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PROPHECY and PROPHETS (From a Biblical perspective) Old Testament Bible Prophets From a biblical perspective all true

prophecy is based on the premise borne out at 2 Peter 1:20,21., where it says; Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves 21; or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. NLT The primary thing we must recognize about true prophecy (God given prophecy) is that a true prophet speaks Gods thoughts and wishes, not the thoughts or wishes of either the individual or the organization he or she may represent. That being said how are we to recognize whether a professed prophet is expressing Gods thoughts or their own thoughts? If they are expressing thoughts truly in harmony with Gods thinking, there will be no conflict between what they say and his inspired word which he has given us as a primary means to test for truth. Additionally there will be no conflict with the spirit of truth which Jesus said his followers would be given and through which he would reveal all things. Also, any prophetic statements made by them which may have even the slightest affiliation with untruth cannot be from Jehovah God, for he cannot lie. That true prophecy was and still is an on-going function of Gods will is borne out by the words of the true prophet Amos; No indeed, Lord Yahweh does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. NJB (Amos 3:7) Gods purpose and his will are not subject to change, but his methods and the ways he executes his will are dynamic, not stagnant. As such it is entirely logical and reasonable that he continues to use prophets as messengers of change during times he sees a need to inform his loyal followers. Thus at critical times in the history of his people, we see prophets on the scene. This has been his pattern throughout history and there is no reason to believe differently in our day. Yet, some will make the argument that he already has in place established prophecy, therefore there is no need for new prophets. This notion is dispelled by the Bible itself where it tells us;

"'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 NIV (Acts 2:17) On a basic analytical level prophecy in the Bible takes two forms of function. A prophet or prophetess may be seen as adeclarative prophet (that is one who delivers all manner of Jehovah Gods thoughts to people) or they may be seen as a predictive (perceptive) prophet (that is that they see and transmit unknown information received from God about future events which he wants them to make known to his people. Some prophets were called on by Jehovah to include predictive and declarative functions in their prophecies. There are also instances where prophetic messages took the form of prophetic scenarios which were enacted for the peoples benefit. A study of descriptive names given to prophets in Scripture reveals a broad spectrum of ministry within the two primary components (perceptive and declarative) of the prophetic gifts; It reveals that there are variations within these two primary components, all of which are prophetic according to Scripture, and all valuable and necessary. The common factor among all O.T. prophets was that they revealed Gods thoughts, sometimes in the form of his words and other times in their own words. The constant factor of all true prophecy was that it conveyed Gods message which he wanted brought to his peoples attention at times he saw it as being necessary or appropriate. TWO TYPES of prophets in the O.T. Type 1. PERCEPTIVE prophets: These include those who functioned as SEERS or WATCHMEN and VISIONARIES (Hebrew "ro'eh" or"ra'ah"), refers to a person who sees; an observer; a person endowed with moral and spiritual insight or knowledge. Essentially, the root "ro'eh", means 'to look at' or 'behold.' The seer is one who has understanding of the times. This person has the ability to perceive and discern the spiritual significance of a situation and can give Gods perspective on a given situation. This person's strengths are gifts of illumination (enlightenment) and discernment (understanding). This kind of prophet is extremely valuable as a watchman and intercessor in the midst of the congregation..

And those perceptive prophets who functioned as VISIONARIES: Visionaries are akin to seers, however there is an implication that they go beyond simply seeing current spiritual scenarios. They are given a vision of what is going to occur before it happens. Visionaries fell into three classifications; In 1 Chr 29:29 we find an occurrence of three different words referring to three different prophets. 1 Chronicles 29:29 As for the affairs of David the king, the first ones and the last, there they are written among the words of Samuel the seer ((ra'ah) and among the words of Nathan the prophet (nabiy) and among the words of Gad the visionary (Chozeh), NWT While in some translations both Samuel and Gad were referred to as seers, the actual Hebrew word is different in the second case and carries some broader implications. The word is "chozeh" and is defined as a person of unusually keen foresight; a person who sees visions; or a beholder in vision. The primary root, "chazah", means to gaze at; mentally, to perceive, contemplate; specifically, to have a vision of. This kind of prophet is akin to the other seer, but the implications here are that this person goes beyond simply seeing the current spiritual scenarios, but has a vision of what God is going to do or wants to do in the future. This is the kind of vision that has a predictive element to it and is known as predictive prophecy. Type 2. ILLUMINATING (declarative) prophets: brought the people information and understanding that God wanted them to have at appropriate times in their history 1. The Burden-bearer There are several places in Scripture where a prophetic message is called a "burden". For example Isaiah 13:1, "The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw." This word "burden" speaks more to the function or the message, rather than the person delivering it. It is of importance to note that the Hebrew word is "massa'", meaning simply "burden", but is used to describe prophetic utterances (Prov. 31:1) and even prophetic musical dirges (1 Chr 15:22). It implies the weightiness of the prophetic message prophets are sometimes called on to carry.

