In this lesson, we will begin our discussion of the three gifts of inspiration or utterance. Of
these three gifts, prophecy is the most important. Of course, the reason it is the most important
is that it takes the other two inspirational gifts — divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation
of tongues — to equal this one gift.
The Bible says, ". . . greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except
he interpret ..." (1 Cor. 14:5). This infers that to speak with tongues and to interpret the tongues
is equivalent to prophecy. Therefore, prophecy is really the most important of these three gifts
of inspiration or utterance in that it does not require another gift to complete it.
Prophecy is supernatural utterance in a known tongue.
Divers kinds of tongues is supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue.
Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural showing forth of that which has been said in an
unknown tongue.
The Hebrew meaning of the phrase, "to prophesy" is to flow forth. It also carries with it the
thought: to bubble forth like a fountain, to let drop, to lift up, to tumble forth, and to spring forth.
The Greek word that is translated "prophesy" means to speak for another. So "prophesy" can
mean to speak for God or to be His spokesman.
In First Corinthians 14:1 we read: "Follow after charity [love], and desire spiritual gifts, but
rather that ye may PROPHESY." We are told to desire spiritual gifts, but especially that we
might prophesy. That doesn't mean we are not to desire the other gifts, but we are to
especially desire to prophesy.
Again, at the end of First Corinthians chapter 14, Paul repeated, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to
prophesy ..." (1 Cor. 14:39). Paul was writing by the inspiration of God. We could say it this
way: God through Paul spoke to the Church at Corinth (and it applies to the Church
everywhere) to desire spiritual gifts, but rather that we may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1,39).
Foretelling vs. Forth Telling
The simple gift of prophecy should not be confused with the prophetic office or with prophetic
utterance that may come forth in the prophet's ministry. Paul said, "But he that prophesieth
speaketh unto men to EDIFICATION, and EXHORTATION, and COMFORT" (1 Cor. 14:3).
Thus, we can readily see that in the simple gift of prophecy there is no revelation. The simple
gift of prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and comfort. In the office of the prophet,
however we very often find that revelation or foretelling does come forth, even through the
vehicle of prophecy.
It is also interesting to note the difference between prophecy in the Old Testament and
prophecy in the New Testament. In the Old Testament prophecy was essentially foretelling, but
in the New Testament we see that the gift of prophecy shifts strongly to forth telling.
Prophesying Is More Than Preaching
Some people think that "to prophesy" means to preach. All inspired utterance is prophecy in
some form or another, but the spiritual gift of prophecy isn't preaching. Sometimes there is an
element of prophecy in preaching when a person is anointed by the Spirit and is inspired to say