Our questions include, how did we arrive at our doctrines? Does the Bible really teach what we think it teaches? Why do churches do what they do? What is the biblical basis of church leadership structure? Why do certain traditions get entrenched?
It's easy to be spoon fed the conventional wisdom, but it's an entirely separate thing to search these things out for one's self. In the past we have read the Bible with these unexamined understandings and interpreted what we read through those lenses. We were lazy about our Bible study, assuming that pastors and theologians were telling us the truth, but we rarely checked it out for ourselves.
Therefore, these Rethinks are our attempt to remedy the situation.
We should note that we are not Bible scholars, but we believe that one doesn't need to be in order to understand the Word of God.
Introduction
We previously examined the Word (logos) and there decided that the Bible isn't the Word. When God speaks, generally this is the Word of God speaking. A person, titled the Word of God, the pre-incarnate Jesus, is speaking.
The Bible is a record of some of that Word, just like a book is a record of some of its author's thoughts. The Word is the things God speaks through His Word Jesus. Jesus Himself as a person is both the pinnacle of God's communication as well as the method of His communication in these last days (He. 1:1-2).
God is recorded as having written only three things: The ten commandments (Ex. 31:18), on Belshazzar's wall (Da. 5:5), and in the dirt (Jn. 8:6). Every other message from God is by Him speaking. This speaking is known as prophecy. Prophecy is God speaking His Word to man. Everything we know about God is because He revealed it by speaking.
Some of that speaking of His Word was written down by His command (for example, Re. 21:5) and collected together into what we call the Bible. The entire Bible is composed of God speaking His Word. There is nothing in the Bible that was not spoken by God. Certainly the Bible records words of people who spoke, and even the words of spiritual entities, both good and evil, but even those words are in the Bible because of God's intention.
These are fundamental claims, upon which the whole of Christianity is based.
Our intention is to explore the nature and expression of Biblical prophecy - God speaking - especially as it might apply to the contemporary church. What are prophets? What is prophecy? What differences, if any, are there between OT prophecy and NT prophecy? Should we prophesy today?
Definitions
In the OT, the main Hebrew word for prophecy is neba, first used in Nu. 11:25, which is to speak (or sing) by inspiration. In the OT, a prophet is nabi, someone who speaks prophecies. It is first used in Ge. 20:7 regarding Abraham.
Our primary focus, however, is the NT. As we consider the NT, we shall make a distinction using Pentecost. We do so on purpose to mark what we think is the dividing point between the old covenant and the new. Pentecost was the point where everything changed. The Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, the Last Days commenced, and the Church began.
As such, we believe there was a change in the prophetic ministry from the OT to the NT, which we will discuss later.
Our primary focus, however, is the NT. As we consider the NT, we shall make a distinction using Pentecost. We do so on purpose to mark what we think is the dividing point between the old covenant and the new. Pentecost was the point where everything changed. The Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, the Last Days commenced, and the Church began.
As such, we believe there was a change in the prophetic ministry from the OT to the NT, which we will discuss later.
In the NT, the Greek word for prophet is prophétés, one who speaks forth by the inspiration of God. The first use of the word "prophet" after Pentecost is
Ac. 11:27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Ro. 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
"Prophesying" is prophéteuó, which means I foretell, prophesy; I set forth matter of divine teaching by special faculty. Its first use after Pentecost is
Ac. 2:17 "In the last days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."
The word "revelation" is closely related to prophecy. For example, 1Co. 14:6:
Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?"Revelation" is apokalupsisan, appearing, coming, manifestation, revelation. Re. 1:1 uses the same Greek word:
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.The same word is used here. Ro. 2:5:
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
The word means that something previously hidden is now shown forth:
Ro. 16:25-26 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him...
Therefore, a revelation of prophecy is not something "new." It's not novel. It already exists, which means to prophesy is to reveal or unveil something that was simply hidden.
This brings us to the point where we need to compare O.T. and N.T. prophecy. We shall see that there's a substantial difference.
The Difference Between OT and the NT Prophecy
It seems that there are at least four different kinds of prophetic categories in the Bible:
- the OT prophets, who were relatively rare and spoke the literal words of God. There are no longer prophets of this kind.
