THE DOCTRINE OF PROPHETS
AND PROPHECY
I.
Introduction:
A. Prophets and prophecy exist in both the O.T. and N.T. Num.11:29 cp.Mat.23:34; 2Chr.9:29; Rom.12:6
B. Prophets can refer to the individuals that engage in acts of prophesying (Isa.38:1) or it can refer in the passive sense of certain segments of Scripture. Cf.Mat.5:17; 7:12 et al “the Prophets”; 2Pet.1:20 cp.Rom.16:26
C. There is a distinction made between true Prophets (Deu:18:18) and false prophets (Mat.7:15; 2Pet.2:1).
D. Prophecy looks to that which is prophesied. Dan.9:24; Rev.22:7,10,18,19
E. This doctrine addresses the different aspects of Prophets and prophecy.
II.
Vocabulary:
A.
Hebrew:
1.
aybin" - nabi; noun;
used 314x; means a spokesman, speaker, prophet; translated prophecy, prophesy,
prophet(s).
2.
ha'ybin> - nebiy-ah; feminine noun; used 6x; prophetess
3.
ab'n" – nabah; verb; used 115x; means to prophesy, raved.
4.
hz"x' – chazah; from prim. root “see, behold”; used 50x; behold, envisioned
in visions, gaze, look, prophesy, to see.
5.
hz<xo – chozeh; a seer, prophets.
B.
Greek:
1.
profhtei,a – prophetia; noun, used 19x; prophecy, prophesying,
prophetic utterance.
2.
profhteu,w – propheteuo; verb; used 28x; to foretell, tell
forth, prophesy, prophesies; prophetesses.
3.
profh,thj – prophetes; noun; used 144x; a prophet, a
foreteller of divine will; prophet(s).
4.
profhtiko,j – prophetikos; adj.; used 2x; prophetic, prophets.
5.
profh/tij – prophetis; fem.noun; used 2x; prophetess.
6.
yeudoprofh,thj – pseudoprophetes; noun; used 11x; a false prophet(s).
III.
Prophets and prophecy
in the O.T.
A.
Abraham is the first
mentioned as a prophet in the O.T.
Gen.20:7
B.
However, Enoch is said
to have prophesied (Jud.1:14) indicating this gift preexisted the Noahaic
flood. Cp.Gen.5:18-24
C.
The next mentioned is
Aaron, whom God appointed as Moses’ prophet.
Exo.7:1
D.
Aaron represents the
primary function of a prophet; to speak on behalf of God as a
communicator. Exo.7:2
E.
Further, the
information to be communicated is revealed supernaturally from God
Himself. Exo.7:2a
F.
That Aaron was
appointed by God indicates a divine commission of office attached to his
function and constitutes the implementing of this office. Cp.Amo.2:11
G.
Moses, as a type of
Christ, was also a prophet. Deu.18:15,18
H.
He is the only prophet
to receive divine revelation from God face-to-face. Deu.34:10
I.
He promised a line of
prophets culminating in the ultimate Prophet that would instruct
J.
Joshua became the next
prophet inline after Aaron as implied in Deu.34:9-10
K.
Others of the Exodus
were able to prophesy; though there is no indication they were appointed into
office. Num.11:25-29
L.
This indicates that the
act of prophesying came as a result of the filling of the H.S. and could occur
at random as so intended by God.
M.
The rules behind one
prophesying was that the communication was to never violate the principles of Bible
doctrine and/or if the things prophesied don’t come true, the prophet was to be
put to death. Deu.13:1-5 cp. Deu.18:20-22
N.
Those violating these
rules are determined to be false prophets.
Jer.14:14; 23:32; Lam.2:14; Eze.13:9; 22:28
O.
As these verses and Deu.18:20-22
makes clear, prophecy could be in the realms of doctrinal revelation or in a
spatial and/or temporal sense of foretelling something of the past, present or future
in which the prophet would have no previous knowledge.
P.
False prophets arise
as a test to +V in their adherence to the truth. Deu.13:3
Q.
Balaam is an example
of a prophet that went into reversionism.
2Pet.2:15-16 cp.Num.22
R.
The prophesying came primarily
with direct revelation, dreams and visions as vehicles for transmission.
S.
