‟s judgment towards Baasha, the then current King of Israel during his time.

Elijah: Elijah, greek – Elías defended the worship of Yahweh over that of the Phoenician god Baal (which was considered as idol worship); he raisedthe dead, brought fire down from the sky, and was taken up in a whirlwind.He made no specific predictions but can be seen in the role of a predictiveprophet in that In the Book of Malachi, Elijah's return is prophesied "before

the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord." The new testamentsees a fulfillment of this in John the Baptizer coming to make prepare the

way for Jesus as the Messiah.

Elisha: A number of short term predictive prophecies are associated with Elishahowever, more importantly, the miracles he performed among the people of his time aresaid to point prophetically to the ministry of Jesus.

Job: Job cannot be seen as a prophet in a conventional scriptural sense. While theexperiences of Job may be seen as prophetic of the experiences righteous men may anticipate, what Job had to say and the questions he asked of God cannot be seen asprophetic. Certainly much can be seen in God‟s answers that would appear prophetic forin them he disclosed much knowledge unknown to men at the time he spoke to job.However those were God‟s declarations, not Jobs.

Joel*: Joel is a predictive prophet with largely apocalyptic applications.

Jonah*: Jonah made a number of short term local application prophecies, thus he istechnically speaking a predictive prophet. However, it was the things he experiencedthat are seen of prophetic significance, not his words as much. For example his survivalafter three days in the belly of a whale is seen as beingprophetic of Christ‟s resurrection

from the tomb.

Amos*: Amos is primarily a declarative prophet who pronounced judgment andinformed Jehovah‟s people of punishments they could expect. Amos also reminded themof God‟s importance and their need for social justice.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahweh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Malachi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Malachi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahweh



10

Hosea* /Hoshea: Hosea is a declarative prophet who pronounced judgment on Israeland disclosed their need for repentance. God allowedHosea‟s personal relationship withhis wife to prophetically illustrate his own relationship with the nation of Israel inHosea‟s time. In modern Christianity, Hosea‟s experiences are seen to illustrate how God‟s sees his relationship with some modern da y Christians. In this regard, based on

the eyes of hindsight, Hosea is seen as a predictive prophet by many most modern day Christian scholars.

Isaiah**: Isaiah is a “major” prophet who wrote short term predictions that hadlong term fulfillments as well. He also wrote a great deal of declarative material which would apply to a future for God‟s people when man would be restored to God‟s favor and blessing under the Kingdom rule of God.

Micah*: Micah was a predictive prophet who was given short term denunciationpronouncements against Jerusalem and Samaria and longer term predictions about thecoming Messiah. His predictions were quite concise even detailing the town and districtthe Messiah would be born in. (Mic. 5:2)

Nahum*: Nahum was a declarative prophet if you agree with those who claim he wrote after the fall of Assyria around 612BCE. If you agree with those who believe he wrote before 614 BCE, he was a predictive prophet. In addition to detailing the fall of Assyria, Nahum used the words of Moses to declare what sort of being God was.

Jeremiah**: Jeremiah wrote his words initially to the nation of Israel, asGod‟s people. In his works we find both predictive and declarative elements.There is no doubt in most scholars minds that his prophecies had short term

fulfillments with his people( Israel) during his time and that they have longterm fulfillments in relation to God‟s people in the time of the end

Habakkuk *: Habakkuk was a seer. He was given a vision of what God would doduring Habakkuk‟s day. He was also given prophetic information relating to the time of the end, Jehovah‟s day.

Obadiah*: Obadiah is a seer in that he is given a vision 1. (1-4) announcing judgmentagainst Edom and her pride and is given a vision of the punishment upon her. HoweverOdadiah‟s vision can be seen to have a future spiritual application to a greater “Edom” in

a spiritual sense.

Daniel**: Daniels prophecies which portend both short term and long termfulfillments are based io a series of dream/ visions which are only partially interpreted.

The rest of their meanings are left for a time Daniel describes as “ the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4), when they are see their fulfillment.



