It is very common in the modern day Apostolic Reformation for The Gift of Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10) to be used as the means to confirm (validate, prove, authenticate) Ascended Gifted Ministries. Countless men of God to validate (certify) their specific Ascended Gifted Ministries refer to a given prophecy over them by certain renowned men of God. The more renowned (popular prominent) the person used who does the prophetical calling, the greater the conviction that the person called, is truly called of God.
We cannot deny The Word of God. It does set forth patterns (models) of how men of God are set aside in both The Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament men of God were set aside by the Prophets, i.e. as prophets, priests and kings, by the anointing of oil. In our modern day New Testament Church men of God are set aside by the laying on of hands by the leadership of Local Churches (Acts 13: 1-3; 1 Timothy 4:14):
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away”
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
Considering the fatherly words of Paul, the apostle to Timothy, we cannot ignore that The Gift of Prophecy does play a definite and vital part in calling men of God into Ascended Gifted Ministries. It is also to be noted in the releasing of Barnabus and Saul (Paul) from the Local Church of Antioch that The Holy Spirit spoke.
Most Pentecostal and Charismatic scholars are of the persuasion that The Holy Spirit used The Gift of Prophecy, using either The Ascended Gifted Teacher or The Ascended Gifted Prophet to verbalize (express, articulate) the calling.
THE DEFINITION OF PROPHECY
It is extremely vital that before we show forth the role that The Gift of Prophecy plays in setting Ascended Gifted Ministries apart that prophecy be defined. According to 1 Corinthians 12 there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. These nine gifts are categorized in three distinct settings, namely:
The Gifts To Know Supernaturally (Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discernment of Spirits,
The Gifts To Act Supernaturally (Faith, The Gifts of Healing, The Working of Miracles, and
The Gifts To Speak Supernaturally (Prophecy, Divers Kinds of Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues).
To Prophecy is to SPEAK THE MIND OF GOD CONCERNING INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS AND FUTURE EVENTS. PROPHECY IS A SUPERNATURALY ENABLEMENT BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO VERBALIZE THE MIND OF GOD IN A COMMON VERNACULAR (dialect, language) THAT THE CHURCH MAY HEAR AND KNOW THE MIND OF GOD. IT IS A VERBAL REVELATION OF WHAT IS IN THE MIND OF GOD.
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY AND WHO MAY BE USED TO VERBALIZE THE MIND OF GOD IN SETTING ASIDE ASCENDED GIFTED MINISTRIES
The Gift of Prophecy is a very responsible Gift of The Holy Spirit. Responsible, for the simple fact that whosoever voices The Gift of Prophecy is accountable to God and the very person being prophesied over.
One of our common problems in Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches is that many saints of God do not know that there are certain levels of authority within The Church and whenever certain individuals step out of the various levels of authority, chaos and confusion reigns.
Within the expressions of The Gift of Prophecy there are two levels of authority. First there is the level of The Ascended Gifted Prophet, whose enabling grace and calling is to give direction to The Church and individuals. On the other hand there are those saints of God who have the Gift of Prophecy. The following Scriptures endorse (support) the two levels of authority in regards to Prophecy.
“And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy (Acts 10:8-9).”
“And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles (Acts 21:10-11).”
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery (1Ti 4:14).”
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).”
On close examination of these Scriptures we must make a distinction between who is prophesying. In Acts 10:8-9 it is the four daughters of The Evangelist Philip. These four young ladies were not Ascended Gifted Prophets, they were blessed of God with The Gift of Prophecy and therefore their expressions of The Gift of Prophecy was not designed and authorized to direct The Church or individuals of The Church. Their expression was confined (restricted, limited) to that which is conveyed in 1Co 14:34 and that being edification, exhortation and comfort. It is very interesting to note that whilst Paul was with Philip, the Evangelist and his four virgins daughters no prophecies were spoken over Paul by the virgin daughters. However when Agabus, The Ascended Gifted Prophet come he gives Paul a personal word. Furthermore when we consider 1 Timothy 4:14 it a personal word by an Ascended Gifted Minister and that being Paul, the Apostle, to his protégé, Timothy.
With all of the above Scriptures we possible can come to a definite conclusion in just who The Holy Spirit uses in calling Ascended Gifts in to the Ministry. However there is one more Scripture that we must consider and that being Acts 13:1-3:
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away”
It is evidently clear that Acts 13:3 convincingly teaches that it is one of The Ascended Gifts; The Teacher or The Prophet used by the Holy Spirit to call Barnabas and Saul.
