Gift of Prophecy
What is prophecy?
A divinely-inspired utterance in a known language
What are the distinctive characteristics of the gift of prophecy?
It is not the same as prophecy given through one who walks in the office of a prophet.
A prophet is one who operates in one of the fivefold ministry gifts - Ephesians 4:11
A prophet has a specific call from the Lord; any believer can operate in the simple gift of prophecy.
In the Old Testament, prophecy involved the foretelling of events.
There is no foretelling in the New Testament gift of prophecy.
In the New Testament, the simple gift of prophecy is "foretelling" speaking inspired words of edification, exhortation, and comfort - 1 Corinthians 14:3
The gift of prophecy is not intended as a means of guidance and direction for New Testament believers. In every case, it will be used only to confirm what is already in a person's heart.
Principles governing the use of the gift of prophecy
1 Corinthians 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 14:2
We can learn about the gift of prophecy by studying examples from the Bible.
Old testament prophecy - Genesis 3:15
New testament gift of prophecy
Believers in Ephesus - Acts 19:6
Phillip's daughter - Acts 21:9
Diverse Kinds of Tongues
What is tongues?
Speaking in a language inspired by the Holy Ghost, but unknown to the speaker. Tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
What is the gift of tongues?
A public utterance in other tongues, accompanied by an interpretation of that tongue so that the hearers may benefit.
What are the distinctive characteristics of the gift of tongues?
Tongues and interpretation of tongues always appear together when used in public assembly. This use is distinct from the corporate use of tongues in praise and worship, which requires no interpretation. On occasion, the tongue, though unknown to the speaker, is the known
language of the hearer - Acts 2:6-7
Gift of Interpretation of Tongues
What is interpretation?
An explanation of the meaning of something said or done.
What is the gift of interpretation?
A supernatural showing forth of the meaning of an utterance in tongues, not translation word-for-word but a revealing of the meaning.
What are the distinctives of the gift of interpretation of tongues?
Tongues and interpretation of tongues equal the gift of prophecy. They were not seen in operation until the day of Pentecost. Principles governing the use of tongues and interpretation of tongues are found in - 1 Corinthians 14:13-15, 27-28.
We can learn more about tongues and interpretation of tongues by studying examples from the Bible.
Old Testament
Not in evidence
The prophets foretold these gifts would come to pass Isaiah 28:11; Joel 2:28-29
New Testament Acts 19:6