- the NT prophets like Agabus, Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, Saul, Judas, Silas, and Philip's four daughters.
- the office of prophet from Eph. 4:11 and 1 Cor. 12:28
- those who have the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 14:1), which is the general and widespread gift of the Holy Spirit (He. 2:4, 1Co. 14:5).
The primary reason for NT gift of prophecy, in contradistinction to the OT prophet, is to build up and encourage the body to maturity [1Co. 14:3]. Prophecy, therefore, served a different purpose in the OT as compared to the NT.
What has changed?
1) Prophecy was very narrowly bestowed in the OT, but it is widely distributed in the NT:He. 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.1Co. 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.2) Prophecy in the OT was mostly directed at nations and peoples, and often spoke of God's judgment, while the NT prophetic is primarily edifying:1Co. 14:3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.1Co. 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.1Co. 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.Ro. 1:11-12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.3) Prophecy in the OT was a full articulation of what God said, but NT prophecy is incomplete and imperfect.For we know in part and we prophesy in part... 1 Cor. 13:94) Prophecy in the OT flawless, but NT prophecy is partly obscured:Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1Co. 13:125) We don't put false prophets to death, we ignore them or correct them:1Co. 14:37-38 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.2Ti. 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.
The Issue of the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy
We believe that the NT spiritual gift of prophecy continues to this day, and did not cease as some believe. We have written elsewhere about our reasons for this, so we shall not repeat ourselves except to say that
- "The Perfect" does not mean the Bible
- Prophecy does not violate the canon
- Prophecy does not impact the sufficiency of Scripture
- Prophecy is not tied to the authentication of the apostles
- Prophecy does not require the ministry of the apostles
- Prophecy is not tied to limited periods of history
- Prophecy is not subjective
We have supplied links to our explanations of the above, so we would suggest the reader explore those links.
1 Corinthians is where we find the most information about spiritual gifts in general, and the gift of prophecy particularly. Paul opens chapter 12:1Co. 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant."Spiritual gifts" is pneumatikos, which means relating to the realm of spirit. The word "gift" is implied here, but is not part of the Greek text. We find the idea of gifts a few verses later:
1Co. 12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
"Gifts" is charisma, [which] divinely empowers a believer to share God's work with others, i.e. Spirit-empowered service to the Church to carry out His plan for His people.
The gift of prophecy, like all spiritual gifts, are Spirit empowerments:
1Co. 12:7-10 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits..."Manifestation" is phanerósis, which is a manifestation, disclosure. Every spiritual gifts is a disclosure or showing forth of a spiritual ability, given by the Holy Spirit.
Let's put all this together. A spiritual gift (pneumatikos charisma) is a showing forth (phanerósis) of the Holy Spirit by his His divine endowment of power. All charisma is a Holy Spirit empowerment, whether it is prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, generosity, or, showing mercy (Ro 12:6-7); faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing between spirits, tongues and interpretation (1Co. 12:9-10).
Every spiritual gift is a empowerment, not a natural ability. Every spiritual gift is relating to the realm of the Spirit. That empowerment should be honed and perfected through constant use [He. 5:14], but the supernatural ability is given by the Holy Spirit.
The Foundation
Ep. 2:19-21:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
We would need to distinguish between foundational prophecies (Ep. 2:19-20), uttered for the sake of establishing the church, once and only once), and the biblical gift (1Co. 14:12), which is not foundational. The spiritual gifts are not identified as part of the foundation.
It's possible that in this verse Paul was referring to prophets who were his contemporaries, or he could have been referring to OT prophets. Or both. Regardless, we can easily acknowledge that both foundational apostles and foundational prophets were parts of the foundation, and their ministry established and built up the early church.
If there were foundational NT prophets, we don't even know who they were. There are lists of NT prophets sprinkled throughout the narratives. For example, Agabus was a NT prophet of particular note, but he only had a couple of prophecies written down, neither of which was foundational. There is no book in the NT called, "The Prophecies of Agabus."
If these foundational prophets were NT prophets, we find ourselves unable to determine what contribution the they made to the Church's foundation. While we are able to read the results of the apostles' efforts [particularly Paul's] from the biblical record, we don't know what parts of the NT might be as a result of the ministry of the foundational prophets. There are no recorded "foundational" prophecies from "foundational" first century prophets apart from the apostles themselves as they wrote what would become Scripture, as well as the other writers of the NT.
