Understanding Revelation

Where Does Bible Prophesy come from

Bible prophecy originates from the ancient texts of the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, and is attributed to divine revelation. In the biblical tradition, prophecy is seen as a message from God, delivered by prophets who were chosen as God’s spokespersons. Here’s a breakdown of its sources and context:

1. Old Testament Prophecy

  • Prophets as Messengers: In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel were seen as individuals called by God to deliver His messages. These messages often contained elements of foretelling (predicting future events) and forthtelling (speaking God’s truth about the present situation).
  • Divine Inspiration: The source of prophecy in the Old Testament is considered divine inspiration, where the Holy Spirit (referred to as the “Spirit of the Lord”) would come upon the prophet, enabling them to speak God’s words (e.g., 2 Peter 1:21 — “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”).
  • Types of Prophecy:
    • Messianic Prophecies: These are predictions about the coming Messiah (Christ). Examples include Isaiah 7:14 (the virgin birth) and Micah 5:2 (the Messiah born in Bethlehem).
    • Judgment and Warning: Many prophecies addressed the imminent judgment of Israel, Judah, or surrounding nations due to their disobedience (e.g., the fall of Jerusalem in Jeremiah).
    • Apocalyptic Visions: Books like Daniel contain visions of the end times and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.

2. New Testament Prophecy

  • Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy: A central theme of the New Testament is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly those about the Messiah. Jesus of Nazareth is presented as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies (e.g., Matthew 1:22-23).
  • Jesus as a Prophet: Jesus Himself is considered a prophet in the New Testament (Luke 24:19) and made predictions about future events, including His own death and resurrection (Mark 8:31) and the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24).
  • The Role of Apostles: The apostles, especially Paul and John, also delivered prophecies through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, is filled with apocalyptic prophecy about the end times.
  • Gift of Prophecy in the Early Church: In the early Christian church, prophecy was a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:10), meant to edify, encourage, and guide the believers. This is seen as an extension of divine revelation through the Holy Spirit.

3. Prophetic Literature and Apocalyptic Writings

  • Major and Minor Prophets: The prophetic books in the Old Testament are classified into “Major Prophets” (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel) and “Minor Prophets” (e.g., Hosea, Joel, Amos), based on the length of the writings, not their importance.
  • Apocalyptic Prophecy: Apocalyptic texts, like parts of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, are characterized by symbolic visions and often deal with cosmic battles, judgment, and the ultimate victory of God. These prophecies are often cryptic, using imagery and symbolism.

4. Divine vs. Human Origin

  • The Bible claims that genuine prophecy comes directly from God, not from human interpretation or will (2 Peter 1:20-21). The role of the prophet was to faithfully convey what was revealed by God, often at personal risk or sacrifice.

5. Purpose of Prophecy

  • Warning and Judgment: Many prophecies served as a call to repentance, warning people of consequences if they continued in disobedience.
  • Comfort and Hope: Prophecies often provided hope for future restoration and salvation, particularly during times of suffering or exile.
  • Testimony of Jesus: According to Revelation 19:10, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” indicating that the ultimate purpose of prophecy is to reveal Christ and God’s redemptive plan.

In essence, biblical prophecy is viewed as divine communication, intended to reveal God’s will, warn of future events, and provide assurance of God’s plan for humanity. It is not merely about predicting the future, but also about calling people back to a faithful relationship with God

The Bible features a diverse group of prophets, who were chosen by God to convey His messages, give warnings, and predict future events. The prophets are spread across the Old and New Testaments, each playing a significant role in the religious narrative. Here’s an overview of key biblical prophets:

1. Major Prophets of the Old Testament

These prophets have longer books named after them, hence the term “major,” referring to the length rather than importance.

  • Isaiah: One of the greatest prophets, Isaiah prophesied during the 8th century BCE. He is known for his messianic prophecies, including the coming of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), and predictions about the birth of a child called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
  • Jeremiah: Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah’s ministry was during the final years of Judah before its fall to Babylon. He warned of Jerusalem’s destruction and emphasized the need for repentance. He also wrote the Book of Lamentations.
  • Ezekiel: A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel had powerful visions, including the vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) the second resurrection and restoration of Israel.
  • Daniel: Known for his apocalyptic visions, Daniel was a Jewish exile in Babylon. His prophecies include the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams and the vision of the four beasts, symbolizing future empires and the rise and death of the antichrist

2. Minor Prophets of the Old Testament

The term “minor” refers to the shorter length of their writings, not their significance.

  1. Hosea: Called to marry a woman of ill repute as a symbol of God’s relationship with unfaithful Israel.
  2. Joel: Known for his prophecy about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32), quoted by Peter at Pentecost in the New Testament.
  3. Amos: A shepherd who prophesied against social injustice and corruption in Israel.
  4. Obadiah: The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah prophesied against Edom, a nation hostile to Israel.
  5. Jonah: Famous for being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah’s story focuses on his reluctant mission to the city of Nineveh and its subsequent repentance.
  6. Micah: Prophesied the coming of the Messiah and the birthplace of Jesus (Micah 5:2).
  7. Nahum: Predicted the fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.
  8. Habakkuk: Dialogued with God, questioning why He allows evil to go unpunished.
  9. Zephaniah: Warned of the “Day of the Lord,” a time of judgment and purification.
  10. Haggai: Encouraged the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple after returning from Babylonian exile.
  11. Zechariah: Had apocalyptic visions and messianic prophecies, including the entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).
  12. Malachi: The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi foretold the coming of Elijah before the great “Day of the Lord,” often linked to John the Baptist in the New Testament.

3. Key Figures Considered Prophets in the Old Testament

  • Moses: One of the greatest prophets, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments. He spoke with God directly (Deuteronomy 18:15-18).
  • Samuel: The last judge of Israel and the prophet who anointed both King Saul and King David.
  • Elijah: A powerful prophet known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11).
  • Elisha: The successor of Elijah, known for performing miracles, including healing the leper Naaman.
  • Nathan: The prophet who confronted King David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12).

4. New Testament Prophets

  • John the Baptist: Considered the last of the Old Testament-style prophets, he prepared the way for Jesus and baptized Him in the Jordan River. John was a forerunner who called people to repentance (Mark 1:4).
  • Jesus of Nazareth: Although primarily recognized as the Messiah, Jesus is also called a prophet (Luke 24:19). He predicted events like His own death, resurrection, and the destruction of Jerusalem.
  • The Apostle John: The author of the Book of Revelation, John had visions of the end times and the return of Christ, making him a prominent prophetic voice in the New Testament.

5. Prophets in the Early Church

  • Agabus: A prophet in the early Christian church who predicted a great famine (Acts 11:28) and warned Paul about his impending arrest (Acts 21:10-11).
  • Philip’s Daughters: Philip the Evangelist had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9), showing that the gift of prophecy continued in the early church.

Summary of Prophets’ Roles:

  • Spokespersons for God: They conveyed messages from God to the people.
  • Predictors of Future Events: Many prophets foretold future events, including the coming of the Messiah, exile, and restoration.
  • Callers to Repentance: They often challenged the people of Israel and Judah to turn back to God.
  • Intercessors: Prophets like Moses and Samuel prayed on behalf of the people.

Importance of Both Groups

While the Major Prophets contain more extensive writings and elaborate visions, the Minor Prophets are equally important for understanding the full scope of biblical prophecy. Each prophet, whether classified as major or minor, played a significant role in delivering God’s message to the people of Israel and for us today.