Topical Bible: Prophets: Not Honored in Their own Country

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The phrase "a prophet is not without honor except in his own country" is a biblical principle that highlights the challenges faced by prophets and messengers of God when delivering His message to their own people. This concept is rooted in the experiences of several biblical figures and is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, reflecting a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. Jesus of Nazareth: The most direct reference to this principle is found in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself articulates this truth: "But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home'" (Matthew 13:57). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded: "Then Jesus told them, 'A prophet is without honor only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household'" (Mark 6:4). These passages illustrate the skepticism and rejection Jesus faced from those who were most familiar with Him, despite His wisdom and miraculous works.

2. Old Testament Prophets: The principle is not limited to the New Testament. The Old Testament provides numerous examples of prophets who were rejected by their own people. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," faced significant opposition and persecution from his fellow Israelites. Despite his warnings and prophecies, he was often met with hostility and disbelief (Jeremiah 11:21; 12:6).

3. Ezekiel: God warned Ezekiel of the resistance he would encounter: "And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them" (Ezekiel 2:5). This highlights the persistent rebellion and hard-heartedness of the people, even in the face of divine messages.

4. Isaiah: The prophet Isaiah also experienced rejection. In Isaiah 6:9-10, God tells him that the people will hear but not understand, see but not perceive, indicating a spiritual blindness and resistance to the truth.

Theological Implications:

The rejection of prophets in their own country underscores the broader theme of human resistance to divine truth. It reflects the tendency of people to dismiss the familiar and to undervalue those whom they know personally, even when they are chosen by God to deliver His message. This principle serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the challenges inherent in proclaiming God's truth.

Application in the Life of Believers:

For contemporary believers, this principle serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It warns of the potential for rejection and misunderstanding when standing for biblical truth, especially among those closest to us. At the same time, it encourages perseverance and faithfulness, knowing that such experiences are not unique but are shared with the prophets and with Christ Himself.

Conclusion:

The principle that a prophet is not honored in his own country is a timeless truth that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. It calls believers to recognize the cost of prophetic ministry and to remain steadfast in the face of opposition, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and reward.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 13:57
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.
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Luke 4:24-27
And he said, Truly I say to you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
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John 4:44
For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
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Library

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... and again and again He quoted from the prophets, and declared ... He need not have declared,
"Behold, your house is left ... In order to be honored by Heaven, they must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

John iv. 40-43
... For many had come to "save," both Prophets and Angels [925 ... In the first place such
judgments must not be formed ... own, they would have been much more honored in a ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... None of the world's honored men were in attendance. ... be fulfilled which was spoken
by the prophets, He shall ... God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

On the Church
... persons who call themselves fortune-tellers prophets, but only ... miracle of God the
animals would not harm them ... those who remained steadfast are honored as saints ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 11 on the church.htm

Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ...
... And while prophets used to foretell misfortunes, and on that ... wonder at the honor
wherewith God honored Daniel; and ... out of human life, and do not believe that ...
/.../the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning nebuchadnezzar and.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... no prediction of what was coming, neither by prophets nor by ... man that ought to be
by all honored with the ... some glorious action, I think those do not do well ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The Preface of the Book, in which He Investigates The
... [1060] And Isaac, his son, was honored as the ... agreement in future events, that the
coming facts were to be made known, not only by his own prophets, but in ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter i the preface of the.htm

Culture and Christianity: their Relation and Necessity.
... the Protestant nations of the earth, where God is honored by a ... not a roof in the
land under which the prophets and apostles of God will not enter with ...
/.../i culture and christianity their relation.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... The kings also that were round about him honored him with ... himself: but Zedekiah,
one of those false prophets, came near, and exhorted him not to hearken to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

Matt. xxvii. 27-29.
... What, were not the prophets prophets, nor the righteous men ... careless are more injured
by being honored than by ... fathers bear witness, who do not flatter their ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxvii matt xxvii 27-29.htm