Thematic Bible: Prophecy and prophets
Thematic Bible
Prophecy and prophets » How to spot a true prophet and a false prophet
You may wonder: How shall we recognize that Jehovah did not speak this message? If a prophet speaks in Jehovah's name and what he says does not happen or come true, then it did not come from Jehovah. That prophet has spoken on his own authority. Never be afraid of him.'
The prophets who spoke long ago before my time and yours predicted that war, starvation, and disease would come to many nations and powerful kingdoms. A prophet who predicts peace can only be recognized as a prophet whom Jehovah has truly sent when that prophet's predictions come true.
Tell them: 'This is what the Lord Jehovah says: As I am alive, whoever is in the ruined cities will be killed in battle. Whoever is in the open field will become food for wild animals. Whoever is in fortified places and caves will die from plagues. I will turn the land into a barren wasteland. People will no longer brag about its power. The mountains of Israel will become so ruined that no one will travel through them. Then people will know that I am Jehovah, when I make the land a barren wasteland. This is because of all the disgusting things that they have done.' read more.
Son of man, your people are talking about you by the walls and in the doorways of their homes. They are saying to each other: 'Let's go and hear the word that has come from Jehovah.' Then they come to you, as if they are still my people, and they sit down in front of you. They listen to what you say, but they do not do it. They say that they love me, but in their hearts they chase dishonest profits. To them you are nothing more than a singer with a beautiful voice who sings love songs or a musician who plays an instrument. They listen to your words, but they do not do them. When all your words come true, and they certainly will come true, these people will know that a prophet has been among them.
Son of man, your people are talking about you by the walls and in the doorways of their homes. They are saying to each other: 'Let's go and hear the word that has come from Jehovah.' Then they come to you, as if they are still my people, and they sit down in front of you. They listen to what you say, but they do not do it. They say that they love me, but in their hearts they chase dishonest profits. To them you are nothing more than a singer with a beautiful voice who sings love songs or a musician who plays an instrument. They listen to your words, but they do not do them. When all your words come true, and they certainly will come true, these people will know that a prophet has been among them.
Prophecy and prophets » Where a prophet does not have honor
They resented him. But Jesus responded to them: A prophet is without honor in his own country, and in his own house.
He continued: Truly I tell you no prophet is accepted (welcomed) (honored) in his own country.
Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own people and in his own house.
Prophecy and prophets » Who shall prophesy
It will come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh. (Greek: apo, from) Your sons and your daughters will prophesy (proclaim God's Word). Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out (a portion from) (some of) my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy: (Joel 2:28)
You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am Jehovah your God! There is none else and my people shall never be put to shame. In the last days I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions! (Ac 2:17; Isa 44:3)
Prophecy and prophets » The reward for prophesying
But if all proclaim God's Word and an unbeliever comes there he is convinced by all. The secrets of his heart are made known. So falling down on his face he will worship God, and report, God is truly among you.
Prophecy and prophets » Prophesying vs. Tongues
Pursue love, yet zealously desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy (proclaiming God's Word). For the person who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to men, but to God. No man understands him. He speaks secrets by the spirit. But the person who prophesies (proclaims God's Word openly) speaks to men to build up, encourage and comfort. read more.
The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares God's Word enlightens the entire congregation! I would like it that you all speak with tongues, but I prefer that you prophesy. The person who announces (teaches) (preaches) God's Word is greater than the person who speaks with tongues. The person who speaks with tongues should have an interpreter so the congregation may receive understanding and knowledge. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Inanimate objects that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? If the trumpet gives an unclear sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? The same for you unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will speak into the air. There are many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning. Therefore if I do not know the meaning of what someone is saying I will be a foreigner to him that speaks. And he that speaks will be a foreigner to me too. As much as you are zealous for spiritual gifts, strive to build-up (increase) the enlightenment (understanding) of the congregation. Let the one who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding (mind) is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding (Greek: nous: mind) also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding (mind) also. When you bless with the spirit, how will the audience of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you said? For you give thanks well, but the other is not given understanding. I thank God that I speak with tongues more then all of you. Yet in the congregation I would rather speak five words with my understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brothers, do not be like children in understanding. When it comes to evil be innocent children but in your thinking be mature adults. It is written in the law: With men of other tongues and lips of foreigners I will speak to this people. Even then they will not listen to me, said Jehovah. Therefore speaking in tongues is a sign not for believers, but for those who do not believe. Prophesying (proclaiming God's Word) serves the believer and not the unbeliever. If therefore the whole congregation comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and the unlearned, or unbelievers, come there will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all proclaim God's Word and an unbeliever comes there he is convinced by all. The secrets of his heart are made known. So falling down on his face he will worship God, and report, God is truly among you. How is it then, brothers? When you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, and has an interpretation. Let all things be done to clarify and offer understanding! If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three. It should be orderly by plan and someone must interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let the speaker keep silence in the congregation and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak and let the others listen. If there is a revelation to another while sitting there, let the others keep quiet. You may all prophesy one by one (in turn) that all may learn, and all may be comforted. Let the prophets control the spirits (minds) (mental disposition) of the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the congregations of the holy ones. Let women keep silent in the congregations. They are not permitted to speak. They must be in submission as it says in the law. When they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the congregation. Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man does not recognize (understand) this he will not be recognized. Seek to prophesy brothers, and do not forbid speaking with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares God's Word enlightens the entire congregation! I would like it that you all speak with tongues, but I prefer that you prophesy. The person who announces (teaches) (preaches) God's Word is greater than the person who speaks with tongues. The person who speaks with tongues should have an interpreter so the congregation may receive understanding and knowledge. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Inanimate objects that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? If the trumpet gives an unclear sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? The same for you unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will speak into the air. There are many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning. Therefore if I do not know the meaning of what someone is saying I will be a foreigner to him that speaks. And he that speaks will be a foreigner to me too. As much as you are zealous for spiritual gifts, strive to build-up (increase) the enlightenment (understanding) of the congregation. Let the one who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding (mind) is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding (Greek: nous: mind) also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding (mind) also. When you bless with the spirit, how will the audience of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you said? For you give thanks well, but the other is not given understanding. I thank God that I speak with tongues more then all of you. Yet in the congregation I would rather speak five words with my understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brothers, do not be like children in understanding. When it comes to evil be innocent children but in your thinking be mature adults. It is written in the law: With men of other tongues and lips of foreigners I will speak to this people. Even then they will not listen to me, said Jehovah. Therefore speaking in tongues is a sign not for believers, but for those who do not believe. Prophesying (proclaiming God's Word) serves the believer and not the unbeliever. If therefore the whole congregation comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and the unlearned, or unbelievers, come there will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all proclaim God's Word and an unbeliever comes there he is convinced by all. The secrets of his heart are made known. So falling down on his face he will worship God, and report, God is truly among you. How is it then, brothers? When you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, and has an interpretation. Let all things be done to clarify and offer understanding! If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three. It should be orderly by plan and someone must interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let the speaker keep silence in the congregation and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak and let the others listen. If there is a revelation to another while sitting there, let the others keep quiet. You may all prophesy one by one (in turn) that all may learn, and all may be comforted. Let the prophets control the spirits (minds) (mental disposition) of the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the congregations of the holy ones. Let women keep silent in the congregations. They are not permitted to speak. They must be in submission as it says in the law. When they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the congregation. Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man does not recognize (understand) this he will not be recognized. Seek to prophesy brothers, and do not forbid speaking with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
Prophecy and prophets » Those that prophesy
Pursue love, yet zealously desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy (proclaiming God's Word). For the person who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to men, but to God. No man understands him. He speaks secrets by the spirit. But the person who prophesies (proclaims God's Word openly) speaks to men to build up, encourage and comfort. read more.
The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares God's Word enlightens the entire congregation! I would like it that you all speak with tongues, but I prefer that you prophesy. The person who announces (teaches) (preaches) God's Word is greater than the person who speaks with tongues. The person who speaks with tongues should have an interpreter so the congregation may receive understanding and knowledge.
The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares God's Word enlightens the entire congregation! I would like it that you all speak with tongues, but I prefer that you prophesy. The person who announces (teaches) (preaches) God's Word is greater than the person who speaks with tongues. The person who speaks with tongues should have an interpreter so the congregation may receive understanding and knowledge.
Prophecy and prophets » Those that add to or remove from the prophecies of the bible
I testify to every man who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book. If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book.
Prophecy and prophets » Who prophesying serves
Therefore speaking in tongues is a sign not for believers, but for those who do not believe. Prophesying (proclaiming God's Word) serves the believer and not the unbeliever.
Prophecy and prophets » What prophet the lord knew face to face
Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom Jehovah knew face to face (intimately),
Prophecy and prophets » Those that listen to false prophets
I did not send these prophets. Yet, they prophesy in my name that there will be no wars or famines in this land. So this is what I, Jehovah, say about them: 'Wars and famines will bring an end to these prophets. The people to whom they prophesy will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem. They will be victims of famines and wars. No one will bury them, their wives, their sons, or their daughters. I will pour on them the destruction that they deserve.'
Prophecy and prophets » What prophets are for
He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers. This is for the perfecting (equipping) (preparing) of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ: until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. read more.
We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error.
We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error.
Prophecy and prophets » What is the spirit of prophecy
I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers. You have the witness from Jesus: worship God! For the witness from Jesus is the spirit (mind-set) of prophecy.
Prophecy and prophets » The prophecy of the scripture
We have the word of prophecy made sure (steadfast) (firm)! You do well that you pay attention [to God's Word] as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the daystar rises, in your hearts. Know this first that no prophecy of scripture is for private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man! Men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
Prophecy and prophets » Who shall receive a prophet’s reward
Anyone who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. Anyone who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.
Prophecy and prophets » How to prophesy
For we have many members in one body and all members do not have the same function. These many members are one body in Christ, and every one, individually, is a member one of the other. We have gifts that differ according to the grace that is given to us. Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;