THE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THE GIFT OF PROPHECY AND THE ASCENDED GIFTED PROPHET
In order to comprehend truth we have to make distinctions where God makes distinctions. God, in His Word, definitely and emphatically makes distinctions between the Gift of Prophecy and The Ascended Gifted Prophet.
The first distinction is seen in THE SOURCE of The Gift of Prophecy. The source of The Gift of Prophecy is The Holy Spirit:
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).”
The source of The Ascended Gifts is Jesus Christ, the head of the Church:
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:7-11).”
The second distinction is seen in the purposes. The purposes of The Gift of Gift of Prophecy are threefold: edification,
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to (1) edification and (2) exhortation, and (3) comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).”
The purposes of Ascended Gift are SEVENFOLD:
(1) Perfect the saints
(2) Work of the ministry
(3) Edify the body Of Christ
(4) Unite The Church in the faith EPHESIANS 4:12-13
(5) Unite The Church in doctrine
(6) Perfect the Church in Christ
(7) Bring The Church to maturity in Christ.
The varied (diverse) distinctions of the two distinct gifts give us a clear understanding that it is The Ascended Gift that develops ministry and not the SAINT OF GOD THAT EXPRESSES THE GIFT OF PROPHECY. And be it that it is The Ascended Gift that develops ministry within The Church it is then clear that the responsibility of The Ascended Gifted Ministers to call the saints of God into Ascended Gifted Ministry.
THE ULTIMATE EVIDENCE OF THE PROPHET OR THE TEACHER CALLING BARNABAS AND SAUL INTO APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
No doubt we have to admit that The Gift of Prophecy is one of the spiritual emphasizes of The Ascended Gifted Prophet, however it goes beyond just Edification, Exhortation and Comfort, it is a Governmental Gift that sets The Church in order. How does The Ascended Gifted Prophet do this? The answer is seen in Acts 13: 1-3:
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
I have purposely underlined that The Prophets and Teachers together MINISTERED TO THE LORD AND FASTED. They sought the Face of The Lord. They inquired of the Lord. They sought direction from The Lord as they worshipped (the translation of the Greek word ministered) and fasted. As they waited upon The Lord, The Holy Spirit gave The Ascended Gifts direction concerning Barnabas and Saul. It is also to be noted that this meeting was not a duly called Church meeting. It was solely a meeting of the Leadership of the Antioch Church.
The Word of God is not clear who was used by The Holy Spirit, however as we consider The Old Testament it was always Prophet that set the Prophets, Priests and Kings apart. This is an assumption (supposition, guess, theory), but once again we must stress the fact that it was an Ascended Gift and not a saint of God who was blessed with The Gift of Prophecy. We must bear in mind that it takes a Governor (Ascended Gift) of Church to set forth The Governance of The Church.
In conclusion the fact that there were only Prophets and Teachers at the Leadership meeting and no members of The Antioch Church present should convince all that The Gift of Prophecy does not set The Church in order, rather it is an Ascended Gift expressing The Gift of Prophecy that calls Ascended Gifts.
THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE ASCENDED GIFTED MINISTERS AT THE ANTIOCH CHURCH
Throughout the revelation of The Word of God it is evidently clear that God does not work on the face of the earth void of man. God throughout the revelation of His Word uses mankind to bring forth His purposes. Noah built the Ark that brought deliverance from the judgement of God. Noah heard from God and obeyed God. Moses was called of God and obeyed God. He delivered God’s chosen people out of the hand of the Pharaoh of Egypt.
God speaks, man inclines his spiritual ear, obeys God and God works through him. The New Testament is no different to the Old Testament in this regard. God spoke to The Church of Antioch; they heard and acted upon the revelation of The Spoken Word.
Though The Antioch Church acted upon the revelation of The Holy Spirit, it was not an immediate action. Although The Antioch Church was still in its infancy (early life) stage, it had the wisdom to go one step further.
They had worshipped and fasted to hear from God and when He spoke they did not act immediately. They further waited upon God through fasting and prayer. Many do not see the distinction that The Holy Spirit has made in these verses. It is of paramount importance. Note carefully the distinction that The Word of God makes:
THEY MINISTERED AND FASTED,
THEY FASTED AND PRAYED
The Greek word for ministered means worship. They first worshipped (ministered) and fasted and then fasted and prayed. The second period of fasting omitted worship, their emphasis was seeking The Face of God for confirmation. Some of the Teachers and Elders were Jews who knew and understood The Old Testament. They knew that everything had to be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses. They were totally aware that there were many voices in the world and this period of fasting and intercession was to judge whether or not it was truly God who spoke.
