New Testament Prophets

.... To many of us, the term 'prophet' will immediately invoke thoughts of the Old Testament; but prophecy actually continued the New Testament as well. In fact, two basic perspectives on prophecy were portrayed. The first of these is the ministry of a prophet and the second is the spiritual gift of prophecy. While only some of us, probably very few, are called to the actual ministry of a prophet due of its more critical applications, the spiritual gift is more generous. For in this sense we may all prophesy in accordance with our faith (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 14:31).

.
.... This also means there are similarities and differences between the two perspectives. Neither is used to introduce ‘new truths' since God’s final and complete revelation of truth has been given to us through His Son Jesus (Hebrews 1:1; John 14:6). Instead, the spiritual gift of prophecy is used for edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3), and the actual ministry of a prophet speaks in terms of church direction – which may include foretelling futuristic events:

.... "And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea."

(Acts 11:27-29)

.... In this example, New Testament prophets served a very practical purpose. Through them, God revealed His plans to the church so they could prepare themselves and cooperate with His intentions; or as Paul would say, they used this prophecy to ‘wage the good warfare’ (1 Timothy 1:18). In this particular case, they used the information to make provisions for relief from famine, while there was still time to do so.
.

.... In addition to church direction, New Testament prophets can give direction to church leadership (which has a lot to do with church direction):

.... 'And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done".'

(Acts 21:10-14)

.... When it comes to understanding personal direction through prophecy, this passage can be very instructive. First, let’s examine a check and balance system that is evidenced in the background. Before hearing this prophecy from Agabus, Paul had heard something similar from the Lord on his own (Acts 20:22-24), and he had even heard the same through other prophets (Acts 21:4). So when prophecy is involved in offering personal direction, it will be repetitive and it will come from different sources as a form of verification:

"By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be estabished."

.

.... But please notice especially, that when the Lord has new marching orders for you, He will begin by speaking to you personally (John 10:3-5). He may send prophets with the same message in order to confirm this word, but He will not initiate your instructions through them. That would introduce a mediator in your walk with the Lord, and He will never allow this (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:5).
.

.... And here is a second vital lesson. In this example, almost everyone who overheard the prophecy jumped to a conclusion about it. They considered it a warning, and concluded that Paul should avoid this journey at all costs. Yet Paul himself understood otherwise: that whatever pain it might bring him, it was a part of his calling and he was supposed to go on this journey (see Acts 9:16; 23:11).

.
.... Therefore, using prophecy to ‘wage the good warfare’ does not mean: "Thanks for the info, Lord; we’ll take it from here." Because the quesiton of application remains, as we could very well misapply what we've heard:

.... "Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect through the flesh?"

(Galatians 3:3)

.... But rather, when prophecy comes forth it gives us all the more reason to seek the Lord earnestly, to find the application He desires in giving it.

To proceed to the next lesson, click here

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 11