Topical Bible: Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Sent by Christ

◄ Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Sent by Christ ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Prophecy, as a divine communication, holds a significant place within the biblical narrative. Those who uttered prophecies were often sent by God to deliver His messages to His people. In the New Testament, the role of prophecy is further illuminated through the mission and authority given by Christ to His apostles and disciples.

Christ's Commission to the Apostles

The apostles, as primary recipients of Christ's commission, were endowed with the authority to prophesy and teach in His name. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explicitly states, "As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you" (John 20:21). This sending is not merely a physical dispatch but an endowment of spiritual authority and purpose, aligning the apostles with the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The empowerment of the apostles and early disciples for prophetic ministry is closely tied to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . The Holy Spirit's descent at Pentecost (Acts 2) marks the fulfillment of this promise, equipping the apostles to speak boldly and prophetically.

Prophetic Utterances in the Early Church

The Book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, engage in prophetic utterances. For example, Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36) is a prophetic declaration that interprets the events of the day in light of Joel's prophecy and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Similarly, the apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, often speaks prophetically, discerning the will of God and proclaiming the gospel with authority.

The Continuation of Prophetic Ministry

The New Testament also acknowledges the continuation of prophetic ministry within the church. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" . This passage underscores the ongoing role of prophecy as a means of edification and guidance for the Christian community.

Discernment and Testing of Prophecies

While prophecy is a gift to the church, the New Testament also emphasizes the need for discernment. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, believers are instructed, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good" . This call for testing ensures that prophetic messages align with the truth of the gospel and the teachings of Christ.

Conclusion

The prophetic ministry, as commissioned by Christ, serves as a vital conduit for divine revelation and guidance within the Christian faith. Through the apostles and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, prophecy continues to play a crucial role in the life and mission of the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:34
Why, behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall you whip in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Prophecy that is Contained in the Prayer and Song of ...
... Chapter 32."Of the Prophecy that is Contained in the ... and grieve" mean, but that in
mourning they shall be ... for the depth is the abyss; and "Uttered its voice ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 of the prophecy that.htm

Of the Prophecy of the Three Prophets, Haggai, Zechariah, and ...
... has ceased, why do they still look for another Christ, when they read this in the
prophecy, and see it ... They that feared the Lord uttered these reproaches ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 35 of the prophecy of.htm

The Predictions of Christ.
... to wonder, and to admit that the foreknowledge and the prophecy of our ... and after
the words which the multitude of the Jews uttered, when they begged the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii the predictions of christ.htm

Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ...
... These things did they imagine, and were mistaken; for their ... Thee, O Lord." [1115]
We see this prophecy in the ... seven, must soon after it was uttered have come ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of davids reign and.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... such a Discourse, and still less such a Prayer, to have been uttered while traversing
the ... And so the ancient prophecy had now been fulfilled: They hated Me ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Declarations of Old ...
... Jews" (Matt.2:2), for it was uttered shortly after ... carried down into Babylon, since
which they have had ... to prove that the terms of this prophecy were certainly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/i the redeemers return is.htm

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
... and perpetual desolation of Babylon, uttered ages beforehand ... unlocks all the wards
of Old Testament prophecy. ... plainest reader; without it, they remain closed ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xi remaining books of.htm

Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
... There were prophets who never uttered a single prediction. ... of the first born.' Christ
and His Cross are the substance of prophecy, the theme ... What are they to me ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christ and his cross the.htm

A vindication of the Prophecy in Isa. vii. 14 against the ...
... III Chapter XXI."A vindication of the prophecy in Isa ... For truly this prediction was
uttered before the removal of ... And they"for at that time they were still ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi a vindication of the.htm

Christ Predicts the Divine Judgments Upon Jerusalem. (Matt. ...
... to whom the discourse was directed: they were least ... in Matt., xxiii., contains many
passages uttered on other ... In Luke, xi., 49, this prophecy is introduced as ...
/.../section 253 christ predicts the.htm