When Prophetic burden-bearers are called to pray. These are the prophetic intercessors. They can feel the grief of the Lord over the things that are not right. These prophets seem to live in the doldrums (low spirits) much of the time, but they are called there to pray "right" again those things that are wrong. God bless them! There are many examples of prophets interceding on behalf of the people in prayers to Jehovah. just a few examples may be found at Dan.9:16-19 (Daniel), Nu.14:19 (Moses) and 1Sam.7:5 (Samuel). Prophets are especially qualified to pray for others because they have an understanding of Jehovahs will which has been delivered to them in areas where others may be less aware of.; Certainly the Lord will do nothing without making clear his secret to his servants, the prophets. (Amos 3:7 BBE) 2. The Herald The last two kinds of prophets can be described by how they communicate more than how they receive a communication from God. The "nataph" or "herald" is the prophetically inspired preacher. "Nataph" means as a primary root word; to ooze, i.e. distill gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; to let something soak in gradually or figuratively, to speak by inspiration. The word is translated "preach" in Ezekiel 21:2, Ezekiel 21:2 "Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and drip [words] toward the holy places, and prophesy against the soil of Israel. NWT Job 29:22 Once I spoke, they said no more, but received my pronouncement drop by drop. NAB A herald is seen as a royal representative or official messenger, especially one representing a monarch in an ambassadorial capacity during a time of conflict such as wartime; a person or thing that proclaims or announces change . To herald means to give tidings of, announce, proclaim, publicize, to signal the coming of, usher in. The content of their message is every bit prophetically inspired, and as their sermons or writings "soak in"to your mind and heart, you know you have heard from the heart of God on the matter. But their mode of communication and delivery is not necessarily the same as an oracle.
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3. the Oracle The word nabiy is the most commonly used word in scripture for prophet and describes one whogushes forth with a spontaneous inspired utterance This describes one who functions as an oracle. The root word is naba and means to speak or sing by inspiration. A deeper connotation is to bubble up. to gush forth, to pour forth. This word is used at Amos 3:8 which states: the sovereign Lord has spoken-who can but (naba) prophesy, and Joel 2:8 which says . . . your sons and your daughters shall (naba) prophesy. This is the inspired utterance prophet who speaks forth in the name of God with a confident Thus says Jehovah. . . etc. This particular ministry goes further than simple inspired insight; beyond prophetically insightful preaching or teaching; and actually speaks Gods words into a situation. It should be noted that there were prophets on the scene who served in more than one of these functions at the same time. For example, While Moses could be seen primarily as as an Illuminating (declarative) prophet, he also made prophetic predictions about the future. Another important thing to be aware of is that prophets who were chosen by Jehovah constituted a miniscule segment of the human family at any given time. Sometimes there was only one prophet on the scene, sometimes just a few and sometimes not even one. In fact, during a period of over 4,000 years of history recorded by Gods people, only fifty two individuals can even be listed as possible prophets in the Bible. And of those, only sixteen are universally recognized by all bible scholars as credible prophets, according to the understanding of what constituted an O.T. prophet. This makes a true prophet, one who has actually been called by Jehovah to disclose his message to others an extremely rare commodity. Below is a list of those individuals from the O.T. who have been classified by various Bible scholars as prophets. In analyzing the list one will find that there are some individuals who do not quite fit the scriptural profile for a prophet. However in most instances, the individuals can be readily seen to possess the scriptural qualities associated with being designated a prophet.

When the N.T. makes reference to the prophets of old (Luk 1:70, Acts 3:21) it is understood to refer to a group of 16 prophets classified by bible scholars as (4) major** and (12) minor prophets*. It should be noted that this classifycation makes no allusion to their importance, but is rather based on the length of their writings. Old Testament Bible Prophets
(A General list of those alleged to be prophets by bible scholars)

Code identifying the function and nature of prophets on the list:


Jones Bold print indicates a predictive prophet Jones - Italicized print indicates a declarative prophet Jones Bold italicized print indicates a prophet whose work included both predictive and declarative elements. Jones Indicates an individual whose prophet label appears to be of a questionable nature Jones*- classified as a minor prophet Jones ** classified as a major prophet

Adam: There is no direct evidence that he was in the conventional sense a predictive

prophet. Neither is he referred to in the Bible as a prophet at all. However, we assume by implication, he transmitted Gods thinking during his lifetime on a need to know basis to those he fathered and to their generations during his lifetime.