However, it is noted
that musical instruments could be used for prophesying, implying prophecy
through the medium of song. 1Chr.25:1
T.
Females could
prophesy. Exo.15:20
U.
Deborah was a
prophetess that also held office as judge.
Jdg.4:4
V.
While the prophetical
office was introduced by Moses, an official prophetical order is not seen to be
in place until Samuel. 1Sam.3:20; 19:18-24
1.
Samuel is seen as the
presiding authority over the prophets mentioned insinuating an organized order
or “school” for prophets. 1Sam.19:20
2.
The phrase “sons of
the prophets” came into being to indicate this institution and officiate
distinction. 1Kgs.20:35;
2Kgs.2:3,5,7,15, et al.
3.
These orders came to
be located in Ramah,
4.
Prophets were utilized
by the laymen to inquire of God on their behalf. 1Sam.9:9
5.
These men were also
called “seers” to indicate the supernatural insight attributed to their gift of
prophesying. Cp.1Sam.9:18-20
6.
Another primary
function of prophets was to warn
7.
Moreover, they would
proclaim impending judgment upon
8.
Women could fulfill
this role. Cp.2Kgs.22:14-20
9.
The O.T. prophet both proclaimed
(a.k.a. forth-teller – bringing into view) addressing the current social, moral
and theological issues and foretold (foreteller) making predictions.
10. The purpose for addressing the current issues was in
order to foretell the impending future in proclaiming judgment. Ex. Moses and Aaron
11. No matter the message, the true prophet spoke as
commanded by God via Divine revelation.
Jer.26:12,16 cp.27:15; 29:9; Eze.4:7; 6:2; 11:4, etc.
12. There is no indication that a prophet was ever
limited to either one or the other aspects of prophesying, assertive or
predictive.
W. It is evident that some prophets were endued with
the additional power of performing miracles.
1.
Miracles were “signs”
for confirmation and validity of the prophet in person and message as from God. Cp.Exo.7:1-3
2.
They were used as a
tool of judgment against –V. Ex. The
plagues on
3.
Abraham was associated
with miracles validating his status as a prophet and confirmation of beginning
a nation. Gen.17-18
4.
Moses and Aaron with
too numerous of miracles to list. Books
of Exodus, Numbers, et al.
5.
Examples of other
prophets: Elijah (1Kgs.17:1-7, 17-24;
2Kgs.1:9-15; etc.), Elisha (2Kgs.2:14, etc.), Daniel (Dan.6:16-24), Jonah
(Jon.1-2), etc.
6.
There is no indication
that miracles were prerequisite to being a prophet or that another prophet
could not perform miracles, only that miracles are recorded for some. Deu.13:1
7.
Miracles simply
validated (ex..2Pet.1:17-19a).
8.
False prophets could
perform miracles for deception, but were to be rejected and executed. Deu.13:2-3,5
9.
Men could be demon
possessed to facilitate false prophecy.
1Kgs.22:23
X.
Prophets to
Y.
Prophets comprise the
majority of authors of the O.T. Scriptures.
Moses (though his writings are seen distinct from prophetical writings;
Luk.16:29,31, etc.), 1st & 2nd Samuel, David
(Act.2:29-30), Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah,
Jonah, Micah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
Z.
The O.T itself, though
historical, is loaded with prophecy recorded for posterity and validation for
future fulfillment of the Scriptures.
IV.
Prophets and prophecy during
the 1st Advent.
A.
The N.T. rightly
recognizes the validity of O.T. prophets and prophecy. Mat.1:22; 2:5,15,17,23; 3:3 et al
cp.Mat.11:13
B.
Further, prophesying
continued to exist during the incarnation.
Luk.1:67ff
C.
John the Baptist was
declared to be a prophet. Mat.11:9; 14:5;
21:26; Mar.11:32; Luk.1:76; etc.
D.
John the Baptist’s
birth might be viewed as a miracle in validation of his destiny as a prophet
and forerunner. Luk.1:5-25,57
E.
His office is likened
to the prophet Elijah. Luk.1:17
F.
He both brought into
view the reversionism of
G.
Jesus Christ was the Prophet
fulfilling the highest order of this office.
Mat.13:57; 21:11; Joh.4:19; 6:14; 9:17 cp.Deu.18:15,18
H.
