45. Prophecy A Unique Gift

What did the Apostle Paul mean when he said that we should all desire the ability to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)? Can all become prophets?QSEW 37.2

No. The words “prophet” and “prophesy” are apparently used in a rather broad sense in certain Scripture passages. “You may all prophesy,” Paul wrote the Corinthians, but he admonished, only one at a time (1 Corinthians 14:31). At Corinth church members were fragmented into four groups and were causing the apostle much anxiety because of their numerous irregularities. When he said, “You may all prophesy,” it is not likely that Paul was declaring them all to be divinely-credentialed prophets. He way have been speaking of a praise or testimony meeting, or some meeting in which everyone could participate.QSEW 37.3

David’s musicians “prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the Lord” (1 Chronicles 25:3). These musicians were not appointed to their work directly by the Lord, but by David and the captains of the host (verse 1).QSEW 37.4

On the other hand, God Himself called some men and women to fill a unique role as prophets or prophetesses—to be His spokespersons (Jeremiah 1:5; 1 Samuel 8:30). Not everyone, by any means, had—or could have—this prophetic gift; it was something special (Numbers 12:6; Amos 3:7). Spiritual gifts are conferred by the Holy Spirit who divides “to every man severally as He will” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). Not all have the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:28, 29).QSEW 37.5