If there were foundational NT prophets and foundational NT prophecies, they remain a mystery.
We should note that some would claim Ep. 2:19-21 prohibits contemporary prophecy because the foundation is built only once. But we can see that God's people, God's household, is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus the cornerstone. This is the temple of God (1Co. 3:16), the Church, made up of us as the Living Stones (1Pe. 2:5).
The Church is built every generation upon the same foundation.
A spiritual gift is for the edification of the Body. We need these spiritual gifts to build up the Church in this generation:
1Co. 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Contemporary Church as an Obstacle
First is the level of maturity of the assembled congregation, which we too often find is comprised of pew-warmers. Oddly, this is often encouraged and expected. Many Christians, though they are good and faithful people, attend church year after month after decade, yet never attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ep. 4:13). These folks are content to be spoon-fed teaching from the pulpit, and all that is expected of them is that they show up every Sunday, sit quietly and attentively, and write their tithe check.
However, Paul's description of the assembly of the saints is quite different:
1Co. 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
1Co. 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
A typical pastor is likely either unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the idea of a participatory and lively church as found in the NT. Paul grants something to the people assembled that these teachers do not grant, and that is the ability of the people to operate in all the gifts and to weigh for themselves what is said. The very prospect of someone else besides the pastor speaking in church is probably pretty threatening.
So error, false prophecy, or a variety of perhaps unusual occurrences or expressions do not scare those who are mature and have been trained up in the faith. That is the job of the leadership of the church, to disciple the people in their charge and expect them to take their place of ministry in the Body.
The second obstacle in the contemporary church is its isolationist tendencies, both as individual churches in a community of local churches as well as individuals within each church. So many saints come to church to hide or to do their duty, and so many churches want nothing to do with other churches.
This impedes the people of God from receiving and giving spiritual help, as well as violating Jesus' command (Jn. 17:23) and Paul's counsel (Ro. 15:5, Ep. 4:3). It is somewhat ironic that church people are often endless consumers of their pastor's teaching, but are reluctant to embrace anything other than superficial relationships within the Church. This negates the very purpose of the spiritual gifts, which are specifically given for the common good (1Co. 12:7). We are the body of Christ, and there ought to be a dynamic in our churches that makes each person a valuable contributor.
The third factor is fear of failure. In pursuit of the perfect church or the perfect church service, many churches want to create an environment of seamless professional execution. There is no room for waiting, diverting from the agenda, periods of silence, experimentation, or risking the possibility of mistakes. Thus no one is willing to risk stepping out from the "proper" behavior expected of them.
This actually means that in too many churches, there is no opportunity to be the church described in the NT.
Discernment
It is worth noting that not every impression or prophecy or encouraging word is necessarily God speaking, or an accurate assessment of what God said. The spiritual gift of discernment (1Co. 12:10) is a crucial thing in the context of a prophetic church:
1Co. 12:10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits...
"Distinguishing" is diakrisis: a thorough judgment, i.e. a discernment (conclusion) which distinguishes "look-alikes," i.e. things that appear to be the same. In this case, the supernatural ability to discern between true spirits and false spirits is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of edifying the Body (1Co. 12:7).
It is a high duty of Christians to be discerning. They are called to be spiritually aware, and ready to make judgment on spiritual things. It is really for the safety of the Body, to protect it from false prophecy:
1Jn. 4:1 Dear friends, 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.
"Test" is dokimazo: ("to approve by testing") is done to demonstrate what is good, i.e. passes the necessary test. 1381 (dokimázō) does not focus on disproving something (i.e. to show it is bad).
The testing of spirits is primarily to focus on the good things God is doing in the midst of the saints. It is the approving assent of the mature saints regarding the spiritual activity of the church.
