Ecclesiology – Spiritual Gifts – Gift of Prophecy in the Bible
Table of Contents
Prolegomena
Biblical Prophecy is another intricate and immense subject, and like other comprehensive topics, should be understood in the much larger context of what God teaches us in His word about the subject. Prophecy and prophets are mentioned continuously through the Bible, for this was one of the primary vehicles God used to speak His word. This subject is better understood within the larger context of understanding how God communicates.
How God Communicates
To help us properly understand prophecy, we need to understand Biblically what God teaches about how He communicates to us. Communication is defined as the impartation or exchanging of information.
Communication in the Greek is synonymous with the word commune, in Greek this is ‘koinonia’, which means to communicate, commune or fellowship (i.e. 1 John 1.3).
Communication from God is defined Biblically as any information, message or revelation that is from Him. The method or vehicle for this communication varies greatly to give understanding or experience to what God is communicating. Communication from God can only be accepted by faith, for if you do not believe a message is from God, you will not accept it (Heb 11.6). Conversely, if you accept something to be from God when it is not, you are deceived (1 John 4.1).
Here we list the various ways God communicates to mankind in the Bible:
- Nature – Ps 19.1, Romans 1.18-23 – The attributes of God are understood by looking at various aspect of nature, Nature declares or communicates God’s glory.
- Conscience – Jer 31.33, John 16.8-11, Rom 2.15 – Our conscience bears witness to the law God has put in the hearts of every man. The Holy Spirit uses our conscience to communicate conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgement.
- Scripture – 2 Tim 3.16, 2 Pet 1.20 – God speaks through His word, and it is profitable for all teaching in righteousness.
- Visions and Dreams – Numbers 12.6, Gen 40.8 – God will reveal Himself to prophets through visions and dreams. Interpretations of those dreams come from God.
- Night Dreams – Job 33.15-16 – God seals instructions in the hearts of men on their beds
- Visions while awake – Ezekiel 8.1-3 – OT contains multiple accounts of the prophet’s experiencing visions from God while awake.
- Audible – 1 Kings 19.12, Job 33.14, Ps 85.8, – God speaks audibly to His people.
- Direct Communication – Ex 4.15 – God puts His word in the prophet’s mouth and gave them the exact words to speak.
- Inspiration or heart – Job 32.8, Pr 21.1, Ex 4.21 – It is our spirit that receives understanding. God moves the hearts of leaders. He can also harden them.
- Circumstance – Esther 4.14 – Esther was spoken to in her circumstance.
- Answering by Priest – Urim and Thummim – 1 Sam 28.6, God would answer the questions of the people through the Priests with the Urimm and Thummim in the OT.
- Witnesses & Testimonies– Matt 18.16, 28.18 – Confirmation between the testimonies of multiple people, God will speak to us through other believers.
- Revelation – 1 Corin 2.10, 14.6, 2 Corin 3.16 – God reveals things to us through His Spirit.
- Holy Spirit directly – Rom 8.16 – The Holy Spirit speaks directly with our spirit.
- Changing believer’s mind/desires – Ps 145.18, Phil 2.13, Rom 12.2 – God works in you to will (desire) and to act according to His purpose. Changing your mind to know His will.
- Remembrance by the Holy Spirit – John 14.26 – The Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance Jesus’ words and will teach us all things. Believers will remember scripture.
- Signs and Wonders – John 10.38, Acts 2.22, Heb 2.4 – God shows His approval and testifies through signs and wonders.
- Answers to Prayer – Ps 91.15, Eph 3.20 – God answers those who call upon Him, even beyond what we ask or think.
God Speaks in Mysteries and Answers Through Revelations
In this world, God speaks in mysteries. When something is not understood or believed, it remains a mystery or is veiled to the mind. Why does God speak in mysteries?
God tells us that He rewards those who diligently and legitimately seek Him, and His ways and His gifts. This is why He conceals information or communication and reveals the truth to the hearts of those who trust in Him (2 Corin 4.3). Those who desire God will seek Him out, and God tests the hearts of men to see who will earnestly come after Him (Ps 7.9, Jer 17.10, 20.12, Rev 2.23).
(What is man) That You should visit him every morning, And test him every moment?- Job 7.18
This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “`You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. – Matt 13.13
God seeks those who seek after Him. He rewards those who earnestly seek after Him. Jesus said He would reveal Himself to those who keep His commandments (John 14.21).
God seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth – John 4.23
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him – Heb 11.6
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you – James 4.8
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened – Matt 7.8
What shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation (apokalypsis), or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine – 1 Corin 14.6
In 1 Corin 14.6 we see the Apostle Paul distinguishes prophecy from revelation. Each of these words have different meanings. This is because revelation is made in the heart once you receive understanding and comes as a result of anything God communicates with you. After you understand something, it is up to you to receive it by faith or not (Heb 6.5). Once you understand something you will be accountable for it (John 9.41, Rom 1.18).
The Greek word for revelation is ‘apokalypsis’, meaning uncovering, lay bare or naked, or reveal, which is different than the Greek word for prophecy.
Prophecy
Definitions & Etymology
Prophesy (with an s) is the verb, the description of the act or occurrence. Prophecy (with a c) is the noun, the identifier of the idea itself. Here we can glean a description from the original Hebrew and Greek words for what was meant when these words where used.
Hebrew word for – Prophesy (note the s) –
Naba H5012 – A primitive root; to prophesy, that is, speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse): – prophesy (-ing) make self a prophet. (115 times in KJV)
Nataph H5197 – A primitive root; to ooze, that is, distil gradually; by implication to fall in drops; figuratively to speak by inspiration: – drop (-ping), prophesy (-et). (18 times in KJV)
Chazah H2372 – A primitive root; to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically to have a vision of: – behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. (54 times in KJV)
Hebrew word for – Prophecy (note the c) –
Massa H4853 – From H5375; a burden; specifically tribute, or (abstractly) porterage; figuratively an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire: – burden, carry away, prophecy, X they set, song, tribute. (65 times in KJV)
Nebuah H5016 – From H5012; a prediction (spoken or written): – prophecy. (3 times in KJV)
Nabiy H4853 – From H5012; a prophet or (generally) inspired man: – prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. (315 time in KJV)
Hebrew word for – Prophet –
Nabiy’ H5030 – From H5012; a prophet or (generally) inspired man: – prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. (315 times in the KJV)
Greek word for – Prophesy (note the s) –
Propheteuo G4395 – From G4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, and exercise the prophetic office: – prophesy. (28 times in the KJV)
Greek word for – Prophecy (note the c) –
Propheteia G 4393 – From G4396 (“prophecy”); prediction (scriptural or other): – prophecy, prophesying. (19 times in the KJV)
Prophetikos G4397 – From G4396; pertaining to a foreteller (“prophetic”): – of prophecy, of the prophets. ( 2 times in the KJV)
Greek word for – Prophet –
Prophetes G 4396 – From a compound of (G4253 – meaning fore or in front of) and (G5346 – to speak or make known ones thoughts); a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet: – prophet. (149 times in KJV)
Propheteia G4394 – From G4396 (“prophecy”); prediction (scriptural or other): – prophecy, prophesying. (19 times in the KJV)
God Defines How Prophecy Works
God defines throughout scripture hos his word concerning prophecy works, and we know that God will always be consistent with what He tells us, for He does not change.
Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
– Amos 3.5-7
Prophecy Concerning Nations
The Lord tells us that when He prophecies about any nation or kingdom (large or small people group) and they repent of their evil, God will cease from the evil (destruction or plucking) He is about to do to them. However if God promises a blessing, but the people do evil in His sight, he will stop doing good for those people.
If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.
– Jeremiah 18. 7-10
What is Prophecy / A Prophet
Prophecy is the word or truths of God revealed to mankind. God shares truths through various means to humanity, i.e. nature reveals aspects of God (Ps 19.1), our conscience, etc. however, prophecy is when God communicates, informs or reveals something to a believer.
God hath revealed them (a message of wisdom) unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. – 2 Corin 2.10
Prophecy is a revelation or message (communication) from God. A prophecy is never of human origin, but is from the Holy Spirit that carries a human messenger.
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1:21
Prophecy in the New Testament
Purpose of the Gift of Prophecy
In the New Testament, a believer who has the gift of prophecy will share revelations or prophecies to the church, or to a specific person, from God as the Holy Spirit gives them faith to do so. We find the Apostle Paul’s description of the effects of prophecy in 1 Corin 12; where unbelievers whom have the secrets of their heart revealed, will fall down on his face and worship God.
If all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. – 1 Corinthians 14.24-25
(Minister) According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith – Romans 12.6
Christians are specifically instructed in Thessalonians not to despise prophecies, or prevent them, but test them all. After a prophecy is tested, believers are to hold to what is good and reject anything else.
Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. – 1 Thess 5.19-22
Is Prophecy Different in the New Testament vs the Old Testament
There are some disputes, amongst Christian groups, whether prophecy differed between the Old and New Covenants. Specifically, for example, if a prophecy spoken by a New Testament Christian was the same as the prophecies of Isaiah.
The Bible strongly implies that the Old Testament Prophets and the New Testament Apostles established the foundation of God’s word through the written scriptures that cannot be changed, added, subtracted, altered, or broken. That there is no other revelation that is foundational to our faith (Eph 2.20) and that any work done until Christ returns is to be built upon this foundation (1 Corin 3.11-12).
Understanding God’s use of Prophets in the Old Testament and Apostles in the New Testament, we find these are two different ways in which God establishes His work on earth. However, the foundation has been laid (completed) and there is no scripture to be given by prophecy until Christ returns. This is why the Bible is a closed canon and scripture is complete (2 Tim 3.16).
Different Functions
The purpose and function of prophetic revelation among New Testament Christians was fundamentally different from Old Testament Prophetically foundational scripture. Primarily we see that in the Old Testament, prophets where the messengers of God, used to inspire His scripture on Earth. In the New Testament, communication and inspiration of God is given directly to believers through the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Him. In the Old Testament God spoke through His prophets, in the New Testament we see that God now speaks to us through His Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Heb 1.1-2).
Hebrews 1.1-4 – All Things Now Revealed in Christ
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2. but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
– Hebrews 1.1-2
Hebrews 1.1-2 tell us that in times past God spoke through His prophets, however the entire book of Hebrews speaks about how Christ has so much a better position then any other (Heb 1.4, 8.6), in fact He was the pure expression of God, and to know Him is to know God the Father (John 14.9). That now in these last days the revelation of Christ over shadows all other revelation which was a shadow of things to come (Col 2.17) and are fulfilled in Him. That in these last days God has spoken and speaks explicitly through His Son.
This shows that what was once the office of the Old Testament prophet is now, namely God speaking to humanity, is now in these last days, expressed through and by His Son. God in times past spoke through His prophets, now in these last days speaks through His Son concerning every aspect that God desires to communicate to you:
- God’s message – Now through His Son (Heb 2.2-3)
- What God desire to reveal to you – is in His Son, once the mystery of Christ (Col 1.26-29)
- All riches are in Christ, all knowledge and wisdom – Col 2.2-3
- How to live your life – Now in His Son (Gal 2.20)
- What God wants you to do with your life – Have His Son live in you (Eph 3.17)
- All for the Glory of the Son – For the Father has set everything under the Son (1 Corin 15.28, Rom 11.36, Heb 2.4)
The word of God which came by angel’s in the past, is now replaced by a more superior message given through His Son (Hebrews 2.2-3).
Non-Foundational Gifts – Apostles and Prophets
The Old Testament prophets spoke God’s word to set a foundation in scripture for the truth God established on Earth for the Jews, God’s people, to follow (Ps 147.19-20). The foundation for our beliefs, or the way (Acts 9.2), was established by the Prophets and Apostles (1 Corin 3.11). Since the foundation of our belief has already been established, believers are to be careful to use their gifts to build upon this already established foundation (1 Corin 3.10-15).
You are no longer strangers, but citizens with the Saints, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone – Eph 2.19-20
The difference between the foundational offices of the former Prophets and Apostles needs to be understood in a separate context then those with the Spiritual gifts of Apostle and Prophet in 1 Corin 12. Even though the same words are used, we can clearly see a difference between those who established the foundations of our faith from God, a foundation which has already been established and cannot be set again as seen in Eph 2.20, compared to those with a spiritual gift of prophecy. Definitions need to be set in the context of how scripture defines them!
There were obviously many believers that had the spiritual gift of prophecy in the Church of Corinth, Rome, Ephesus, Thessalonica, etc. but we don’t have any additional books that were added to the Bible from their prophecies. Why? This is because they were not foundational Prophets or Apostles, and we may infer that this is not what the ‘gift of prophecy’ is to be used for as described in 1 Corinthians. They used their gifts as the Apostle Paul instructed, to reveal the secrets of the heart of those coming in to glorify God (1 Corin 14.24) and for the edification of the Church (1 Corin 14.3), not for doctrine or foundational teaching.
