What is Prophecy? 

• Prophecy is the supernatural declaration of the mind and heart of God.

The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. - 2 Samuel 23:2 (NIV)

“Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” - Acts 3:24-26 (NIV)

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During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) he disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. his they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. - Acts 11:27-30 (NIV)

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After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” - Acts 21:10-11 (NIV)

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But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. - 1 Corinthians 14:3

(See also 1 Corinthians chapter 6 and 31)

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• As noted in the Scriptures cited above, prophecy may contain foretelling (predicting future events) but usually contains forthtelling (speaking what’s on God’s heart).

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• Prophesying is not preaching. Preaching is typically Bible exposition, whereas prophecy is typically spontaneous revelation.​

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When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. - 1 Samuel 10:10 (NIV)

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Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? - 1 Corinthians 14:6 (NIV)

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 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Who can prophesy?

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• All believers filled with the Spirit can prophesy.

For Ac 2:17-18; 1 Co 14:24, 31; 2 Pe 1:21

“‘In the last days, God says,
   I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
   your young men will see visions,
   your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
   I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
   and they will prophesy. - Acts 2:17-18 (NIV)

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But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all... - 1 Corinthians 14:24 (NIV) (Also see 1 Corinthians 31.)

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For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

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• Those who have matured in the gift of prophecy may be set in as Prophets and may prophesy.​

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During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) - Acts 11:27-28 (NIV)

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Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. - 1 Corinthians 14:29 (NIV)

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So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... - Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)

What are some benefits of Prophecy?

• Prophecy establishes, strengthens, and comforts the local church.

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. - 1 Corinthians 14:3-5 (NIV)​

• Prophecy can convince, convict, and reveal the secrets of the heart.

But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” - 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NIV)

• Prophecy helps wage spiritual warfare.

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well... - 1 Timothy 1:18 (NIV)​

How can I learn more?

Below are some video resources on prophecy and its importance in the Body of Christ: