"Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order."
In today's quote, Paul encouraged prophesy and explained how it was to be done.
The word "prophet", as it is applied in today's lesson, is defined by Strong's bible dictionary as: "in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation" This definition can easily be applied to any child of God who has received the full knowledge of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
There area many today who seem to believe that a prophet must be someone who can foresee the future, that is true in a sense. However, anyone who has received the heavenly gift of salvation has been shown and fully understands the future that awaits those who will, or will not, place their absolute faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, in essence, a prophet, as Paul applied the term, is a born again child of God and a learned teacher of the gospel. Prophets, as Paul applied the term, are not people who can predict the future of the world other than as it concerns those who either deny, or accept the saving grace of God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.~
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