11

Ezekiel **: Ezekiel‟s prophecies were both declarative and predictive in nature. Hediscloses much information about the heavenly angelic realm, pronounces judgmentand the reasons for judgment on God‟s people in both short term sense (his own day)and long term (his people in the future) senses. Additionally Ezekiel‟s prophecies arerich with spiritual meanings perceivable by true believers.

Haggai*: Haggai's message is filled with urgency for the people to proceed with therebuilding of the second Jerusalem temple. Haggai attributes a recent drought to thepeople's refusal to rebuild the temple, which he sees as key to Jerusalem‟s glory. The book ends with the prediction of the downfall of kingdoms.

Malachi *: Malachi can be classified as a declarative prophet whose declarationscontain Messianic implications. The book of Malachi appears to have been written tocorrect the lax religious and social behavior of the Israelites – particularly the priests – in post-exilic Jerusalem. As all other examples of prophetic works, there are spirituallessons in Malachi that transcend his own time.

Shemaiah: Shemaiah was a declarative prophet of minor importance during the reignof Reheboam.

Iddo: Iddo was a minor biblical prophet, who appears to have lived during the reigns of King Solomon and his heirs, Rehoboam and Abijah, in the Kingdom of Judah. At(2 Chronicles 12:15) he is mentioned as Iddo the Seer"

Ezias: Ezias or Esaias is a name found in some bible versions at Mtt; 13:14 in the new testament in verses referring to Isaiah 6:9-10 in the Old testament. Most Bible translators

believe Esias to be Isaiah.

Zephaniah* - Zephaniah was a predictive and declarative prophet who spoke

boldly against the religious and moral corruption, which, in view of the idolatry had

penetrated even into the sanctuary. He pleaded for a return to the simplicity of their

fathers instead of the luxurious ways if life they were engaged in. He also made

important predictions about a future time of the end

Code for identifying the function of prophets listed above:Jones – Bold print indicates a “predictive prophet”

Jones - Italicized print indicates a “declarative prophet”

Jones–

Bold italicized print indicates a prophet whose work included both “predictive” and “declarative” elements. Jones – Indicates an individual whose “prophet label” appearsto be of a questionable nature

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelite


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rehoboam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abijam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah

http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=2%20Chronicles&verse=12:15&src=HE

http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=2%20Chronicles&verse=12:15&src=HE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abijam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rehoboam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelite


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple



12

PROPHETS in the NewTestament

In the N.T. we find the writers continued to define the meaning of a prophet interms of the Hebrew Scriptures, which they were already quite familiar with.

We find numerous references in the N.T. writings to the prophets of old whohad prophesied about their own times and about future times. Examples may be found at Acts3:18,21,24, Heb.1:1, Joh. 6:45, Luk. 1:70, Mtt.2:23 and 2Pe.3:2)

We are also told of prophets currently on the scene during the 1st Century whomade short term predictions, prophets who made long term predictions andprophets who made both short and long term predictions. For example, Johnthe Baptist made short term predictions about Jesus (Joh.16, 17.) Jesus made

both short term and long term predictions about the destruction of the temple

and the end of the system of things. (Mtt.24:2, 6-22.) The Apostles Paul andJohn are both credited with major long term predictive prophecies at (2 Ti.3:1-7 and Rev.21:1-5) and there was even a virtually unknown man named

Agabus on the scene who is mentioned as a short term predictive prophet.(Acts 11:28a).

The first century believer fully understood all this in connection with themeaning of a „prophet‟ since it was in harmony with scriptural precedents thathe was familiar with from before.

However, in addition to the traditional types of prophets who were on thescene at the time, the first century bible record shows that another type of prophet was common and active within the typical first century congregation.

While this type of prophet was largely “declarative” there was a new dimensionto their work. Such prophets are referenced at verses like Act. 11:27, 13:1,15;32, Eph. 4:11 and 1 Cor.14:29. These „prophets‟ appear to be every day figures within the local congregations as opposed to the rare individuals whohad been gifted with the spirit of prophecy in the O.T.