Old Testament Function
In the Old Testament, God tells us He will not do anything unless He first reveals it to his servants the prophets.
The Lord Jehovah will do nothing, except he reveal his secret unto his servants the prophets – Amos 3.7
In the Old Testament, a prophet was established by God for the people to inquire of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord did not dwelling in all His people all the time (during this Church age we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, Jer 31.34) therefore people needed prophets to inquire about the word of the Lord.
I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.” 9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: “Come, let us go to the seer”; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.) – 1 Samuel 9.9
Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” – 2 Kings 3.11
The law, the Prophets, the Holy Temple and how God worked in the Old Testament was a shadow of things to come (Col 2.17), of the coming New Testament.
Job of the Old Testament Prophet
First, we find that it was God who chose and raised up a person to be His prophet (Deut 18.15). This job or position sometimes referred to as the ‘office of a prophet’, was determined by God. The prophet’s job or duty was to be His spokesperson or to carry His message to the people on Earth.
When we look throughout the Old Testament, the prophets typically carried messages of repentance from evil, to turn the hearts of God’s people back to God (2 Chron 7.14, Ps 51.13, Isa 55.6-7, Jer 26.3, Eze 18.21, 33, Joel 2.12-13, Jonah 3.10, Zech 1.3, Hosea 14). We find most frequently, God would rise up these prophets during times of great distress, when the hearts of the nation where rebellious towards God.
These prophets had extremely difficult duties, as most people would hate them for their words, as they spoke the truth of God’s word about judgement if they continued on the ungodly path they were on.
There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38. the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
– Hebrews 11.35-38
New Testament Functions
After Jesus was seated at the right hand of God (Eph 4) believers, now the Saints of God (1 Peter 2.9) are His Holy Temple (Eph 2.21) and are taught by God directly (John 6.45). Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to all believers to dwell and work in them (Phil 2.13). This is why it is written that in sundry times God spoke through His prophets but now in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son (Heb 1.1-2).
The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy (Rev 19.10). All believers have the Spirit of prophecy dwelling within them, the Holy Spirit (Rom 8.9). Jesus fulfilled the old order (covenant) of how humanity could communicate with God:
- The Temple (Place of God) – Replaced by temples of flesh. (1 Corin 6.19)
- The Priesthood (Mediator for God) – Replaced by the priesthood of believers. (1 Peter 2.9)
- The Prophets (Mouthpiece of God) – Replaced by the indwelling working of the Spirit. (Phil 2.13)
Believers no longer need a priest to mediate between them and God, for Jesus is our mediator and High Priest (Heb 4.14-16). In the same way a believer no longer needs to go to the temple to be near the presence of God (1 Corin 3.16), a believer no longer needs a prophet to inquire of the Lord.
All Believers Can Prophesy
Believers are to come directly to God through Christ themselves (John 16.24), as the Holy Spirit dwells within you. God works directly through His disciples to carry His message in the world. As it says in Heb 1.2, in the same way God once spoke through the prophets of old, He now speaks to all of us through His Son, and in these last days this is how God speaks to all of us. We are all to be the prophets who carry God’s message.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19.10
The Apostle Paul alludes to the idea that all believers have the ability to prophesy; or at the very least should seek to do so.
For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. – 1 Corin 14.31
If all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all – 1 Corin 14.24
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy – 1 Corin 14.1
Even more I wish you could all prophesy – 1 Corin 14.5
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. – Eph 1.17
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies – 1 Peter 4.11
The Apostle Peter affirms that prophecy is given and performed by all of God’s people when He referenced the prophecy of Joel on the day of Pentecost, in which God would pour out His spirit upon all flesh (Acts 2.14-21).
I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. – Joel 2.28
The Apostle Paul explains how the Holy Spirit teaches and speak to every believer, teaching and speaking spiritual things, according to the Word of God. God speaks to all of His children in the Holy Spirit and this understanding IS revelation from God. We know that the definition of prophecy is revelation or is something revealed, therefore we can see clearly in these verses that all of God’s people that have the Holy Spirit prophecy in this manner, having the Holy Spirit speak to them!
10. (…) these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.
14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corin 2.10-16
Prophecy by the Holy Spirit and God’s Will
The Bible reveals that true prophecy comes from God and is performed according to God’s will, not man’s will. Prophecies come as we are moved by the Holy Spirit and causes us to speak as God’s directs us, not the direction of any man.
