What Is the Gift of Prophecy?

In the New Testament, prophecy is not primarily the prediction of future events but the Spirit-inspired proclamation of God's truth. Paul writes that 'he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.' The prophet speaks to strengthen, encourage, and console the people of God. In the early church, prophets were ranked alongside apostles as foundational gifts, and their words were to be tested against Scripture and other prophetic utterances. Agabus prophesied a famine and Paul's arrest; the daughters of Philip prophesied; Judas and Silas, described as prophets, exhorted the church. Prophecy must be distinguished from the canonical, inerrant prophecy of the Old Testament prophets and the apostles. New Testament prophecy is fallible and must be weighed carefully: 'Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.' Yet it remains a vital gift for building up the body until Christ returns. The gift of prophecy serves the church by bringing timely, Spirit-directed application of God's Word to specific situations and needs.