Topical Encyclopedia
Prophecy, within the biblical context, is a divine communication or revelation given by God through chosen individuals known as prophets. These messages often contain foretelling of future events, divine instructions, warnings, or encouragements. The Bible emphasizes the importance of giving heed to prophecy, recognizing it as a vital component of God's communication with humanity.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible underscores the significance of prophecy and the necessity for believers to pay attention to it. In
2 Peter 1:19, the apostle Peter writes, "We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." This passage highlights the prophetic word as a guiding light, urging believers to remain attentive to its message.
Role of ProphetsProphets served as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to the people. In the Old Testament, figures such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were instrumental in conveying God's will. Their prophecies often included calls to repentance, warnings of impending judgment, and promises of future restoration. The New Testament continues this tradition, with John the Baptist and the apostles, including Paul, who spoke prophetically to the early church.
Testing ProphecyThe Bible also provides guidance on discerning true prophecy from false. In
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, Paul advises, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This instruction encourages believers to evaluate prophetic messages carefully, ensuring they align with Scripture and the character of God.
Fulfillment of ProphecyThe fulfillment of prophecy serves as a testament to its divine origin. Many Old Testament prophecies find their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. For instance, the prophecy in
Isaiah 7:14 regarding the virgin birth is fulfilled in
Matthew 1:22-23. Such fulfillments affirm the reliability and authority of biblical prophecy.
Prophecy in the ChurchIn the New Testament church, prophecy is recognized as a spiritual gift. In
1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul encourages believers to "pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." This gift is intended for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church (
1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy, therefore, plays a crucial role in the spiritual growth and guidance of the Christian community.
Warnings Against False ProphetsScripture warns against false prophets who may lead believers astray. In
Matthew 7:15, Jesus cautions, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Believers are urged to remain vigilant, discerning the truth through the lens of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
ConclusionThe Bible presents prophecy as an essential aspect of God's communication with His people. Believers are called to give heed to prophetic messages, discerning their truth and allowing them to guide their lives in accordance with God's will. Through prophecy, God reveals His plans, offers guidance, and assures His people of His sovereign control over history.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Peter 1:19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
"Give Heed unto Me," the Church Says unto You; Give Heed unto Me ...
... unto me," the Church says unto you; give heed unto me ... Thee; demand of Me and I will
give Thee nations as ... foretold, by means of the same prophecy, concerning His ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /7 give heed unto me.htm
Matt. Ii. 4, 5
... thence, did He live in Nazareth after the birth, and obscure the prophecy?" Nay,
He ... to such an inquiry, at least if they had been disposed to give heed to them ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily vii matt ii 4.htm
John ii. 11
... the souls of His hearers, so that they took heed to what ... But the Jews did not remember
the Prophecy, and said ... Wherefore He will not give them a sign; and before ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiii john ii 11.htm
Letter cxlvi. To Evangelus.
... Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the ...
Those who act thus must learn that they are wrong and must give heed to the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvi to evangelus.htm
John Chapter i. 19-33
... The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord: I am the
prophecy itself ... Give heed now to the proud men at whom John pointed the finger ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate iv john chapter i.htm
John xii. 8
... Rejoice, for thy King cometh unto thee meek" ( Zechariah 9:9 ), belonged to Him
as fulfilling a prophecy, but the ... To these, tell me, ought you to give heed? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxvi john xii 8.htm
An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion
... did signify' by them 'the sufferings of Christ.' Theories of prophecy or sacrifice ...
Not till He knew 'that all things were accomplished' did He give heed to the ...
/.../an eye-witnesss account of the.htm
1 Cor. xiv. 20
... Nothing difficult nor obscure, nor contrary to what went before, but rather very
agreeable to it, if we give heed: viz., that prophecy is suitable to both, but ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvi 1 cor xiv.htm
The Carcass and the Eagles
... The first words of his prophecy give its whole spirit: 'The ... though in other parts
of his prophecy Amos lashes ... it was at hand, and paying no heed to prophets ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the carcass and the eagles.htm
Of the Coming of Elias Before the Judgment, that the Jews May be ...
... After admonishing them to give heed to the law of Moses ... therefore, he is come, he
shall give a spiritual ... translated Scripture with an eye to prophecy, the sense ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 29 of the coming of.htm
Resources
Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.orgHave any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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