The Only “Prophets” the Bible Says Will Endure Throughout the Church Age are False Prophets - By Publisher

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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The unnamed "Publisher" is back with a teaching about prophecy. As is typical, he's woefully lacking. 

Happily, "Publisher" actually quotes some relevant Scripture, which is a substantial departure from the way these Bible teachers typically operate. Unfortunately, his documentation disappears at key moments, leaving behind a string of bare assertions.

Most of this nothing more than recycling old cessationist talking points and misrepresented Bible verses. There is some new ground covered, however, an odd interpretation of Joel's prophecy.

This is about as bad as we have seen it from "Publisher." We deem this Bad Bible Teaching.

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In today’s Christian landscape, an intriguing trend is unfolding: a surge of people claiming the titles of “Prophet” or “Apostle.” With an air of spiritual authority, they assert themselves as contemporary mouthpieces of God, equipped with new revelations and divine insights. However, a thorough examination of the New Testament reveals a different narrative, one that does not endorse an ongoing office of prophets or apostles but rather focuses on cautioning against false prophets. ("Publisher" will make this assertion several times but will never show us from the Bible it is true.)

The New Testament, the foundation and source of all Christian doctrine, makes it abundantly clear that the role of prophets and apostles was foundational and unique to the early Church. Ephesians 2:20 tells us that the Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” Note the past tense—it’s a foundation already laid, not an ongoing construction project. (This is generally accurate. But...)

The apostles and prophets were instrumental in the revelation of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church, roles that were distinct to that formative period in Christian history. ("Publisher" believes that because the foundation was built the need for apostles and prophets has ended. This is the premise he must demonstrate.

How does the existence of this foundation comes to bear on apostles and prophets ending? This simply doesn't follow from the cited verse. "Publisher" is engaging in a Category Mistake. The existence of this foundational role is a different topic unrelated to whether on not the role continues. 

It's similar to claiming that Vince Lombardi laid the groundwork upon which the modern NFL is built, so therefore there are no more NFL coaches.)

And now these prophets and apostles are all dead, and we’re left with the Scriptures God gave us through them.

When it comes to prophecy, the New Testament’s primary emphasis is not on seeking new prophets but on discerning truth from falsehood. (This is a false choice. We do not have to pick one to the exclusion of the other. 

And by the way, what does it mean to seek new prophets? Who seeks new prophets? When were new prophets ever sought?

We are unable to figure out the biblical basis for this truly odd statement.)

For instance, 1 John 4:1 implores believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” The warning is stark and indisputable, reflecting a concern that false teachings could easily infiltrate and corrupt the Church. (Indeed. But why would spirits need to be tested at all if there are no more prophets? The only possible prophets would be false ones.)

Matthew 7:15 also warns of “false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The New Testament recognizes the potential for individuals to claim divine authority in spreading false teachings, emphasizing the need for discernment and adherence to the apostolic doctrine already received. (Why would we need to discern prophets if all contemporary prophets are definitionally false?)

The New Testament is replete with these warnings against false prophets: Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22, Luke 6:26, Acts 20:29-30, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Jude 1:4, etc. Yet, there is absolutely no mention of a continuing role of the office of prophet throughout the entire Church age. (Except for:

Ep. 4:11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers...

1Co. 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.)

Those are pretty substantial exceptions.)

So then, what about Acts 2:17, which is often cited to validate the modern role of prophets? In considering this verse, a thorough understanding of its context is important. This verse, lifted from the midst of Peter’s Pentecost sermon, is often brandished by some as a carte blanche for ongoing prophecy. However, a closer examination reveals a different story. Peter, in this sermon, is quoting directly from the prophet Joel: “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” (Let's provide the entire quote:

Ac. 2:17-21 "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. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [Joel 2:28-32])

The key here lies in recognizing what “the last days” refer to. Peter is not speaking of an indefinite future period but of the dawn of the New Covenant era, inaugurated by Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension. (Upon what basis does "Publisher" claim that this is not an indefinite future period? This is a bare assertion, and an obviously false one at that. When one reads the entire quote it is easy to see that Joel was not merely talking about an inaugural event, but rather a period of time characterized by certain features occurring sequentially. 