Prophetic words, in particular, are spiritual expressions. That is why we weigh these expressions as per Scriptural command:
1Co. 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
The word "weigh" is diakrinó:
I separate, distinguish, discern one thing from another; I doubt, hesitate, waver... 2. to learn by discrimination, to try, decide: ...1 Corinthians 14:29; ἑαυτόν, 1 Corinthians 11:31... 'to separate throughout or wholly' (dia, 'asunder,' krinō, 'to judge,' from a root kri, meaning 'separation'), then, to distinguish, decide"
The weighing of prophecy is the analysis and separating out of the elements of the prophecy. The true and good is divided from the false or mistaken.
Spiritual gifts, and in particular, discernment, can be honed and brought to maturity (Hebrews 5:14). That is why a church should identify nd rely upon the spiritually mature folks who have over the years refined and matured their spiritual gifts, so that the church may be edified and also safeguarded.
We should like to summarize with four valuable principles that are useful in discerning the truth of a prophecy.
1. Is this prophecy biblical?
This is the first and most obvious guide to understanding a prophetic word. If that word doesn’t line up with scripture in some way, either with specific Bible verses, or relating to a biblical theme, then it may not be from God.2. Is there a witness of the Holy Spirit that this is true?
Sometimes, we just “know” that a word is from God. If you’re like most people, you probably feel this kind of understanding happens only infrequently. The secret to experiencing it more often is to practice listening to God all the time: engaging in a lifestyle of listening. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.3. Is this prophetic word confirming what is already heard or known?
If a word is something completely new and unexpected to the recipient, then it may not be from the Lord. Many prophetic words, but (importantly) not all, confirm something the Lord has already been saying. There are exceptions to this, but I don’t have space to expand on it here (let me know if you’d like to hear more about this subject).4. Do I feel any sense of unease about this message?
This question can be a powerful indicator. Sometimes, the answers to most, or even all of the other questions may seem to be a “yes”, but there’s something about the message that doesn’t sit quite right with you, in your spirit. This may be an indication that it’s wrong, but it can also mean that there are certain aspects or details of the message that are incomplete.We would desire that our churches attain a maturity and level of discernment that we might be able to hear, receive, evaluate, and implement the things God is saying to us. Let us establish a new safety, where we learn to keep in step with the Spirit (Ga. 5:25).
Prophecy is Testable
The Scriptures give us at least 4 ways to test prophecy:
1) The Bible
2Ti. 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...
Scripture provides a secure way to discern the truth of an impression or prophetic word, so as to minimize or even eliminate uncertainty. If the it contradicts the Bible, it must be false.
2Sa. 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.
Mt. 22:29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Jn. 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
2Ti. 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Ro. 4:3 What does the Scripture say?
The primary test of anything we believe or hear is the Bible. If any teacher, prophet, or pastor preaches anything in violation of Scripture, we can safely ignore them (1Co. 14:38).
2) The Holy Spirit
Ro. 8:5-9 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.
Ro. 8:14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Ga. 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Paul tells us that if we are controlled by, led by, and live by the Holy Spirit, He is at work in us and empowers us to set our minds on what the Spirit desires. These are not random "imaginations," but the Spirit at work in us.
Ro. 8:14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
1Co. 2:101-12 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no-one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1Co. 12:8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit...
Ga. 5:16, 25 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Ep. 1:17 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.
Jn. 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
1Jn. 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain inhim.
So the second test, the Holy Spirit, safeguards us as we discern the truth of prophetic impressions as well as prophetic words.
3) The Ministry of the Saints
2Co. 13:1 Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.In fact, in church gatherings the whole congregation should discern the truth of a prophetic message:
1Co. 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.The spirit behind a supposed prophetic word is to be tested:
1Jn. 4:1 Dear friends, 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.One of the gifts of the Spirit is discernment:
1Co. 12:10 ...to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits...
1Co. 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co. 12:7, 10 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good... to another distinguishing between spirits...
2Co. 13:1 Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Ph. 1:9-10 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ...
2Ti. 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
He. 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1Th. 5:12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
2Ti. 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ are a critical part of our spiritual walk. The community of faith is variously gifted, and no member is indispensable.
4) The Fruit that is born
Ja. 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Far from being subjective, prophecy is able to be objectively tested, weighed, examined, and discerned.
The Biblical Record on Impressions
God does not routinely speak with an audible voice. This can and has happened, but most often the Holy Spirit will speak to a person's spirit. Sometimes this takes the form of words, sometimes mental pictures, and sometimes it's just a feeling, an impression. Impressions are prophetic information. Their source can be vain imagination, malevolent forces of darkness, or the Holy Spirit. Like all prophetic information, they are subject to discernment, testing, and weighing.