Abel: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet. Seth: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet. Enos: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet Cainan: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet Mahalaleel: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scripturalsense a prophet
Jared: There is no direct evidence that he was in any scriptural sense a prophet

Enoch: Enoch is the first one who could be seen as a prophet if only for reason that he
walked with god for over 300 years. Walking with god would imply testifying to his greatness and acknowledging his God ship. Additionally, Jude made this reference to Enoch as a prophet; It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all
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the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (Jude 14-15) Technically this was not a prophecy in the predictive sense by Jude. Rather in his caseit was a prophecy in a testimonial sense. The predictive aspect is the time period in which these words of Enoch were reputedly spoken. Since Enoch is known to have lived before Noahs day, his words would have taken on predictive significance. Jude implies these were words spoken by Enoch before the flood of Noahs day. As such, they would constitute predictive prophecy.

Methuselah- Little is recorded about Methuselah in the Bible that would paint him as
a prophet. The book of Enoch, the book of Jasher (both approcraphal writings) and historians, Josephus and Philo disclose a few more facts about Methusaleh. It is alluded to in the book of Jasher that both Noah and Methuselah preached the need for righteousness to their fellow humans. Whether this constituted prophecy remains a subject for debate.

Noah - While it is likely that he conveyed Gods warning to the people of his day there
is no direct evidence that Noah was a prophet in the predictive sense. It is lilely that he prophesied in a declarative sense by informing the people of the consequences of disobedience to Gods will. Also we may assume that he conveyed Gods will to his family and their offspring. Thus he can be viewed as a declarative prophet.

Shem According to some Jewish traditions is believed to have been Melchizedek, (e.g.,
B. Talmud Nedarim 32b; Genesis Rabbah 46:7; Genesis Rabbah 56:10; Leviticus Rabbah 25:6; Numbers Rabbah 4:8.), Shem is pictured as follower of Jehovah at Gen. 9:26. As such it is reasonable to assume that he declared Jehovahs will and purpose to his family and those around him. For this reason he is assumed by some scholars to be a prophet.

Melchizedek ; There is much speculation about Melchizedech outside of the bible.


Most of it centers on Melchizedek being a heavenly son of God who came to earth to teach about Gods plan of salvation for humans.. The Bible gives little information of major concern except that Abraham did homage to him and that he had no traceable ancestry. The Bible paints him as a pre-Levitical priest worthy of great respect, but not as a prophet in any conventional sense. Abraham God himself refers to Abraham as a prophet at Gen 20; 7.

Isaac: While events in the life of Isaac were prophetic, we find what some would
consider prophecy by word of mouth found only in the blessings of his sons. (Gen28;3,4.)

Jacob: Some view the fact that Jacob was the patriarch of the nation of Israel as an
indication he was a prophet. Aside from that, it was the events in his life that had prophetic significance, not, as far as we know, the things he spoke.

Elias or Esaias Elias is an individual assigned the role of a prophet in Abrahams day
only by Mormon theology. The Esaias of the New Testament (Matt 4:14 KJV) is clearly Isaiah and not Elias.

Gad: Gad was a seer or prophet in the Hebrew Bible and one of the personal prophets
of King David of Israel. References to him are found in the books of 1 Sam. 22:5 and 2Sam.24:11,13,18.

Jeremy A prophet of questionable origin, possibly attributable to the apocryphal book


of Enoch. Otherwise taken as a synonym for Jeremiah a later prophet (see below)

Elihu: Elihu, one of Jobs companions who claimed to speak on Gods behalf.

Whether his words reflected Gods thinking or his own remains open to question. Caleb Was one of the spies sent out by Joshua. While what he did could be seen as prophetic by some, there is no evidence that he uttered prophetic words Jehovah authorized him to speak.

Jethro or Reuel (Exo.2:16-18) Jethro was Moses father-in law. While there is
evidence that he was an advisor to Moses, the Bible only refers to him as a priest. His recognition of as a prophet stems mainly from Islamic writings.

Moses: Clearly a prophet of the greatest magnitude, both in what he spoke and what
he predicted. Example (Deut:18:15) One of the few Bible examples of self proclamation as a prophet.

Joshua; Joshua cannot be regarded a prophet by what he is ascribed to have said in any conventional sense. However the case can be made that his deeds were prophetic. On that basis some see him as a prophet.