Further, the Bible recognizes the last days as a period of time with various characteristics and events:

2Ti. 3:1-2 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive...

Ja. 5:1-3 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

2Pe. 3:3-4 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this `coming’ he promised?

Ho. 3:5 Afterwards the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.

Most every Christian would acknowledge that the Bible teaches we are living in the last days. But because "Publisher" has a doctrine that requires Scriptures to be conformed to it, he needs to find an "out" for this stubborn Scripture. He cannot accept that the poured out Spirit would enable our sons and daughters to prophesy right now.

We will now see how "Publisher" tries to explain it away.)

This era, characterized by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was unique in salvation history. (Ok so far...)

It marked the transition from the old covenant, centered around Israel and the Law, to the new covenant, where the Spirit is poured out on all people, Jew and Gentile alike, breaking down the barriers that once defined God’s chosen people. (No problems yet...)

The prophesying, visions, and dreams mentioned by Joel and cited by Peter were signs of this new era, indications of the Spirit’s work in spreading the Gospel to all nations. (Still doing fine...)

They were not, however, establishing a new office of prophecy akin to that of the Old Testament prophets, whose role was to reveal God’s will and message before the completion of the Scriptures. (??? Several undocumented statements ending with a summary denial. And here we thought he was going to explain Joel's prophecy...

Further, what is this noise about establishing a new office of prophecy akin to that of the Old Testament? "Publisher" just pulls this out of thin air. There are enough modifiers in the sentence to render it meaningless: "New," "office," "akin." None of these things are required, suggested, or even mentioned by the Acts text. 

Remember, "all flesh?" That's a universal, having nothing to do with an office, or being akin to the Old Testament, or being restricted to the first century. Joel's prophecy makes a simple statement and "Publisher" must resort to a complex, obtuse refutation.

Ultimately, what "Publisher" advocates is that our last days are not the same as Joel's last days.)

The completion of the canon of Scripture marks a significant moment in redemptive history. With the New Testament, we have a complete and sufficient revelation from God. ("Publisher" resumes his undocumented statements. Now he wants to set us up to believe that because we possess the completed Bible that would exclude prophecy. But he will only assert it, absent Scriptural proof.)

The role of the prophet, as a conduit for new divine revelation, becomes redundant in light of the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible provides all the guidance the Church needs for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (Sigh. Let's quote it: 

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.

Setting aside the fact that prophecy is not under discussion in this text, we can see that Paul was writing Timothy about the inspiration and usefulness of Scripture, not that Scripture excludes everything else.  "All the guidance the church needs" is not the same thing as "all that there is."

If in fact "the Bible provides all the guidance the Church needs," then "Publisher" must exclude pastors, elders, the counsel of the brethren, Bible teachers, theological books, and commentaries. Sufficiency as interpreted by "Publisher" demands this. 

This means that his definition of "sufficiency" is flawed. We discuss the sufficiency of Scripture here.)

While the early Church was indeed characterized by the extraordinary offices of apostles and prophets, the New Testament does not teach their continuation after the apostolic age. (He repeats his previous assertion, again with no documentation. 

Now we have his complete argument, such as it is. Let's summarize:

• Joel's prophecy only points out a shift in redemptive history
• The sufficiency of Scripture renders prophecy redundant
• Therefore Joel's prophecy does not teach contemporary prophecy

We think "Publisher" is actually working backwards to confirm his doctrine. Thus his real train of thought is:

• He doesn't believe in contemporary prophecy
• Joel's prophecy is an obstacle to that belief
• Joel's prophecy must mean something else

We discuss prophecy here and here. Apostles are discussed here.)

Instead, it warns vehemently against false prophets and emphasizes the need for doctrinal vigilance. (Again "Publisher" provides a false choice based on undocumented assertions.)

The Church’s focus should be on the sufficiency of Scripture and the teachings of Christ and the apostles, rather than seeking new revelations or endorsements of self-proclaimed prophets and apostles. (He seems to love these false choices...)

This return to the centrality of Scripture and the original apostolic teaching is not only a safeguard against false teaching but is the foundation upon which the Church stands firm. (Certainly true, but entirely irrelevant.)