God does not routinely speak with an audible voice. This can and has happened, but most often the Holy Spirit will speak to a person's spirit. Sometimes this takes the form of words, sometimes mental pictures, and sometimes it's just a feeling, an impression. Impressions are prophetic information. Their source can be vain imagination, malevolent forces of darkness, or the Holy Spirit. Like all prophetic information, they are subject to discernment, testing, and weighing.
This may surprise the reader, but there are several instances of impressions in the Bible. Let's start with king David. We shall first establish that Scripture describes him as a prophet:
Ac. 2:29-30 Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.It probably isn't necessary for us to chronicle David's credentials, but for the sake of thoroughness we need to understand he was a prophet.
Pursuant to that, we find that David nevertheless relied on an impression:
1Ch. 13:1-2 David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers...Here David, who quite often had the inside track regarding revelation from God, nevertheless communicated to the whole nation of Israel regarding an impression as to the will of the Lord.
Fast forward hundreds of years to Luke as he begins his gospel account:
Lk. 1:3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus...Luke, who wrote this gospel and the book of Acts, felt it to be a good idea to write an account of Jesus' life, which eventually became Scripture. The word "seemed" is dokeó to have an opinion, to seem; I think, seem, appear, it seems. Luke was simply of the opinion that writing to Theophilus was a good idea. It would be strange to those who do not believe in contemporary revelation that a writer of Scripture wrote the revelation because of an impression, but that's what Luke did.
We see another example of an impression in Acts chapter 15 there was a discussion about what instructions should be given to the gentiles, to be sent in a letter, concerning what is permitted and not permitted. They concluded
In Acts chapter 20, Paul tells the elders of the Miletus church about what he had experienced:
Agabus, the only NT prophet who actually had a prophecy quoted, had a message for Paul:
In Romans, Paul appeals to his conscience regarding the message he was bringing:
Once we begin examining the Scriptural record with an open mind, we find the Bible is replete with various statements about inner promptings. So let's provide additional Scriptural examples:
Ac. 15:28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements..."Was the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking audibly here, in a manner that He "seemed" (dokeó) to say this? Again this appears to be a matter of discerning a direction.
In Acts chapter 20, Paul tells the elders of the Miletus church about what he had experienced:
Ac. 20:23 "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me."Again we ask, is this audible speech by the Holy Spirit? Or was it an inner prompting?
Agabus, the only NT prophet who actually had a prophecy quoted, had a message for Paul:
Ac. 21:10-11 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, `In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’"Did Agabus hear an audible voice, or did he speak from an impression?
In Romans, Paul appeals to his conscience regarding the message he was bringing:
Ro. 9:1 "I speak the truth in Christ — I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit..."This is clearly not an audible voice. The conscience can only be an inner prompting.
Once we begin examining the Scriptural record with an open mind, we find the Bible is replete with various statements about inner promptings. So let's provide additional Scriptural examples:
2Co. 8:16 "I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you."
Ep. 1:18 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you..."
Ep. 3:17-19 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God."
2Th. 3:5 "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance."
He. 3:7-8 "So, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion...'"
1Jn. 3:19-22 "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him."
The Function of the Prophetic Ministry
We now turn to Acts 13, where Luke is writing of an event in Antioch that happened in a church gathering:
Even though there were several prophets in attendance, and together they could have brought forth this message, we think it was just one of the prophets spoke this message from the Holy Spirit. The Scripture does not tell us this, and we most certainly do not desire to argue from the silence of Scripture. Nevertheless the Word of the Lord did come to them.
Ac. 13:1-2 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'”The context here is a meeting where God's direction was being sought. Was there an audible voice booming from heaven, heard by everyone? We would think not. Most likely this direction from the Holy Spirit was discerned and not audible, but of course we don't know.
Even though there were several prophets in attendance, and together they could have brought forth this message, we think it was just one of the prophets spoke this message from the Holy Spirit. The Scripture does not tell us this, and we most certainly do not desire to argue from the silence of Scripture. Nevertheless the Word of the Lord did come to them.
