Prophecy of Agabus, by Louis Cheron, posted by Jay QuineIn both the Old and New Testaments, a “prophet” had two characteristics. Not only could they occasionally foretell events, but was more involved in simply forthtelling a message from God. But it is the predictive aspect which especially distinguishes this from other proclamation gifts (e.g. teaching, pastor, evangelism, exhortation).
The prophet as a forthteller:
1 Corinthians 14:3 indicates that prophets were involved in “edification, exhortation, and encouragement.” One Lexicon defines a “prophet” as one who expounds or preaches under the influence of the Holy Spirit.”[1]
The prophet as a foreteller:
Clearly, the Old Testament prophet was more than a teacher. In its warning to those who claim to be prophets, Deuteronomy 18:20-22 seems to expect the aspect of prediction.
When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not follow, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken.
Prophecy was more than edification and exhortation. It involved supernatural revelation, and even prediction.
Few passages in the New Testament describe the function of the prophet. Acts 19:6 mentions that upon the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, John’s disciples prophesied. However what they said is not specifically mentioned. The same is true for Philip’s daughters who were described as “prophetesses” in Acts 21:9. However, clearly Agabus foretold both a famine (Acts 11:27-28) and Paul’s arrest upon his return to Jerusalem (Acts 21:10). Therefore, just as in the Old Testament, the predictive element seems to be part of this gift.
The gift of prophecy is second in rank only to the apostles as gifts given priority over the others (1 Corinthians 12:28-29). Also like the gift of apostle, the gift of prophecy is mentioned in Ephesians 2:20 as the other foundation gift given to the church. Like the gift of apostle, once the foundation of the church was laid the gift of prophecy was no longer needed.
Conclusions:
1) A New Testament prophet functioned similarly to the Old Testament prophets.
2) Prophets not only spoke about God’s revelation, but spoke new revelation, including predictions of the future.
3) The gift was to be given high priority over the other gifts (since prophecy edified the church, 1Cor 14:4).
4) The gift was for establishing a foundation for the church so passed off the scene once that foundation was laid. Because of this foundational aspect, the gift of Prophet is not included in the spiritual gift assessment survey explained in this book.
