Prophet defined part 2

Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and prophesied through the [Holy] Spirit that a severe famine would come on the entire world. Acts 11:27-28 AMP

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets [who spoke a new message of God to the people] and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod [Antipas] the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them [in approval and dedication] and sent them away [on their first journey]. Acts 13:1-3 AMP

When they had traveled through the entire island [of Cyprus] as far as Paphos, they found a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus, Acts 13:6 AMP

Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (divinely inspired spokesmen), encouraged and strengthened the believers with many words. Acts 15:32 AMP

On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we went to the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven [deacons], and stayed with him. He had four virgin daughters who had the gift of prophecy. As we were staying there for some time, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to [see] us, he took Paul’s [wide] [c]band (belt, sash) and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this same way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this band, and they will hand him over to the Gentiles (pagans).’” Acts 21:8-11 AMP

All of these references were AFTER Pentecost and the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the 120 gathered in the upper room. The Holy Spirit was now being given to anyone who asked and believed on Jesus Christ. The role of the prophet changed slightly in that they were not just ‘inspired spokespeople’ but an actual ‘gift’ to the ekklesia (assembly) for the building up of their spiritual lives and also to equip them in the ministry to and for the Lord Jesus. The gift of prophesy through the Holy Spirit was now even displayed through those who were moved by the Holy Spirit. Of course the enemy of God also ‘inspired’ those who were ‘blind’ and were actually false prophets prophesying wrongly. As a sorcerer Bar-Jesus was prophesying by the way of an evil spirit(s). This of course is still happening today. Can you discern the difference when you encounter a ‘prophet’?

Can you discern when a ‘preacher’ is really being inspired by the Holy Spirit and speaking His words or if the preacher is just really passionate and speaking from his own understanding? How would you know? Many in the intellectual ranks of the religious systems don’t believe that prophets exist any longer, because we have the ‘printed’ Word. Yet no where in that printed Word does it say expressly that. And so many believe that their messages are ‘inspired’ yet they have zero spiritual power. So how exactly do we discern these things? There is ONLY one way — by the Holy Spirit’s confirmation. 

I think it is interesting to me to note that Barnabas, Paul’s (Saul) first traveling partner was listed as a ‘prophet’ among other men at that time. Barnabas’ name actually means ‘son of the prophet’ and he was given the nickname ‘son of encouragement’. It’s also interesting to note that Barnabas and Paul didn’t always agree with one another over one of their company (Acts 15), which is SO common still today in our assembly. Yet I believe that Paul and Barnabas reconciled from the indications from Paul’s later letter (2 Timothy 4:11).

So I ask “where are the those called to the office of prophet today”? Are they accepted in the institutional Church today as vital gifts for their spiritual growth? Are the pastor’s supposed to ‘rule’ over them? How is the leadership structure in the ekklesia supposed to work? By human authority structures? Or by the recognition and confirmation by the Holy Spirit? In my opinion we have A LOT of ‘spiritual’ leadership in place who have zero confirmation from the Holy Spirit. They are usually in those ‘higher’ places (deacons, elders, board members, and even pastors) because of money and influence (celebrity), not because of the fruit of the Holy Spirit being so evident in their lives. Paul warns Timothy of this practice of placing people into leadership before they are ready and actually have evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Why do these types make it into leadership? Because money talks. Because the ‘leadership’ is more concerned about continuing the ‘business’ of the institution rather than the actual spiritual maturity of the assembly. How should we be able to discern and understand those who are gifted and called to the ministry of the Prophet? Are we mentoring these individuals? Are we guiding and discipling these individuals by the Holy Spirit?  Can anyone learn how to be a prophet through human intellectual school settings and degrees?

We must HAVE more discernment in the Holy Spirit!!! We must focus and work to keep the Holy Spirit in the forefront of our daily lives, by continually engaging with Him, through questions and conversation. We must HEAR Him clearly, and continually ask for His discernment, direction, inspiration, and help to understand and navigate our daily lives. The responsibility lies with each one of us – to know Him intimately.