We think this speaks to what Paul later wrote to the Corinthian church:
1Co. 14:32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.The literal translation is of the verse is, "and spirits of prophets to prophets are subject." "Subject" is hupotassóto, submit to one's control; to yield to one's admonition or advice: absolutely... The Greek word is refers to a hierarchy. It is an authority arrangement within the group of prophets. A church ought to have a community of prophets, where the older, more experienced prophetic people oversee and train up the younger, newer prophets.
That is, a prophetic ministry facilitated, advised, and overseen by the prophets.
Prior to this verse, Paul wrote of church order regarding the prophetic:
1Co. 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two — or at the most three — should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Paul concludes this instruction with the above-quoted verse:
1Co. 14:32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
Paul had a lot to say to the Corinthian church about church order. In fact, the whole letter seems to center around that. These guidelines and commands are ours as well, including instructions about the prophetic, and we would do well to conform to the commands of Scripture in our churches.
Ways God Can Speak Today
Please note that these categories are very general. For example, although we placed God's "audible voice" in the "past" category, we do not exclude the possibility of Him speaking audibly today.
- Creation
Job 12:7-9 But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
Ps. 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Ps. 96:11-13 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; 13 they will sing before the LORD...
Ps. 97:6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
Is. 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Ac. 14:17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.
Ro. 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
- An impression
1Ch. 13:1-2 David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers...
Lk. 1:3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you...
Ac. 15:28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements...
- The unrighteous/unspiritual
(Balaam) Nu. 22:31-32 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell face down. 32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.
2Pe. 2:16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey — a beast without speech — who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
(Jonah) Jon. 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port.
(King Saul) 1Sa. 10:6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them...
(Caiaphas) Jn. 11:49-50 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
- The Scriptures
Lk. 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Ac. 17:2-3 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said.
2Ti. 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2Pe. 3:15-16 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
- The prophetic gift
Ro. 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
1Co. 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1Co. 12:8, 10 To one there is given through the Spirit ... prophecy...
1Co. 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1Co. 14:3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
1Co. 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
He. 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
- Music
Ex. 15:1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea..."
2Sa. 22:1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
2Ch. 5:13-14 The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures for ever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.
Ep. 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
- The Body
1Th. 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1Co. 12:7-10 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
2Co. 13:1 “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” [Deut. 19:15]
- Circumstance
2Co. 1:8-9 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
Ph. 1:19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
1Pe. 1:10-11 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
- Dreams and visions
Ge. 40:7-8 So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” 8 “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no-one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
Ge. 41:25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.
Nu. 12:6 he said, “Listen to my words: “When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.
Ez. 1:1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
Da. 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Ac. 2:17-18 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Re. 1:10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet...
- Prayer
Da. 9:20-23 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill — 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.
Ac. 10:30-31 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, `Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
Ac. 16:25-26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.
Ac. 22:17-18 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking. `Quick!’ he said to me. `Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’"
Ep. 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ph. 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phile. 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
James 5:15-16 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1Pe. 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer...Ways God Spoke in the Past
- Face-to face
Ge. 32:29-30 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”
Ex. 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Nu. 12:7-8 But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles...
Ju. 6:22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, “Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!”
- An audible voice
Is. 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
1Sa. 3:4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
Re. 4:1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
Ac. 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Mt. 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Ac. 10:13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
De. 4:12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice.
- The prophets of old
Ac. 3:24 Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days.
Ac. 10:43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Ro. 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
- The NT prophets
Ac. 11:27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Ac. 13:1-2 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Ac. 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.
Ac. 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Ac. 21:8-9 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
- The apostles
Ep. 3:4-5 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
2Pe. 3:2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
Jude 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.
Conclusion
We think the testimony of Scripture is clear. God speaks today in a variety of ways. He is closely involved with His people, very interested in their issues, questions, victories, and well-being. He supplies His Church with supernatural empowerments so that it can do and be what He has purposed for it.
One of those supernatural empowerments in the gift of prophecy.
We therefore believe that the Church ought to bring itself into conformance with the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and bear spiritual fruit for the sake of the glory of God. This is what we are called to, this is our purpose, this is the reason the Church exists.
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