Christ proclaimed that
prophets would follow Him in His ministry.
Mat.23:34; Luk.11:49
I.
Further, He warned
against false prophets. Mat.24:11;
Mar.13:22
J.
Christ’s miracles were
associated with His rank as Prophet.
Joh.6:14; 9:17
K.
Further, His
prophecies occurred in both a predictive spatial and temporal sense. Joh.4:16-19; 11:3-4,11-15
L.
Again, there is no
documentation that one’s prophesying is restrictive in this way.
M.
Female prophetesses are
also present during this time. Luk.2:36
V.
Prophets and prophecy
during the Church Age.
A.
Upon the institution
of the Church Age, God provided the Church with certain spiritual gifts and
offices. See Doctrine of Spiritual Gifts
B.
Among the list of
gifts and offices are prophets and prophecy.
1Cor.12:28-29; 14:29,32,37; Eph.2:20; 3:5; 4:11 cp.Rom.12:6; 1Cor.12:10;
13:2; 14:6, etc.
C.
This gift and office
(as with all gifts and offices) were designed to only truly function under the
FHS as taught under the principle of Divine love (See Doctrine of Love).
1Cor.13:1-8a; cp.2Pet.1:20-21
D.
Prophetesses and women
prophesying are seen to exist. Act.21:9;
1Cor.11:5; Rev.2:20
E.
Prophets and teachers
are mentioned together by name in the list of Act.13:1, with Judas and Silas
(Act.15:32) and Agabus (Act.21:10) identified specifically as prophets.
F.
The spiritual gift of
prophecy is associated with the office, hence the references to offices as
spiritual gifts denoting the necessity for certain gifts to qualify one for
office (a prophet that couldn’t prophesy?), though a distinction between office
and gift is noted. 1Cor.12:10 cp. vs.28;
Eph.4:11
G.
The primary function
of prophets and prophecy in the early Church was to communicate Bible doctrine supernaturally
through direct divine revelation instructing the Church in lieu of a yet to be
written N.T. 1Cor.14:6 cp.22-25
H.
Only males had the
authority to prophesy in the general assembly of the local church. 1Cor.14:34
I.
Again, there is no
documentation that prophesying is restrictive spatially or temporally or any
predictive elements removed.
J.
As 1Cor.13:8 makes
clear, the gift of prophecy (and hence, the office) was a temporary gift to be
“done away” at the coming of the “perfect”.
1Cor.13:8-10.:
1.
The two verbs
translated “done away/katarge,w – katargeo” (to be idle or useless/nullify/void/abolished)
and “cease/pau,omai – pauomai” (stop/ finished) are used to indicate
that prophecy and knowledge simply become idle/disengaged/nullified/no longer useful
in present form, while tongues will cease completely. Exs. For “done away”, Luk.13:7; Rom.6:6;
1Cor.6:13; for “cease/stopped” Act.21:32
2.
This points to the
principle that prophecy will reemerge in later history, where as tongues will
not. Cp.Joe.2:28
3.
This indicates the
temporary gift of tongues was unique to the early Church with no future
resuscitation.
4.
Vs.9 indicates that only
a portion of the function and gift of prophecy and knowledge of Scripture had
been revealed at the time of writing.
5.
When these gifts are
put aside is said to be at the coming of the “perfect/te,lioj – telios” (the full measure/finished/completed)
that contextually is in reference to the missing part of prophecy and knowledge
that has yet to be completed for the Church.
6.
This is none other
than the N.T. canon of Scriptures.
7.
Only then can the
manifestation and function of this gift be viewed in its completed form as
intended for the Church as all of the prophesies and knowing done in part are
compiled together in its written form.
8.
The N.T. is God’s
directive will and revelation given to the Church. Cp.Rom.12:2 (note, God’s will is said to be
“perfect/telios” cp.2:17-18; Eph.1:9-11
9.
God’s perfect will is
synonymous to the “perfect law of liberty”.
Jam.1:25
10. God’s will (qe,lhma – thelema;
neuter noun) satisfies the use of the neuter noun “perfect/telios” in 1Cor.13:10.