Balaam: Balaam is an example of a non-Israelite prophet who ended up

prophesying mixed messages, both positive and negative from Gods standpoint. Zechariah*: Zechariah was in every sense a Prophet both declarative and predictive (Zech 1:3. Zech.9:3,4,9 and 12:10.) Eli: While Eli was a high priest and a judge during the era of Samuel the prophet, there is nothing in the bible record that portrays him as a prophet.

Samuel: Samuel was a seer as well as a declarative prophet Nathan: Nathan was a declarative prophet who exposed and confronted David for
his sin in connection with Uriah the Hittite.

Micaiah: Micaiah is a predictive prophet who uttered a short term prophecy about a
battle King Ahab was about to engage in.

Ahijah; Ahijah was a predictive prophet who forecast the division of the nation with
ten parts going to Jeroboam and leaving but one part (Judah) to Solomons posterity (Reheboam). 1 Ki. 11;31-33.

Jehu: Jehu declared Jehovahs judgment towards Baasha, the then current King of
Israel during his time.

Elijah: Elijah, greek Elas defended the worship of Yahweh over that of the Phoenician god Baal (which was considered as idol worship); he raised the dead, brought fire down from the sky, and was taken up in a whirlwind. He made no specific predictions but can be seen in the role of a predictive prophet in that In the Book of Malachi, Elijah's return is prophesied "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord." The new testament sees a fulfillment of this in John the Baptizer coming to make prepare the way for Jesus as the Messiah. Elisha: A number of short term predictive prophecies are associated with Elisha
however, more importantly, the miracles he performed among the people of his time are said to point prophetically to the ministry of Jesus.

Job: Job cannot be seen as a prophet in a conventional scriptural sense. While the
experiences of Job may be seen as prophetic of the experiences righteous men may anticipate, what Job had to say and the questions he asked of God cannot be seen as prophetic. Certainly much can be seen in Gods answers that would appear prophetic for in them he disclosed much knowledge unknown to men at the time he spoke to job. However those were Gods declarations, not Jobs.

Joel*: Joel is a predictive prophet with largely apocalyptic applications. Jonah*: Jonah made a number of short term local application prophecies, thus he is
technically speaking a predictive prophet. However, it was the things he experienced that are seen of prophetic significance, not his words as much. For example his survival after three days in the belly of a whale is seen as being prophetic of Christs resurrection from the tomb.

Amos*: Amos is primarily a declarative prophet who pronounced judgment and


informed Jehovahs people of punishments they could expect. Amos also reminded them of Gods importance and their need for social justice.

Hosea*/Hoshea: Hosea is a declarative prophet who pronounced judgment on Israel


and disclosed their need for repentance. God allowed Hoseas personal relationship with his wife to prophetically illustrate his own relationship with the nation of Israel in Hoseas time. In modern Christianity, Hoseas experiences are seen to illustrate how Gods sees his relationship with some modern day Christians. In this regard, based on the eyes of hindsight, Hosea is seen as a predictive prophet by many most modern day Christian scholars.

Isaiah**: Isaiah is a major prophet who wrote short term predictions that had
long term fulfillments as well. He also wrote a great deal of declarative material which would apply to a future for Gods people when man would be restored to Gods favor and blessing under the Kingdom rule of God.

Micah*: Micah was a predictive prophet who was given short term denunciation
pronouncements against Jerusalem and Samaria and longer term predictions about the coming Messiah. His predictions were quite concise even detailing the town and district the Messiah would be born in. (Mic. 5:2)

Nahum*: Nahum was a declarative prophet if you agree with those who claim he wrote after the fall of Assyria around 612BCE. If you agree with those who believe he wrote before 614 BCE, he was a predictive prophet. In addition to detailing the fall of Assyria, Nahum used the words of Moses to declare what sort of being God was. Jeremiah**: Jeremiah wrote his words initially to the nation of Israel, as Gods people. In his works we find both predictive and declarative elements. There is no doubt in most scholars minds that his prophecies had short term fulfillments with his people( Israel) during his time and that they have long term fulfillments in relation to Gods people in the time of the end Habakkuk*: Habakkuk was a seer. He was given a vision of what God would do
during Habakkuks day. He was also given prophetic information relating to the time of the end, Jehovahs day.

Obadiah*: Obadiah is a seer in that he is given a vision 1. (1-4) announcing judgment


against Edom and her pride and is given a vision of the punishment upon her. However Odadiahs vision can be seen to have a future spiritual application to a greater Edom in a spiritual sense.

Daniel**: Daniels prophecies which portend both short term and long term
fulfillments are based io a series of dream/ visions which are only partially interpreted. The rest of their meanings are left for a time Daniel describes as the time of the end (Daniel 12:4), when they are see their fulfillment.