… prophecies do not originate from human will, but instead are given by the Holy Spirit as humans speak under God’s direction. – 2 Peter 1.21
Order and Ordinances for Prophecy
Prophecy in the New Testament is to be done in proper order and judged by all others in the church. Prophecies are to be given one person at a time, by two or three prophets, and judged by those who are listening. Prophecies are to be tested, weighed carefully, and judged before accepting the good, and rejecting whatever is evil (2 Thess 5.19). The purpose is to build (edify) up the Church:
When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up – 1 Corinthians 14.26
If a revelation comes to someone sitting in the church they should stand up and share it, and if the Spirit prompts another to speak, the first should stop, each in proper order. Paul then says that all those in the church can prophesy each in turn and order for the purpose of instruction and/or encouragement of all (1 Corin 14.31).
The Apostle Paul also tells us the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet, therefore these activities will be done in moderation and control. If there is disorder and lack of self-control, it demonstrates it is not of God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. 31. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32. The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33. For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints – 1 Corinthians 14.29-32
Greater Than the Prophets of the Old Testament
God’s plan, as revealed in the New Testament, marks a striking change from how He dealt with humanity in earlier times. In Ephesians 3:1–14, Paul describes this shift as the “dispensation of the grace of God” — a term drawn from the Greek oikonomia, (where we get our word for ‘Economy’ in English), meaning stewardship or administration. This word speaks of God’s sovereign management of His redemptive plan, a divine economy now entrusted to the Church.
In contrast to the Old Testament, where God revealed His word through specific prophets, priests, or kings, the New Covenant opens the door for all believers to be participants in His unfolding plan. Paul explains that this mystery — hidden for ages — has now been revealed: through Christ, God is reconciling Jew and Gentile alike into one body, the Church.
“…to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery… so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known…” (Ephesians 3:9–10)
The heart of this new administration is reconciliation. God’s desire is for humanity to come boldly before Him, not through rituals or sacred spaces, but by faith in Christ.
“In whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.” (Ephesians 3:12)
This privilege replaces the old systems — priesthoods, temples, and ceremonies — which were always meant to point forward to Christ. As Paul reminds us:
“Now these things happened to them as examples… written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11)
The Fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ’s New Economy
Jesus underlined this change when He spoke of John the Baptist, saying:
“Among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11)
This statement reveals something profound. Even the humblest believer in Christ’s kingdom holds a place of spiritual privilege greater than John, not because of personal merit, but because of their place in God’s new economy of grace. Through the Spirit, believers carry the message of Christ — the “mystery now revealed” — and enjoy direct access to God. It is interesting to note that our Lord Jesus said John the Baptist was the greatest of all men born until that time. This is an extreme statement since this would suppose to mean that John surpasses all previous men ‘born of woman’, including each of the Old Testament prophets! Then Jesus proceeds to say that whoever is least in the kingdom is greater than John. The statement “Whoever is least in the kingdom is greater than he” is an allusion to those born-again believers, the New Testament saints (1 Corin 1.2). This all echoes of the privileges of the Old Testament are not superseded by those privileges we all have in Christ.
The writer of Hebrews echoes this theme:
“God… spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets… in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…” (Hebrews 1:1–2)
The Old Testament prophets delivered fragments of a message that only finds its fullness in Jesus. Now, Christ Himself is the final word — and His people are entrusted with sharing it.
It is also worth noting in this area the reference to the kingdom of heaven being taken by force by the violent (Matt 11.12). Usually this is referenced to as a verse on the zealousness of those who become believers are inheriting the kingdom of God; however, this can also be referenced to other verses about spiritual warfare and the fact that believers are overcoming spiritual powers in heavenly places. Eph 6.12, 2 Corin 10.3-5, Col 1.13, Rev 12.11, in conjunction with the verses concerning believers inheriting the kingdom of Heaven (1 Corin 15.50, James 2.5, Rom 8.17), are all relevant to this topic.
A New Identity: Priests, Temple, and Messengers of God
Under the New Covenant:
- We are a royal priesthood “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” (1 Peter 2:9)
- We are God’s temple “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16)
- We are called to speak as His oracles “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God…” (1 Peter 4:11)
The apostles teach that Old Testament institutions — the temple, priesthood, and prophetic office — were shadows of what has now been realized in Christ.
