The Spiritual Gift of Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is among the spiritual gifts that the apostle Paul lists and explains in 1 Corinthians 12 through 14. Paul presents it as one of the most desirable gifts, because it builds up, exhorts, and comforts the church: "He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Corinthians 14:3). In the New Testament, prophecy is not primarily about predicting the future; it proclaims the word of God with authority and applies it to a specific situation, so that the community may hear the voice of the Lord in its present journey. Paul indeed urges believers to seek this gift: "Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1). This desire is not pride; it is a holy hunger to serve the Body of Christ. Yet Scripture surrounds this gift with safeguards: every prophetic message must be tested. Paul writes, "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Genuine prophecy always agrees with the Scriptures, submits to the discernment of mature believers, and bears the fruit of edification. Far from exalting the one who speaks, it leads the church to hear God and to walk in obedience.