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Ezekiel**: Ezekiels prophecies were both declarative and predictive in nature. He


discloses much information about the heavenly angelic realm, pronounces judgment and the reasons for judgment on Gods people in both short term sense (his own day) and long term (his people in the future) senses. Additionally Ezekiels prophecies are rich with spiritual meanings perceivable by true believers.

Haggai*: Haggai's message is filled with urgency for the people to proceed with the
rebuilding of the second Jerusalem temple. Haggai attributes a recent drought to the people's refusal to rebuild the temple, which he sees as key to Jerusalems glory. The book ends with the prediction of the downfall of kingdoms.

Malachi*: Malachi can be classified as a declarative prophet whose declarations


contain Messianic implications. The book of Malachi appears to have been written to correct the lax religious and social behavior of the Israelites particularly the priests in post-exilic Jerusalem. As all other examples of prophetic works, there are spiritual lessons in Malachi that transcend his own time.

Shemaiah: Shemaiah was a declarative prophet of minor importance during the reign
of Reheboam. Iddo: Iddo was a minor biblical prophet, who appears to have lived during the reigns of King Solomon and his heirs, Rehoboam and Abijah, in the Kingdom of Judah. At (2 Chronicles 12:15) he is mentioned as Iddo the Seer"

Ezias: Ezias or Esaias is a name found in some bible versions at Mtt; 13:14 in the new
testament in verses referring to Isaiah 6:9-10 in the Old testament. Most Bible translators believe Esias to be Isaiah.

Zephaniah* - Zephaniah was a predictive and declarative prophet who spoke


boldly against the religious and moral corruption, which, in view of the idolatry had penetrated even into the sanctuary. He pleaded for a return to the simplicity of their fathers instead of the luxurious ways if life they were engaged in. He also made important predictions about a future time of the end
Code for identifying the function of prophets listed above: Jones Bold print indicates a predictive prophet Jones - Italicized print indicates a declarative prophet Jones Bold italicized print indicates a prophet whose work included both predictive and declarative elements. Jones Indicates an individual whose prophet label appears to be of a questionable nature

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PROPHETS in the NewTestament


In the N.T. we find the writers continued to define the meaning of a prophet in terms of the Hebrew Scriptures, which they were already quite familiar with. We find numerous references in the N.T. writings to the prophets of old who had prophesied about their own times and about future times. Examples may be found at Acts3:18,21,24, Heb.1:1, Joh. 6:45, Luk. 1:70, Mtt.2:23 and 2 Pe.3:2) We are also told of prophets currently on the scene during the 1st Century who made short term predictions, prophets who made long term predictions and prophets who made both short and long term predictions. For example, John the Baptist made short term predictions about Jesus (Joh.16, 17.) Jesus made both short term and long term predictions about the destruction of the temple and the end of the system of things. (Mtt.24:2, 6-22.) The Apostles Paul and John are both credited with major long term predictive prophecies at (2 Ti. 3:1-7 and Rev.21:1-5) and there was even a virtually unknown man named Agabus on the scene who is mentioned as a short term predictive prophet. (Acts 11:28a). The first century believer fully understood all this in connection with the meaning of a prophet since it was in harmony with scriptural precedents that he was familiar with from before. However, in addition to the traditional types of prophets who were on the scene at the time, the first century bible record shows that another type of prophet was common and active within the typical first century congregation. While this type of prophet was largely declarative there was a new dimension to their work. Such prophets are referenced at verses like Act. 11:27, 13:1, 15;32, Eph. 4:11 and 1 Cor.14:29. These prophets appear to be every day figures within the local congregations as opposed to the rare individuals who had been gifted with the spirit of prophecy in the O.T. The Bible does not say explicitly if or how these first century prophets were different from the prophets of old described in the O.T. However, what is written about them gives us an implicit picture showing certain qualities they all had in common. It also reveals that their gifts of prophecy had an added dimension and an added purpose. It is by examining those verses that describe them and their function that we are able to discern that they
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represented a class of prophets different from O,T. (type) prophets who were, incidentally also concurrent on the scene during the first century. Lets review some of those scriptures which provide clues helping us to identify those characteristics that set them apart from the conventional O.T type prophet. By doing this we will be able to grasp what made this class of prophets different, also what they had in common with earlier prophets that allows them to continue to be referred to as prophets. Starting off with a crucial predictive verse uttered by Joel more than 400 years before Peter applied it to his own time, we will examine a series of verses which will explain this phenomena. At acts 2:16 Peter said: But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel ESV Acts 2:17,17. "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. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. NIV Peter referred to Joel in that Joel had predicted that in the last days (Jewish system) and by extension, last days (End of the world), Gods servants would prophesy. Exactly which of the varieties of meaning for the word prophesy would apply to any given individual prophet is not made clear in this verse. What is clear is that while certain ones would see visions and some others would dream dreams, there would be a large contingent (my servants), both men and women who would have Gods spirit poured out, in such a way as to enable them to prophesy. Analyzing the following verses will help us determine what the nature of such prophesying is based on what it was in the first century congregation. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, yet keep zealously seeking the spiritual gifts, but preferably that YOU may prophesy. NWT From this verse, we can conclude the prophesying Paul referred to is not of the same in nature as the prophecy that Peter spoke of at 2 Peter 1:21, where he said For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke
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from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. NIV There Peters words indicated the kind of prophecy he was referring to was not something one could acquire through their own will, while Paul indicates at 1 Cor 14:1 that the kind of prophecy he is referring to is obtainable by human efforts. 1 Corinthians 14:31 You can all prophesy, but one at a time, then all will learn something and all receive encouragement. NJB With these words Paul implies that the kind of prophecy he is referring to can be done by anyone in the congregation. Matthew 7:22 On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' NLT It becomes obvious that the prophecy Jesus was referring to in this verse could not have been the O.T. variety where there was only one or a very limited number of prophets on the scene at a given time . Acts 21:9 This man had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied.
NWT

