What other scriptures emphasize the importance of prophecy in church gatherings? The Anchor Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:24 “But if an unbeliever or uninformed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all.” Prophecy Woven Through the Same Chapter • 1 Corinthians 14:3 — “But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.” • 14:5 — “I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.” • 14:26 — “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation… All of these must be done to build up the church.” • 14:29-31 — “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said… you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.” • 14:39 — “Be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.” Other Pauline Passages Highlighting Prophecy in Gatherings • Romans 12:6 — “If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith.” • Ephesians 2:20 — The church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” • Ephesians 4:11-12 — Prophets are given “to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 — “Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt.” • 1 Timothy 1:18 — Timothy is to “fight the good fight” in light of “the previous prophecies about you.” • 1 Timothy 4:14 — A spiritual gift was imparted to Timothy “through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.” Snapshots from the Book of Acts • Acts 2:17-18 — At Pentecost the Spirit is poured out so that “your sons and your daughters will prophesy.” • Acts 11:27-28 — Prophets in Antioch foretell a famine, guiding the church’s relief effort. • Acts 13:1-2 — In corporate worship “the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul,’” launching a missionary movement. • Acts 15:32 — Judas and Silas, “who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.” • Acts 21:8-11 — Philip’s four daughters prophesy; Agabus delivers a message that shapes Paul’s journey. Wider New-Testament Witness • Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” • 1 Peter 4:11 — “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks the very words of God,” underscoring the gravity of Spirit-led utterance. Old-Testament Roots Pointing Forward • Joel 2:28-29 — “I will pour out My Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy.” • Numbers 11:29 — Moses longs that “all the LORD’s people were prophets,” foreshadowing the New-Covenant norm. Key Takeaways • From Moses to John, Scripture treats prophecy as normal and desirable among God’s people. • New-Testament gatherings regularly featured prophetic words that guided mission, provided warning, and built up believers. • Paul repeatedly ranks prophecy above tongues in public worship because it brings intelligible conviction and comfort. • Believers are commanded to “be eager to prophesy” and to test, not despise, prophetic utterances. • A Spirit-filled church gathering anticipates Jesus’ presence being recognized—“God is truly among you!”—through clear, faithful prophecy. |
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