Topical Encyclopedia The prophetic gift, as depicted in the Bible, is a divine endowment given by God to chosen individuals, enabling them to communicate His messages to His people. This gift is characterized by the reception of divine revelations, visions, dreams, and direct communication from God. The prophetic office is a significant aspect of biblical history, serving as a conduit for God's guidance, warnings, and promises.Old Testament Prophets In the Old Testament, the prophetic gift was bestowed upon individuals who were called by God to serve as His messengers. The calling of a prophet often involved a direct encounter with God or an angelic being. For instance, Moses received his calling through the burning bush, where God spoke to him directly (Exodus 3:2-4). Similarly, Isaiah's prophetic commission is described in a vision where he saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1-8). The reception of the prophetic gift often involved visions and dreams. The prophet Joel foretold that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit, and "your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions" (Joel 2:28). This indicates that the prophetic gift was not limited to a specific group but was accessible to all whom God chose to empower. New Testament Prophets In the New Testament, the prophetic gift continued to play a vital role in the early Church. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marked a significant expansion of the prophetic gift. Acts 2:17-18 echoes the prophecy of Joel, stating, "In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." The apostle Paul recognized the prophetic gift as one of the spiritual gifts given for the edification of the Church. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 , he lists prophecy among the gifts of the Spirit, and in 1 Corinthians 14:1 , he encourages believers to "eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy." Characteristics of the Prophetic Gift The prophetic gift is characterized by several key elements: 1. Divine Inspiration: Prophets spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 states, "For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2. Authority and Authenticity: True prophets spoke with the authority of God, and their messages were consistent with God's revealed truth. Deuteronomy 18:18-22 provides criteria for discerning true prophets, emphasizing that their words must come to pass. 3. Moral and Ethical Standards: Prophets were expected to live lives of integrity and righteousness. Their personal conduct was to reflect the holiness of the God they represented. 4. Role in Guidance and Correction: Prophets often served as God's mouthpiece to guide, correct, and encourage His people. They called for repentance and adherence to God's covenant, as seen in the ministries of prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Reception and Response The reception of the prophetic gift was not always met with acceptance. Prophets often faced opposition, persecution, and rejection. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her" (Matthew 23:37). Despite this, the prophetic gift remained a vital means through which God communicated His will and purposes to humanity. Smith's Bible Dictionary How the Prophetic Gift Was Received--We learn from Holy Scripture that it was by the agency of the Spirit of God that the prophets received the divine communication; but the means by which the divine Spirit communicated with the human spirit, and the conditions of the latter under which th Library Miltiades and his Works. Whether, in Prophetic Revelation, New Species of Things are ... The Holy Spirit is Called the Gift of God in the Scriptures. By ... The Exordium. Introduction Of the Authority of the Septuagint Translation, Which, Saving the ... Peter's First Sermon The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at ... Concerning the Centurion's Faith the Raising of the Widow's Son. ... The Circumstances Related of Montanus and his False Prophets. Resources How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.orgHow long was Job's suffering? | GotQuestions.org With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct? | GotQuestions.org How: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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