Pronouncement Against Prophecy

Let us note clearly the subtle danger to the church involved in this official pronouncement against prophecy. The “supernaturally ordained hierarchy,” might and actually did, as we know, in later days depart so far from God as actually to assume to speak for Him. Communication from heaven must, they declared, be made through men and women of ecclesiastical appointment. But we know that fitness for such a mission is by no means regulated by official position. Furthermore, acceptance of the dogma that the gift of prophecy, as manifest through visions or dreams, was at an end, would make impossible in future days any direct communication from heaven in the manner that had been in operation from the days of Adam. There was thus an attempt in connection with this issue to make the “hierarchy” the infallible interpreter of the Scriptures, and the only source through which added light might come to the church. This very attitude is sufficient to account for the future hostility of church leaders toward any manifestation of the prophetic gift, and for the seeming rarity of its presence in the church during the centuries that followed.AGP 191.2

In our study of the doctrine and history of the prophetic gift, we have now reached the fourth century. Momentous changesAGP 191.3

in both the church and the Roman government have taken place during the preceding three centuries. The few hundred believers at the time of the ascension of our Lord have grown to millions and in the face of most determined opposition.AGP 192.1