This certainly doesnt fit the O.T. profile of few prophets on the scene at a time nor does it fit the O.T picture of prophets as lifelong loyal servants of God Romans 12:6 Then since the gifts that we have differ according to the grace that was given to each of us: if it is a gift of prophecy, we should prophesy as much as our faith tells us NJB Again, this is not the same kind of prophecy as was seen in the O.T. prophets where Jehovah determined when and who should prophesy. This was a type of prophecy that the prophet themselves had a large measure of control over based on their own faith. 1 Corinthians 11:4,5 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. It is apparent from this scripture that the prophesying Paul was referring to was quite common. NIV:5 And for a woman to pray or prophesy with her head uncovered shows disrespect for her head; it is exactly the same as if she had her hair shaved off NJB.

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From Pauls words it is apparent that both men and women prophesying was quite common at the time. We have now determined that the form of prophecy spoken of in the N.T. in these verses was different from the O.T. prophecy in the number or quantity of prophets on the scene at a given time. What else can we learn about this form of prophet and their specific purpose that makes them unique in their own right? 1 Corinthians 14:3 On the other hand, someone who prophesies speaks to other people, building them up and giving them encouragement and reassurance. NJB Here we have a clue as to its meaning. This kind of prophesying was equated with speaking in a way that builds up, gives encouragement and reassures them. This addresses not only the nature of Prophesying but the purpose for it as well. 1 Corinthians 14:4 Those who speak in a tongue may build themselves up, but those who prophesy build up the community. NJB Or as another translation puts it: 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the assembly (Eklesia). DBY Here we have another clue; the type of prophesying Paul was describing is connected with building up the community of believers, the Eklesia (the church or congregation.) 1 Corinthians 14:31 You can all prophesy, but one at a time, then all will learn something and all receive encouragement. NJB Here Paul not only showed how common the prophesying that he was referring to was, but also that it was directly connected to teaching and encouraging others in the congregation.. Romans 12:6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you NLT.
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This translation clarifies that the prophesying Paul was referring to was equated with God speaking through the one who was prophesying. The inference in this is that the prophet would be confident when speaking Gods thoughts and not his own thoughts. Speaking his own thoughts might be tantamount to offering the fruits of the lip as praise (Hebrews 13:15 Through him, let us offer God an unending sacrifice of praise, the fruit of the lips of those who acknowledge his name), but it would not be prophesying. A final example shedding light on what it meant to prophesy in the N.T. sense is found at: Luke 1:67, 68. And Zech-a-ri'ah its father was filled with holy spirit, and he prophesied, saying: :68 "Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel, because he has turned his attention and performed deliverance toward his people. NWT This was a fine example of a declarative prophecy . it wasnt an inkling or hunch Zechariah had on his own. It was a thought planted in his mind by Holy Spirit. In conclusion; While the prophecy spoken of by Paul appears to be of a new type different from the traditional O.T. version, it remains fundamentally declarative prophecy with a specific goal or purpose in view. Perhaps what is new about it is that it is not directly motivated by Jehovah in the form of his commanding the prophet, as was the case with the prophets of old. Rather it depends on ones own faith and his free will in wanting to speak Jehovahs mind to others. It might be seen as being sponsored by Jehovah, rather than directly commanded. The commonality it possesses is based on the fact that the prophet speaks not his own mind as affected by his own thinking or the thinking of others, but reflects the thinking of Jehovah as he has made it known to the prophet by means of his Holy Spirit. Modern Day Prophecy and Prophets How about our own day? If this is truly the Time of the End as most if not all Bible scholars believe it is, should we not expect to see prophets on the scene in our own day?

