What is prophecy?
Quick Answer
Prophecy is God's message delivered through human spokesmen - it includes both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's will for the present.
Understanding Prophecy
Biblical prophecy is divinely inspired communication from God through human messengers called prophets. While modern usage focuses on predicting the future, biblical prophecy primarily involves speaking God's message to His people. The Hebrew word 'nabi' (prophet) emphasizes being a spokesperson for God. Prophecy includes: calling people to repentance, proclaiming judgment on sin, offering hope and comfort, and yes, revealing future events. True prophets were authenticated by the accuracy of their predictions and faithfulness to God's revealed truth. Prophecy demonstrates God's sovereignty over history and His desire to communicate with humanity. Hundreds of prophecies in Scripture have been fulfilled, especially concerning Christ, while others await future fulfillment.
In the Old Testament
The Old Testament features major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) and minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi), along with prophetic figures like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. Prophets served as covenant prosecutors, calling Israel back to faithfulness. They proclaimed coming judgment but also promised future restoration and a Messiah. The prophetic writings contain extensive predictions about Christ's first coming - His birth, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection - along with prophecies about His second coming and the end times. Prophets often faced persecution for their faithful proclamation.
In the New Testament
The New Testament recognizes Old Testament prophecy as fulfilled in Christ (Luke 24:44). Jesus Himself is the ultimate Prophet - the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Prophecy continues in the church as a spiritual gift for building up believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). The book of Revelation is explicitly called 'the words of this prophecy' (Revelation 1:3). New Testament prophecy must align with apostolic teaching and is subject to evaluation by the community (1 Corinthians 14:29). While predictive prophecy continues, its primary purpose remains speaking God's truth for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
Key Scripture References
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Read full commentary →Amos 3:7“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
Read full commentary →1 Corinthians 14:3“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
Read full commentary →Deuteronomy 18:22“When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken.”
Read full commentary →Isaiah 46:10“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”
Read full commentary →Revelation 19:10“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
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