Today too many people misunderstand the act of prophesying as taught by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14. Too many have been taught it is a mysterious miraculous revelation given to those whose miraculous powers were passed by the ‘Laying on of Hands’. This is the first mistake concerning the usage of the translated term ‘Prophesy’.
As we undertake the desire to do righteous behavior in the assemblies of God, we must teach ourselves of the forgotten, or mistaken, definitions (preconceived notions) too many rely upon in following the teachings of righteous behavior the Apostle Paul began to teach Corinth; of which is relevant to us today.
If we compare the idea of prophets prophesying in the Old Testament with the idea proclaimed in the New Testament, we see a difference in the New Testament usage. In 1 Corinthians 14, it is used to define “Prophesy" as: to break forth under sudden impulse in lofty discourse or praise of the divine counsels; with a sub definition: under like prompting, to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, comfort others. (Strong’s Lexicon G4395, definition 1.4.1 (main Definition 1, sub-definition 4, sub-sub-definition 1)
The definition for ‘Prophesy’ used in 1 Cor. 14 is to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, and comfort others with the true knowledge of the integrity and virtue of God. This is brought about with knowledge and wisdom of the mystery–spirit nature–of the will of God. In the early first century church, without this mystery known by the masses, it was given by the power of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous way and passed down by the ‘laying on of hands’ by first Apostles, then teachers, etc. 1 Cor. 12:28. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. When this knowledge was more common among believers, the necessity of a miraculous “discourse or praise of the divine counsels” (Strong’s Lexicon G4395, definition 1, sub-definition 4) was no longer necessary and became obsolete. The second recipient to receive the miraculous powers of divine counsel could not pass it along to another. Notice the understanding of spiritual wisdom became the common knowledge for the masses of the mystery of the Spiritual things of God.
After the knowledge of the mystery of Spiritual things of God spread abroad, those with a greater understanding became teachers of the Gospel and were directed to break forth under sudden impulse in lofty discourse or praise of the divine counsels to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, and to comfort others.
What did the Apostle Paul say would happen? First was Apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers who shared the wisdom of spiritual discourse to the new believers and curious unbelievers. Christians with this knowledge of the mystery of the Spirit Nature should become teachers–prophets of the Divine Counsels of the Will of God. However, many do not diligently seek this knowledge as Apostle Peter said one should. 2 Peter 1:5-7.
The Hebrew writer admonished the Hebrew people with this: Heb. 5:12-14. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. A mature person, adult of full age–not a child (new convert) should be able to prophesy–teach–of the ‘Oracles of God’. (The Mystery) The gift of knowledge was to be expressed in truth so all can be edified in the knowledge of God–a Spirit.
Prophesying is the greater gift for the believers than other gifts, if used in ‘Charity’. 1 Cor. 14:1. 14 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Teaching for edification and exhortation for the whole assembly is to become the most valuable spiritual gift for mankind. Each believer should obtain this knowledge to teach others.
1 Cor. 14:3-4. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
What have we learned? We can speak in a common language which all can comprehend, with Charity in our heart. We will desire that all come to the knowledge of the truth. Prophesying (teaching) The Truth, shares the divine counsel of God to the entire assembly. In this we edify, exhort and comfort all who hear. 1 Cor. 14:5. Apostle Paul says, 5 I would that ye all … prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth, … that the church may receive edifying. Believers should desire to come together to edify one another. This should be every believer’s desire. Heb. 10:24-25. 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Each believer should strongly desire to be with other believers to grow in spiritual knowledge of the divine counsel. When each member tries to edify and comfort the whole assembly, each will obtain something from the ‘Charity’ displayed for all to receive. God will be glorified.
1 Cor. 14:12. 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 Cor. 14:20. 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Paul sent a message from God for believers to be mature–full-grown; men. When that which is perfect–maturity–comes; then we have understanding as full-grown men; when we can edify the whole assembly with knowledge of the righteousness of God, we will be ‘perfect’. ! Cor. 13:11-12. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. We will have become a vessel of honor in the assembly for the Glory of God.
1 Cor. 14:24-25. 24 … if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
