Unpacking the Prophecy Puzzle

Somehow, the real purpose of Biblical prophecy has been distorted.

Almost every discussion on this topic seems to revolve around a need to forecast the future. But knowing what the future holds shouldn’t consume me, because, according to the apostle Paul, prophecy has a greater purpose:

“Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual [gifts], but especially that you may prophesy...one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation…one who prophesies edifies the church.” [1Cor. 14:1,3,4b, from his letter to the church of God which [was] at Corinth] [my emphasis]

While both the present day Oxford Dictionary and Merriam Webster Online Dictionary define the noun “prophecy” to include a predictive context, Merriam Webster more accurately establishes the Biblical meaning, suggesting that it can also mean “the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose.”

In the Greek New Testament, the verb προφητεύω [prô-fā-tyoú-ō], means to prophesy, to speak an inspired message, to encourage obedience to God, or to proclaim the future as a warning to preparedness and continued obedience.

So what are some things I should remember about Biblical prophecy?

There’s probably no substitute for reading and understanding what Paul wrote in the 14th chapter of his first letter to the church at Corinth. He clarifies the greater importance of having the gift of prophecy over that of speaking in tongues, suggesting that, while speaking in tongues had its place, it also had the potential to backfire:

“So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers. But prophecy is for a sign [also], not to unbelievers but to those who believe. Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? [vss. 22-23] [my emphasis]

The next two sentences clearly explain why prophecy is so critical to demonstrate—particularly when Christ’s flock comes together to worship:

“But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.” [vss. 23-25] [my emphasis]

Imagine that.

And you thought all you were supposed to do is show up on Sunday morning?

“For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted.” [1Cor. 14:31]