Acts 11:27-30

Some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. The English word prophet comes from the Greek prophetes (profetes). In the classical Greek of the New Testament times, this word signified one who spoke on behalf of another. It especially referred to one who spoke on behalf of a god and interpreted that god’s will to the people. Its essential meaning is “an interpreter.” The use of the word to mean “one who predicts” is modern and not directly related to the Old Testament or New Testament meanings.

Agabus and the other prophets were men who spoke for God and interpreted God’s written word. We know from Scripture that Agabus on two separate occasions did predict future events. Based on the totality of the New Testament, such predictions appear very rarely. I can find no reason to believe anyone can call himself or herself, a prophet based on his or her ability to predict the future. First, if someone is speaking for God, there is no room for predictive error. No modern, self-proclaimed, prophet is always correct.

It was through the spirit that Agabus predicted a severe famine. Because of his reputation, the people believed him. When a preacher or prophet speaks for God, the degree to which people believe him will always depend upon his walk matching his talk. The only way to know with absolute certainty that a preacher speaks the true word of God is when you can find his message in the scripture he has used to reveal the message.

When a message comes from God, even a predictive message, it calls for a response. It can call for a response of action, repentance, belief, or a renewing of the mind. Agabus’ prediction of a famine called for response of charity. The church of Antioch responded, and their obedience saved lives.

When God’s prophets/preachers reveal to us God’s truth, that truth demands that we respond. We cannot limit the influence of our responses to ourselves. For good or bad, our responses affect the world.