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There are at least two schools of thought on this. There are those who believe god-ordained prophets and Biblical type prophecy ceased to exist after the book of Revelations. In support, they cite scriptural references such as 1 Cor 13:8 and Rev.22:18,19. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, NIV10 But when that which is complete is come, then that which is in part will be no longer necessary. BBE They interpret these verses to mean that Paul said prophecy would be done away with when the holy writings were completed. In this they presume that Paul meant the Bible when he spoke of that which is complete They reason that since the Bible is complete and provides us with a fore gleam of the future which extends even beyond the establishment of Gods Kingdom on earth, there is no need for additional prophets or prophecy. They submit that the apostle Johns words at the end of the revelation he received from the Lord Jesus lend further support to their position. Revelation 22:18,19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. NIV In this, they see these words as applying to the bible in its entirety rather than merely to the book of Revelations. While this may make sense to some Bible readers it finds contradiction within the pages of bible itself. In the book of Acts there is an explicit statement that not only says there would be prophets on the scene during the time of the end, but that they would appear in extraordinary numbers. Acts 2:17 a'And it shall be in the last days,' God says, 'That I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; And your sons and your

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daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams; NAS Also, at Revelation 11:3 It speaks of an occurrence specifically attributed to the time of the end. There it says; "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in csackcloth." NAU Whether one understands thesetwo witnesses to be individuals or as representing of a class of individuals, the point is that they would be prophesying during the time of the end, prior to Jesus arrival in kingdom power. This should not surprise a serious bible scholar in the least for we all know that Jehovah God has shown a disposition to raise prophets on earth every time his people were enduring critical times. What form could we expect prophecy to take during the last days? Would we expect a re-hash of old prophecies already existing in scripture re- interpreted by new prophets? If that were the case, it would imply that God either did not have the ability to set forth prophecy that was understandable in the first place or that he did not have the holy Spirit to guide his followers later in the way they should understand his earlier prophets, so now he needed new human prophets to clarify what he had disclosed through their predecessors. Such a supposition betrays both logic and what we know of Jehovah as being all wise and all knowing. There must be another explanation as to why he would provide prophets on the scene during the last days. Would it be for the purpose of informing the world as to his will or his forth coming judgments? His word already has done this and continues to do so. Would it be for the purpose of them teaching his anointed? Hardly, for anointed ones are direct recipients of his holy spirit individually. Scripture tells us who their teacher is, how they arrive at truth and who finishes their training. It is not by any human prophet dwelling in the midst of their own number. (Joh.14:17,26, Joh.16:13, 1Pe. 5:10) We are given some scriptural keys which should help us understand the reason for prophets in this time of the end. One is found in several places in the book of Revelations:
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Revelation 19:10 Then I knelt at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, 'Never do that: I am your fellow-servant and the fellow-servant of all your brothers who have in themselves the witness of Jesus. God alone you must worship.' The witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. NJB Revelation 1:9 I, John, your brother, who share with you the distress, the kingdom, and the endurance we have in Jesus, found myself on the island called Patmos because I proclaimed God's word and gave testimony to Jesus. NAB Revelation 12:17 Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God's commandments and bear witness to Jesus. NAB Revelation 20:4 Then I saw thrones, where they took their seats, and on them was conferred the power to give judgement. I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God's word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not accept the brandmark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. NJB Other reasons have to do with their relationship with fellow believers, their own brothers and sisters. Paul wrote about this in his letters to the Corinthian congregation. In first Corinthians we see the role of the prophet as one who edifies, gives others encouragement and re-assurance and provides information from which they can benefit by. To edify is understood as to build up. In the Christian context it means to strengthen someone, or be strengthened. 1 Corinthians 14:3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. NIV 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the assembly. DBY 1 Corinthians 14:31 You can all prophesy, but one at a time, then all will learn something and all receive encouragement. NJB

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In summary, if we were to try and paint a mental picture of an end times prophet based solely on Bible information, it would probably look like this: We would see one who proclaims the word of God and bears witness to Jesus. Also, he or she would be a source of encouragement, comfort and edification to fellow their fellow believers. Additionally, he or she would have the qualities incidental to any true Christian; To fellow humans he or she would speak truth and have love in their heart for them. For Jehovah and Jesus there would be exclusive devotion, loyalty, trust and obedience along with the love in their hearts for them. How would we know that such a person was a true prophet in view of the scriptural warnings against false prophets and false teachers who would also be on the scene during the time of the end? Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. NIV Mark 13:22 for there shall rise false Christs and false prophets, and they shall give signs and wonders, to seduce, if possible, also the chosen; YLT 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; NAS Once again, Gods word of truth provides us with the tools to recognize falsehood of all kinds, including false prophets. Here are several verses of scriptures which embody principals enabling a true believer to recognize both false prophets and false teachers.

Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, and the thing followeth not, nor cometh to pass, that is the word which Jehovah hath not spoken; the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: be not afraid of him. DBY
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The test illuminated in this scripture is fundamentally a test for truth in a predictive prophet. It refers to a prophet who presumes to speak in Gods name as the authority behind his or her prophecy. When the prophecy fails to come true, it proves the prophet has been deceitful and that it was not by Gods authority that he spoke at all. (see also Eze.22:28) Jesus gave us definitive information on how to recognize a false prophet in the seventh chapter of Matthew, where he said; Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves.AMP He indicated they would appear to be as gentle and harmless as lambs, as far as one could see from their appearance and demeanor. Yet in their hearts they are insatiable in their appetite to consume their prey. Mat 7:16 You will fully recognize them by their fruits. . . . . AMP The fruit a prophet is expected to produce is prophecy. A prophets prophecies are what must be evaluated as to whether they are worthwhile or worthless Mat 7:17, 18. Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. AMP The laws of nature tell us that a healthy tree will produce good, excellent fruit, worthy of being admired and consumed, whereas a sickly, diseased tree will produce fruit that is sickly and diseased. In the case of prophecy the disease of falsehood makes the fruit poisonous to the consumer. Mat 7:20 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. AMP Mat 7:21-23. Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22;Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly

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(publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. [Ps. 6:8.] AMP The primary obligation (command) for a prophet of God is to speak or declare what God has given them to others. Any deviation from that can be seen as a violation of that command. If their prophecy includes their own imperfect opinions, or those of others, they may be viewed as less than a true prophet. If their prophecy is blatantly untrue, they can only be viewed as a false prophet. The best way to guard yourself against falsehood, false prophets and false teachers is to know the truth. To spot a counterfeit, study the real thing. Any believer who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and who makes a careful study of the Bible can identify false doctrine. Gods Scale for weighing truth, The Bible While its true that we are admonished to be on guard, some go to such extremes as to become narrow-minded and closed to some beautiful truths in the name of being careful. What should our role as Christians be in regard to acceptance of a new thought, idea or doctrine? We are told to prove all things, not to reject them because they might be strange or new to us. However, we should not receive them as being true either, until we first prove them. How do we prove things? All true Christians are in agreement that our standard is the Word of God, the Bible. God left us this Book as a reference, standard, or gauge so we could know whether something is good or evil, truth or error, right or wrong. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, NAB Prove All Things One of our major faults as Christians is that we tend to rely on human thinking instead of Gods spirit on certain subjects. Instead of referring to the book God gave us we defer to those men who we view as authorities (often self proclaimed). While we recognize that God gave us men who might lead us to his word and the truths of God, we lose sight of the fact that it is God and his word which remain the only source of unblemished truth. We cannot avoid exposure to the ideas and thinking of humans we come in contact with in our everyday lives. Sometimes their thinking will have some appeal to us.
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However, when it comes to spiritual matters, Gods word is clear in that it places an obligation on the hearer to prove all things and hold fast only to that which is good. While this wise counsel may also apply to other things, nonspiritual in nature, it has special application to those things which we come in contact with of a spiritual nature, such as professed prophecy from a source who claims to speak gods thoughts and mind. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Let all things be tested; keep to what is good; BBE Or as another translation put it: Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. NWT Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If ever you have among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams and he gives you a sign or a wonder, BBE :2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," NIV:3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or to the dreamer of that dream, because Jehovah YOUR God is testing YOU to know whether YOU are loving Jehovah YOUR God with all YOUR heart and all YOUR soul. NWT Thus, the Bible makes it perfectly clear that the obligation lies with each of us individually to pay attention to what God reveals through his word and his spirit. Proverbs 4:20 My child, pay attention to what I am telling you, listen carefully to my words; NJB Luke 8:18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." NIV Isaiah 33:22 For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah, our lawgiver, Jehovah, our king: he will save us. DBY John ben Wilhelm, author
(Author may be contacted by Email at try4truth@disciples.com)
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