Spiritual gifts
The Spiritual Gift of Prophecy
Offering edifying words under Scripture's authority
The spiritual gift of prophecy is speaking a Spirit-prompted message that strengthens, encourages, or comforts the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). Where churches practice it today, others weigh what is said, and no prophetic word adds to Scripture. Christians hold different convictions about whether the gift continues.
“But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.”
What it is
In 1 Corinthians 14, prophecy happened when the church gathered. A believer spoke a message prompted by the Spirit, and it built up the people listening. Paul told the Corinthians to "eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy" (1 Corinthians 14:1).
He also reminded them that "we know in part and we prophesy in part" (1 Corinthians 13:9), and he told others to "weigh carefully what is said" (1 Corinthians 14:29). No prophetic word today carries the authority of Scripture or adds to "the faith entrusted once for all to the saints" (Jude 3).
Where Scripture shows it
Agabus predicted a famine, and the believers in Antioch sent relief to Judea (Acts 11:27-30). Judas and Silas, "who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers" (Acts 15:32).
Paul wrote, "The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets" (1 Corinthians 14:32), so the one speaking stays in control and can wait a turn. Everything "must be done in a proper and orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
What it can look like
- In churches that practice this gift, someone may share an impression during prayer, and leaders weigh it together.
- A believer may speak a timely word to a discouraged friend, one that fits Scripture.
- Words are offered humbly and tentatively, and they're never used to control anyone.
- Some churches understand prophecy today mainly as preaching that applies Scripture to the heart by the Spirit's power.
What to watch for
- Treating your impressions as equal to Scripture.
- Claiming God told you something to win an argument or steer a decision.
- Refusing to let others weigh what you share (1 Corinthians 14:29).
- Chasing a reputation as someone who hears from God.
Ways to serve with it
- Read Scripture daily so you can "test all things" against it (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
- Use Scripture to encourage and comfort someone this week.
- If your church practices prophecy, share what you sense with a pastor or elder first.
- Put love ahead of every gift. Paul's chapter on prophecy opens with "Earnestly pursue love" (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Related gifts
Holy habits that fit this gift
These practices can help you steward this gift over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is prophecy still a spiritual gift today?
Christians disagree. Continuationists believe the gift continues and should be practiced within Paul's guardrails in 1 Corinthians 14. Cessationists believe prophecy as a revelatory gift ended with the apostles. Both agree that nothing today adds to Scripture.
How is New Testament prophecy different from Old Testament prophecy?
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke God's word with His authority, and their writings are part of Scripture. In the Corinthian church, prophecy was to be weighed by others (1 Corinthians 14:29). Christians explain the relationship between the two in different ways.
Does the gift of prophecy mean predicting the future?
Sometimes, as when Agabus predicted a famine (Acts 11:28). Most of what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 14 speaks to the church to build it up.
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