“You also, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood…” (1 Peter 2:5)
“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone…” (Ephesians 2:19–22)
The Church’s Witness: Displaying God’s Manifold Wisdom
Reformed theologians, including John Calvin and Martyn Lloyd-Jones, emphasize that this “administration” isn’t only about individual salvation. It’s also about God displaying His manifold wisdom — His justice, mercy, and grace — through the Church to both the world and the spiritual realm. As various theological sites note, this mystery reaches beyond the Church itself. It’s cosmic in scope, declaring God’s wisdom in uniting all things in Christ and giving believers boldness in their relationship with God.
“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21)
Through Christ, every believer now speaks God’s truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit — a role once reserved for prophets but now open to all who belong to Him.
Identification of a Prophet or Prophecy of God
Understanding the spiritual gift of prophecy is important. The Old Testament provides two solid tests for the prophets of God, this is for the Old Testament prophets that proclaimed, “thus says the Lord” (Eze 22.28), speaking for God:
- Everything a prophet foretells will come to pass
- Prophets of God will never lead you away from God or His ways
God warns His people that He will allow false prophets and deceivers to rise up to test whether or not they love Him. These false prophets and their teachings rise up to test the hearts of God’s people to see if they really love Him, and if they will adhere to His ways.
If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.
The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.
– Deut 13.1-5
Do these same tests apply to those with the prophetic gift in the New Testament? First, it is obvious that since God is sovereign over all creation, and that He IS Truth (John 14.6), if something comes from Him it will be true. We know that true believers have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, dwelling within them. Also, God will not give direction or communication that will lead you away from Him or His truths. An easy answer is; a true believer will hold God’s word reverently, loving the truth, daring not to speak in God’s name without the Holy Spirit inspiring him by faith to speak what God gives.
It is also important to note in v. 4-5 we see that God is teaching us to place the content of a person’s message above their abilities to do anything supernatural or miraculous. It is the adherence to God’s truth that is to be placed above all else.
Warning against False Prophecy / Prophets
All people are to be judged by their fruits (Matt 7.20). Is the person giving the revelation a believer who follows Christ. What is the fruit in their life. What kind of reputation do they have.
- Do they carefully handle the word of truth (2 Tim 2.15),
- Do they go beyond the scripture (1 Corin 4.6),
- Do they teach what is good and remain simple regarding what is evil (Rom 16.19).
- Do they teach God’s word or do they contradict scripture (Num 23.19, 2 Tim 3.16).
Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The LORD declares – Jer 23.31
Young and Deceived Believers
There is a reason why the Bible tells us not to despise prophecies (1 Thess 5.20). For God knows his discerning believers would be skeptical of all types of deceit in the world. We know that new believers struggle with carnality (1 Corin 3.1) and are still learning and remain untrained in various aspects of the faith (1 Tim 4.8).
Therefore, there may be honest believers that have themselves been deceived or are unable to discern the difference between their thoughts and God’s inspiration. This is why the mature in Christ are to gently instruct those in error so they may escape the snare of the Devil and deceit.
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
– 2 Tim 2.25-26
This is another key difference between the Old Testament and New Testament;, in these last days, all of God’s children have His Spirit in them to inspire them. This is meant to be an encouragement as God’s Spirit will never contradict, however He may be teaching us different things (personally, not something different then scripture). This is why discernment is important.
That we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
– Ephesians 4.14
Even with all this, believers who are teachers, pastors and/or prophets are subject to error in their deliverance and are capable of stumbling in word. This is why they must be careful with their words for they will receive stricter judgment. Does this conflict with Deut 13.1? A true believer will humbly repent when convicted of stumbling with their words, practicing the fruit of repentance and humility. If they incorrectly believed something was from God when it was not, they should confess they did not hear from God. Comparatively, false teachers will not give up their pride or arrogance which is a fruit of the flesh.
Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man
– James 3.1-2
As it stands; new charismatic believers tend to not be discerning, orderly or critical enough of the gift of prophecy, and older conservative believers tend to be overly critical, rejecting this gift. We are not to quench the Spirit (1 Thess 5.19).
In the Old Testament if someone spoke presumptuously they would be stoned for just one false prophecy (Deut 18.22). In the church, we do not practice the death penalty physically, however if someone remains unrepentant and continues to blasphemy the name of Christ with false teachings or prophecies contrary to sound doctrine, the Apostle Paul tells us how to deal with those situation using church discipline.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple
– Romans 16.17-18
Holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
– 1 Timothy 1.19-20
Test Everything
God teaches us to test every spirit. There are specific tests for every Spirit, however truth is always to be tested against the Bible or God’s revealed word. The Bible lays out very clearly the tests to use against prophecies and knowledge that comes from God.
Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world – 1 John 4.1
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. – 1 John 4.2-3
We are of God: he that knows God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. – 1 John 4.6
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ – Col 2.8
The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy – James 3.17
God teaches us what to look for in regard to wisdom that come from Him in James 3.17-18, the wisdom that is from above is;
- First pure – God’s word is pure without any malicious intent.
- Peaceable – God’s word always brings peace, not confusion or conflict.
- Gentle – God’s word is gentle not forceful over anyone’s will.
- Easy to be intreated – God’s word is open to inquiry for clarity and understanding.
- Full of mercy and good fruits – God’s word is merciful and good.
- Without partiality – Applies to all of God’s people the same.
- Without hypocrisy – There is no double standard.
- The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Appendix
Is the Gift of Prophecy the Same as Teaching/ Exhortation
Some teach the prophecy is just another term in the New Testament for teachings or is a type of teaching. This is usually taught by those who do not accept prophecy as foretelling or revelation as defined by the Greek words used in the New Testament. It is true that revelations may include teaching, and often communicate a message. However, there is a clear contrast between the two words and gifts in the New Testament as described by Paul in various places.
Synonymous to Teaching
Teaching and prophecy are to be used to build up the Church, thus these two gifts have a similar function. They are both methods of communication, however the word for teaching in the New Testament is Didache’ which means teaching or doctrine (1 Corin 14.6).
The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, …, so that the church may be built up – 1 Corin 14.5
In second Peter, we find that a comparison is made from Old Testament prophets to New Testament teachers, in that as there were false prophets before, so shall there be false teachers in the future.
False prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction – 2 Peter 2.1
Also, in 1 Peter, as peter speaks of various gifts, we find that all those who speak, speak the very words of God. The word in the Greek here is ‘logion’ which means oracle or word, or utterance of God. This emphasizes the similarity for all who speak, to speak keeping in mind they are uttering the very words of God, speaking as the very oracles of God; implying the importance to adhere to the Bible, or Word of God. This draws a very strong similarity between prophecy and speaking, as they both are speaking form the Lord.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 4.11 (NIV)
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies – 1 Peter 4.11 (NKJV)
Antonymous to Teaching
The etymology of the words are very different between Didache’ (Teaching or doctrine) and Prophetes’ (Prophecy or foretelling).
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; 7if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully – Romans 12.6-8
Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up – Eph 4.12
Teaching revelation and prophecy are all separated things as described by Paul.
- … What shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by
- revelation (apokalypsis’ – uncovering), or by
- knowledge (gnosis’ – knowledge), or by
- prophesying (prophetes’ – foretelling), or by
- Teaching (Didache’ – doctrine)
- – 1 Corin 14.6
We are taught not to despise prophecies (1 Thess 5.19). If prophecies were only teachings, this instruction would not really make sense since teaching was the main form of instruction to the Church. Prophecies are often despised because they come with so much scrutiny and caution. It is interesting to see this was the same case with the first Church.
Paul also tells us that prophecy is by revelation in 1 Corin 14.30 (If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent), and that it reveals mysteries in 1 Corin 13.2 (If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge).
Examples of the Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament
The New Testament has multiple examples of prophecy that took place. These are a few examples that we find in scripture;
- Agabus and a band of prophets travelled from Jerusalem to Antioch and stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world” (Acts 11:28).
- In the Church of Antioch, Tyre and Caesarea many prophets were actively working (Acts 13.1).
- Philip had four daughters that prophesied (Acts 21:8–9).
- Prophecy was actively performed among the members of the Church at Rome (Rom. 12:6).
- Prophecy was actively performed among the members of the Church at Corinth (1 Cor. 12:7–11; 14:1–40).
- Prophecy was actively performed among the members of the Church at Ephesus (Eph. 2:20; 4:11, Acts 19:1–7; 1 Tim. 1:18).
- Prophecy was actively performed among the members of the Church at Thessalonica (1 Thess. 5:19–22).
References – Gift of Prophecy
What is prophecy? What does it mean to prophesy? | GotQuestions.org
https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_speaking_to_you
The New Testament Gift of Prophecy | Desiring God
Academia.com – Exegetical Study of Hebrews 1 – 1 to 4
https://www.gotquestions.org/kingdom-God-suffers-violence.html
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