The Bible does not say „explicitly‟ if or how these first century prophets weredifferent from the prophets of old described in the O.T. However, what is

written about them gives us an implicit picture showing certain qualities they all had in common. It also reveals that their gifts of prophecy had an addeddimension and an added purpose. It is by examining those verses thatdescribe them and their function that we are able to discern that they



14

from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. NIV There Peter‟s words indicated the kind of prophecy he was referring to was not somethingone could acquire through their own will, while Paul indicates at 1 Cor 14:1that the kind of prophecy he is referring to is obtainable by human efforts.

1 Corinthians 14:31 You can all prophesy, but one at a time, then all will learn something and all receive encouragement. NJB

With these words Paul implies that the kind of prophecy he is referring to can be done by anyone in the congregation.

Matthew 7:22 On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' NLT

It becomes obvious that the prophecy Jesus was referring to in this versecould not have been the O.T. variety where there was only one or a very limited number of prophets on the scene at a given time .

Acts 21:9 This man had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied . NWT

This certainly doesn‟t fit the O.T. profile of few prophets on the scene at a timenor does it fit the O.T picture of prophets as lifelong loyal servants of God

Romans 12:6 Then since the gifts that we have differ according to thegrace that was given to each of us: if it is a gift of prophecy, weshould prophesy as much as our faith tells us NJB

Again, this is not the same kind of prophecy as was seen in the O.T. prophets where Jehovah determined when and who should prophesy. This was a typeof prophecy that the prophet themselves had a large measure of control over

based on their own faith.

1 Corinthians 11:4,5 Every man who prays or prophesies with hishead covered dishonors his head. It is apparent from this scripture that the prophesying Paul was referring to was quite common. NIV :5 And for a woman to pray or prophesy with her head uncovered showsdisrespect for her head; it is exactly the same as if she had her hairshaved off NJB.



15

From Pauls words it is apparent that both men and women prophesying wasquite common at the time.

We have now determined that the form of prophecy spoken of in the N.T. inthese verses was different from the O.T. prophecy in the number or quantity of prophets on the scene at a given time. What else can we learn about this formof prophet and their specific purpose that makes them unique in their ownright?

1 Corinthians 14:3 On the other hand, someone who prophesiesspeaks to other people, building them up and giving themencouragement and reassurance. NJB

Here we have a clue as to its meaning. This kind of prophesying was equated

with “speaking” in a way that builds up, gives encouragement and reassuresthem. This addresses not only the nature of Prophesying but the purpose for itas well.

1 Corinthians 14:4 Those who speak in a tongue may build themselvesup, but those who prophesy build up the community. NJB

Or as another translation puts it:

1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he

that prophesies edifies the assembly (Eklesia). DBY

Here we have another clue; the type of prophesying Paul was describing isconnected with building up the community of believers, the Eklesia (thechurch or congregation.)

1 Corinthians 14:31 You can all prophesy, but one at a time, then all will learn something and all receive encouragement. NJB

Here Paul not only showed how common the prophesying that he was referringto was, but also that it was directly connected to teaching and encouragingothers in the congregation..

Romans 12:6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain thingswell. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out whenyou have faith that God is speaking through you NLT .



17

There are at least two schools of thought on this. There are those who believegod-ordained prophets and Biblical type prophecy ceased to exist after the

book of Revelations. In support, they cite scriptural references such as 1 Cor13:8 and Rev.22:18,19.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will bestilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.:9 For we know in

part and we prophesy in part, NIV 10 But when that which iscomplete is come, then that which is in part will be no longer necessary. BBE

They interpret these verses to mean that Paul said prophecy would be doneaway with when the holy writings were completed. In this they presume that

Paul meant the Bible when he spoke of “that which is complete” They reasonthat since the Bible is complete and provides us with a fore gleam of the future

which extends even beyond the establishment of God‟s Kingdom on earth,there is no need for additional prophets or prophecy.