Paul, who at that was called Saul, was taught an invaluable (priceless) lesson. There at that Leadership meeting, he was taught to judge Prophecy, no matter who spoke. No wonder years later he penned these words:
“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge (1 Corinthians 14:29).”
Surely after that they heard The Prophecy, they spoke among themselves. Surely they asked each other was it God speaking? Once they judged it The Prophecy was from God they co-operated with God.
How did they co-operate with God. THEY LAID HANDS ON BARNABAS AND SAUL AND RELEASED THEM INTO THEIR RESPECTIVE APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES.
PROPHECY DOES NOT ACT AS CONFIRMATION. IT IS THE LAYING ON OF HANDS THAT CONFIRMS THE CALLING. IT IS THE LEADERSHIP OF THE LOCAL CHURCH THAT CONFIRMS THE CALLING OF ANY MAN OF GOD. PROPHECY MIGHT BE GIVEN, BUT IF IT IS NOT APPROVED BY THE LEADERSHIP OF THE LOCAL LEADERSHIP IT IS NOT OF GOD. FURTHERMORE HOW CAN WE ESTABLISH CALLINGS THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO JUDGEMENT? PROPHECY TO BE VALID AND ACCEPTED MUST GO THROUGH THE CAULDRON OF FIRE.
HOW DOES PAUL CONFIRM HIS APOSTOLIC CALLING?
Of all the apostles Paul is the most prolific (productive). In fact he wrote most of The New Testament. He had an Evangelical, Apostolic and a Teaching Ministry second to none. Like all men of God his ministry was doubted by some members of The Church. It is inevitable that our Ascended Gifted Ministries will be challenged and denied by certain members of The Body of Christ.
Paul, a very wise servant of God teaches us hop to vindicate (prove correct, justify) our Ascended Gifted Ministries when we are challenged by those certain few in The Church. Remember Paul was a minister of The Antioch Church and was released by The Antioch Church as an Apostle. Whilst at The Antioch Church he functioned as an Ascended Gifted Teacher (Acts 13:1-3).
Paul established Churches throughout The Roman Empire. In fact he was an Apostle to The Gentile Nations. It is very interesting to note that Ananias received A Word of Knowledge concerning Paul’s future as a minister of The Gospel and yet he did not prophesy this to Paul. I believe for this simple reason; he knew his place in The Body of Christ. He was not an Ascended Gift and was not directed by The Holy Spirit to speak prophetically over Paul:
“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God (Acts 9:1-20).”
Paul’s Apostolic calling came at The Antioch Church when He was called by The Holy Spirit though either The Ascended Gifted Teacher or The Ascended Gifted Prophet. And what is extremely important and for the modern day Church to follow is that Paul was released as an Apostle by the Antioch Leadership by THE LAYING ON OF THEIR HANDS.
Apostolic Ministry in reality is not a resident Gift to the Body of Christ, it is a MOBILE GIFT. Some may argue it was a Mobile Gift at that time for The Church was still in its infant stage. To this very day it is still a Mobile Gift. If the modern Apostle is not establishing new Churches, then he must be strengthening Churches that already exist:
“And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples (Acts 18:23).”
On close examination of 1Co 9 Paul defends his Apostolic calling. There those certain few who denied his Apostolic Ministry and it extremely interesting to note how he authenticates (proves) his ministry:
“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this (1 Corinthians 9:1-3).”
Paul wisely deals with his critics by bringing them into the equation. He tells them that they are THE VERY FRUIT OF HIS MINISTRY. IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS HE CONVEYS TO THEM THAT THEY ARE THE EVIDENCE OF HIS APOSTOLIC CALLING. HIS WORK AS AN APOSTLE HAS PRODUCED THEM.
Furthermore he makes mention of the fact that Jesus Christ had appeared unto him personally. Paul through this defence gives concrete evidence that he is truly an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
It is to be noted that Paul does in no way refer to his calling as an Apostle at The Antioch Church. He does not use Prophecy to validate his calling. He convinces his critics by showing them that they are THE VERY FRUIT OF HIS MINISTRY.
We know an apple tree because it bears apples. We know an orange tree because it bears oranges. We know Modern Day Apostles not because they are called by Prophecy and that by renowned men of God. We know and accept them for the simple fact that they bear the fruit of Apostolic Ministry. Souls are saved, new Churches are started, existing Churches are strengthened, the fruit of The Holy Spirit is evident in the daily walk with God and man, they are continually training men and women for the ministry, they are continually setting Churches in order, they are always challenging false doctrine, they discipline and correct the wayward members of The Body of Christ, they are taking the Local church members with them on their Apostolic journeys etc.
