Biblical Topics A to Z
Prophecy
What the Bible says about prophetic speech, how Old and New Testament prophecy differ, and what 1 Corinthians 14 teaches about its proper use in the church.
At a Glance
Biblical prophecy is Spirit-given speech that reveals God's will, distinct between the foretelling of Old Testament prophets and the edifying gift Paul describes in the church.
Overview
Biblical prophecy is speech given by the Holy Spirit that reveals God's will, encompassing both the Old Testament prophets who spoke and wrote Scripture as they were moved by the Spirit and the New Testament gift Paul describes as edifying, exhorting, and comforting the church, always to be tested rather than accepted uncritically.
Learning Objectives
- •Explain 2 Peter 1:21's description of how Old Testament prophecy originated.
- •Identify the purpose of the prophetic gift in 1 Corinthians 14:3.
- •Describe what 1 Corinthians 14:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 teach about testing prophecy.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3
Read It in Context
This study quotes 1 Corinthians 14:3, but no verse stands alone. Open a Bible and read the whole surrounding chapter to see the full argument the passage sits within, then look up the other references cited throughout this study — 2 Peter 1:21 and beyond — in their own context. Scripture is the final authority here, not this summary.
Historical & Literary Context
2 Peter addresses the divine origin of Old Testament prophecy directly, insisting it did not come 'by the will of man' but from 'holy men of God' moved by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14, written to a church experiencing disorder in its use of spiritual gifts, gives Paul's fullest New Testament treatment of the purpose and proper use of prophecy in a congregation, requiring that it be weighed rather than simply received.
Prophecy's Divine Origin
2 Peter 1:20-21 insists that 'no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation,' since it came not by human will but as 'holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,' grounding the authority of biblical prophecy in its divine source.
Purpose: Edification, Exhortation, Comfort
1 Corinthians 14:3 defines the purpose of the prophetic gift within the church as building up, encouraging, and comforting believers, framing prophecy as fundamentally directed toward the good of the community, not merely prediction.
Testing Every Prophecy
1 Corinthians 14:29 instructs that when prophets speak, 'let the other judge,' and 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 says, 'despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good,' establishing that every prophetic word is to be carefully tested against Scripture rather than automatically accepted.
Christ-Centered Focus
Revelation 19:10 says 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,' meaning all genuine biblical prophecy ultimately bears witness to Jesus Christ, and any purported prophecy that does not point to him should be regarded with suspicion.
Practical Application
This week, if you encounter any claim of prophetic insight, whether your own impression or another's word, apply 1 Thessalonians 5:21's instruction to 'prove all things' by testing it carefully against the whole counsel of Scripture before giving it weight.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the prophetic word of Scripture, given by holy men moved by Your Spirit. Give me discernment to test all things, holding fast to what is good and rooted in the testimony of Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
Scripture Memory
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
2 Peter 1:21
Reflection Questions
- 1How does 2 Peter 1:21's description of prophecy's origin shape how much authority you place on Scripture as opposed to human opinion?
- 2How does 1 Corinthians 14:3's definition of prophecy's purpose, edification, exhortation, and comfort, differ from popular ideas about prophecy focused only on prediction?
- 3Why do you think Scripture insists that every prophetic word be tested rather than simply accepted?
- 4How does Revelation 19:10's statement that 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy' give you a clear standard for testing any claimed prophetic word?