They submit that the apostle John‟s words at the end of the revelation hereceived from the Lord Jesus lend further support to their position.

Revelation 22:18,19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add

to him the plagues described in this book.19 And if anyone takes wordsaway from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him hisshare in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in thisbook. NIV

In this, they see these words as applying to the bible in its entirety rather thanmerely to the book of Revelations.

While this may make sense to some Bible readers it finds contradiction within

the pages of bible itself. In the book of Acts there is an explicit statement thatnot only says there would be prophets on the scene during the time of the end, but that they would appear in extraordinary numbers.

Acts 2:17 a'And it shall be in the last days,' God says, 'That I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; And your sons and your



18

daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams; NAS

Also, at Revelation 11:3 It speaks of an occurrence specifically attributedto the “time of the end”. There it says;

"And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will

prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in csackcloth." NAU

Whether one understands these”two witnesses” to be individuals or as repre-senting of a class of individuals, the point is that they would be prophesyingduring the time of the end, prior to Jesus arrival in kingdom power. Thisshould not surprise a serious bible scholar in the least for we all know thatJehovah God has shown a disposition to raise prophets on earth every time his

people were enduring critical times.

What form could we expect prophecy to take during the last days? Would weexpect a re-hash of old prophecies already existing in scripture re- interpreted

by new prophets? If that were the case, it would imply that God either did nothave the ability to set forth prophecy that was understandable in the first placeor that he did not have the holy Spirit to guide his followers later in the way they should understand his earlier prophets, so now he needed new humanprophets to clarify what he had disclosed through their predecessors.

Such a supposition betrays both logic and what we know of Jehovah as beingall wise and all knowing. There must be another explanation as to why he

would provide prophets on the scene during the last days.

Would it be for the purpose of informing the world as to his will or his forthcoming judgments? His word already has done this and continues to do so.

Would it be for the purpose of them teaching his anointed? Hardly, foranointed ones are direct recipients of his holy spirit individually. Scripturetells us who their teacher is, how they arrive at truth and who finishes their

training. It is not by any human prophet dwelling in the midst of their ownnumber. (Joh.14:17,26, Joh.16:13, 1Pe. 5:10)

We are given some scriptural keys which should help us understand the reasonfor prophets in this “time of the end”.

One is found in several places in the book of Revelations:



20

In summary, if we were to try and paint a mental picture of an “end timesprophet” based solely on Bible information, it would probably look like this:

We would see one who proclaims the word of God and bears witness to Jesus. Also, he or she would be a source of encouragement, comfort and edificationto fellow their fellow believers. Additionally, he or she would have the qualitiesincidental to any true Christian; To fellow humans he or she would speak truthand have love in their heart for them. For Jehovah and Jesus there would beexclusive devotion, loyalty, trust and obedience along with the love in theirhearts for them.

How would we know that such a person was a true prophet in view of thescriptural warnings against false prophets and false teachers who would also

be on the scene during the time of the end?

Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. NIV

Mark 13:22 for there shall rise false Christs and false prophets, and they shall give signs and wonders, to seduce, if possible, also thechosen; YLT

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate

for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; NAS

Once again, God‟s word of truth provides us with the tools to recognizefalsehood of all kinds, including false prophets. Here are several verses of scriptures which embody principals enabling a true believer to recognize bothfalse prophets and false teachers.

Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah,and the thing followeth not, nor cometh to pass, that is the word which

Jehovah hath not spoken; the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously:be not afraid of him. DBY



21

The test illuminated in this scripture is fundamentally a test for truth in apredictive prophet. It refers to a prophet who presumes to speak in God‟sname as the authority behind his or her prophecy. When the prophecy fails tocome true, it proves the prophet has been deceitful and that it was not by God‟s authority that he spoke at all. (see also Eze.22:28)

Jesus gave us definitive information on how to recognize a false prophet in theseventh chapter of Matthew, where he said;

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. AMP

He indicated they would appear to be as gentle and harmless as lambs, as faras one could see from their appearance and demeanor. Yet in their hearts they

are insatiable in their appetite to consume their prey.