11. The “done away” gift of prophecy is the same gift
mentioned in the lists of spiritual gifts in Rom.12:6 and 1Cor.12:10 (both
references use the same Greek word in 1Cor.13:8).
12. Some have noted a difference of nuances in the Greek
family of words for prophets and prophecy and are as follows:
a.
The nouns “prophet/profh,thj – prophetes” and “prophetess/profhtij – prophetis” emphasize the agent (human or passive)
as the instrument used by God as His spokesperson, mouthpiece or agent in all
uses.
b.
The noun “prophecy/profhtei,a – propheteia” emphasizes the manifestation of that
which is prophesied, expressed verbally or written or in reality (fulfilled). Mat.13:14; Rom.12:6; 1Cor.12:10, etc.;
2Pet.1:20,21; Rev.1:3, etc.
c.
The verb “prophesy/profhteu,w – propheteuo” emphasis the act or function of the
gift. Mat.7:22; 1Cor.11:4,5; 13:9;
1Pet.1:10; et al
d.
Both the noun
prophecy/prophetia and verb prophesy/propheteuo are used back to back in
1Cor.13:8,9.
e.
This emphasizes that the
manifestation of the gift (prophecy) will be done away (vs.8) with vs.9 explaining
that the function of the gift (prophesy) was designed only to function in part as
necessary for the Church at the time of its infancy state (cp.vs.11), no longer
necessary upon the written canon of N.T. Scripture (vs.10).
f.
Further, there is no
documentation that any portion of its verbal manifestation and function would
remain extant throughout the Church Age.
g.
The adjective
“prophetic/profhtiko,j – prophetikos” is used passively to indicate that
Bible doctrine is inspired by God.
Rom.16:26; 2Pet.1:19
13. Though this gift and office is no longer extant, it
can be said that in a sense, all communicators of Bible doctrine prophesy,
since Bible doctrine is a direct result of former prophets.
14. However, prophesying in this sense is not effective,
but affective (passive not active); the cause is not any manifestation or
function of the gift today, only that the words spoken are influenced by
prophets before us.
15. The book of Revelation in its entirety is a
prophecy. Rev.1:3; 22:7,10,18,19
16. It is this book written by the Apostle John circa 96
AD that brings to conclusion the final book penned for the NT after which the
gift of prophecy would eventually be nullified.
VI.
Prophets and prophecy
in the last days.
A.
Both the O.T. and N.T.
include prophecy concerning the last days.
B.
The Bible makes clear
that many false prophets will exist throughout Church Age history and
beyond. 2Pet.2:1; 1Joh.4:1; Rev.16:13
C.
It is interesting to
note that Peter’s future warning to the Church/church associates “false
teachers” to “false prophets” that had proceeded in history. 2Pet.2:1
D.
This implies that the
office and gift of prophecy is destined to become void per 1Cor.13:8-10.
E.
Yet, there will be
false teachers that claim to be prophets.
Mat.24:11,24; Mar.13:22; 1Joh.4:1
F.
The most notable
example of any false prophet is the false prophet that accompanies the
Antichrist during Daniel’s 70th week. Rev.13:11-18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10
G.
This Jewish male is
the epitome of deception and betrayal towards
H.
Supernatural miracles
will accompany his ministry. Rev.13:13
I.
He will lead astray
the world en masse. Rev.13:14
J.
He is to be viewed in
conflict with the two prophets Moses and Elijah called the two olive trees and
lampstands. Rev.11:4
K.
They are resuscitated
and too will perform miracles.
Rev.11:5-6 cp.Mal.4:5
L.
Together, the false prophet
versus the true prophets is designed to note the great battle in the angelic
conflict between truth and human or satanic viewpoint.
M.
It highlights the
issue behind all communicators adhering to the doctrine of the Importance of
Bible Doctrine as their content of teaching.
2Tim.4:1-4
N.
Apart from Revelation,
the N.T. further provides prophecy as it applies even to the latter part (post
temporary spiritual gifts) of the Church Age.
2The.2:1-3; 1Tim.4:1-5; 2Tim.3:1-7; 4:1-4; Jam.5:1-6; 2Pet.3:3-8
O.
The gift and function
of prophesy will again be distributed among believers correlating with the 2nd
Advent of the Holy Spirit. Joe.2:28