Mat 7:16 You will fully recognize them by their fruits. . . . . AMP

The fruit a prophet is expected to produce is prophecy. A prophet‟s propheciesare what must be evaluated as to whether they are worthwhile or worthless

Mat 7:17, 18. Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bearsbad (worthless) fruit. A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless)

fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. AMP

The laws of nature tell us that a healthy tree will produce good, excellent fruit, worthy of being admired and consumed, whereas a sickly, diseased tree willproduce fruit that is sickly and diseased. In the case of prophecy the disease of falsehood makes the fruit poisonous to the consumer.

Mat 7:20 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. AMP

Mat 7:21-23. Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter thekingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is inheaven. 22;Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not

prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and donemany mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly



22

(publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. [Ps. 6:8.] AMP

The primary obligation (command) for a prophet of God is to speak or declare what God has given them to others. Any deviation from that can be seen as a violation of that command. If their prophecy includes their own imperfectopinions, or those of others, they may be viewed as less than a true prophet. If their prophecy is blatantly untrue, they can only be viewed as a false prophet.

The best way to guard yourself against falsehood, false prophets and falseteachers is to know the truth. To spot a counterfeit, study the real thing. Any

believer who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and whomakes a careful study of the Bible can identify false doctrine.

God’s Scale for weighing truth, The Bible

While it‟s true that we are admonished to be on guard, some go to suchextremes as to become narrow-minded and closed to some beautiful truths inthe name of being careful. What should our role as Christians be in regard toacceptance of a new thought, idea or doctrine? We are told to prove all things,not to reject them because they might be strange or new to us. However, weshould not receive them as being true either, until we first prove them. How do

we prove things? All true Christians are in agreement that our standard is the Word of God, the Bible. God left us this Book as a reference, standard, or

gauge so we could know whether something is good or evil, truth or error,right or wrong.

2 Timothy 3:16 “ All scripture is inspired by God and is useful forteaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training inrighteousness,” NAB

Prove All Things

One of our major faults as Christians is that we tend to rely on human thinking

instead of God‟s spirit on certain subjects. Instead of referring to the book God gave us we defer to those men who we view as authorities (often self proclaimed). While we recognize that God gave us men who might lead us tohis word and the truths of God, we lose sight of the fact that it is God and his

word which remain the only source of unblemished truth. We cannot avoidexposure to the ideas and thinking of humans we come in contact with in oureveryday lives. Sometimes their thinking will have some appeal to us.

http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Timothy%202.15

http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Timothy%202.15



23

However, when it comes to spiritual matters, God‟s word is clear in that itplaces an obligation on the hearer to prove all things and hold fast only to that

which is good. While this wise counsel may also apply to other things, non-spiritual in nature, it has special application to those things which we come incontact with of a spiritual nature, such as professed prophecy from a source

who claims to speak god‟s thoughts and mind.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Let all things be tested; keep to what is good; BBE

Or as another translation put it:

“Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine”. NWT

Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If ever you have among you a prophet or a

dreamer of dreams and he gives you a sign or a wonder, BBE :2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says,"Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let usworship them," NIV :3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or to the dreamer of that dream, because Jehovah YOUR God istesting YOU to know whether YOU are loving Jehovah YOUR God with all YOUR heart and all YOUR soul. NWT

Thus, the Bible makes it perfectly clear that the obligation lies with each of usindividually to pay attention to what God reveals through his word and his

spirit.

Proverbs 4:20 My child, pay attention to what I am telling you, listencarefully to my words; NJB

Luke 8:18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." NIV

Isaiah 33:22 For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah, our lawgiver, Jehovah, our king: he will save us. DBY

John ben Wilhelm, author

(Author may be contacted by Email at [email protected])

PROPHECY and PROPHETS - A Bible perspective

Documents

Transcript of PROPHECY and PROPHETS - A Bible perspective