Ecclesiology: The Five-fold Ministries of Ephesians 4:11 e) TEACHERS.

Ephesians 4:11  And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

Notice that the text says : and some to be pastors and teacher. I believe that the Pastoral gift should be linked with the Teaching gift so that the flock of God can be feed. But this is not always the case and the gifts are often separate. So then the Pastor must recognise a teaching gift in the Midst and allow that gift to function. The Pastor/ Shepherd ministry involves leading, and gathering, and protecting and feeding; while the teaching gift involves, instruction and discipleship and study of God’s Word.

The Meaning of Teacher in the New Testament.

Teacher G1320 διδάσκαλος didaskalos Thayer Definition:

1) a teacher

2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man

1a) one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so

1b) the teachers of the Jewish religion

1c) of those who by their great power as teachers draw crowds around them, i.e. John the Baptist, Jesus

1d) by preeminence used of Jesus by himself, as one who showed men the way of salvation

1e) of the apostles, and of Paul

1f) of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit

1g) of false teachers among Christians

Now look at theses Scriptures

Act 13:1  Now there were in Antioch, in the Church there--as Prophets and teachers--Barnabas, Symeon surnamed 'the black,' Lucius the Cyrenaean, Manaen (who was Herod the Tetrarch's foster-brother), and Saul.

Act 13:2  While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me, now at once, Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them."

RWP Prophets and teachers (prophētai kai didaskaloi). All prophets were teachers, but not all teachers were prophets who were for-speakers of God, sometimes fore-speakers like Agabus in Act_11:28. The double use of te here makes three prophets (Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius) and two teachers (Manaen and Saul). Barnabas heads the list (Act_11:22) and Saul comes last.

Sam P. Chelladurai, Pastor of a Mega-church in Chennai India, teaching in Bible College

2Ti_2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV 2Ti 2:15  Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.RV

Handling aright (orthotomounta). Present active participle of orthotomeō, late and rare compound (orthotomos), cutting straight, orthos and temnō), here only in N.T. It occurs in Pro_3:6; Pro_11:5 for making straight paths (hodous) with which compare Heb_12:13 and “the Way” in Act_9:2. Theodoret explains it to mean ploughing a straight furrow. Parry argues that the metaphor is the stone mason cutting the stones straight since temnō and orthos are so used. Since Paul was a tent-maker and knew how to cut straight the rough camel-hair cloth, why not let that be the metaphor? Certainly plenty of exegesis is crooked enough (crazy-quilt patterns) to call for careful cutting to set it straight.

Jesus the Master Teacher.

Mat_11:1  And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities. Matt 7:28 astonished at his Teaching.

RWPThe multitudes were astonished (exeplēssonto hoi ochloi). They listened spell-bound to the end and were left amazed. Note the imperfect tense, a buzz of astonishment. The verb means literally “were struck out of themselves.”

Mar_4:1  And again he began to teach by the sea side. And there is gathered unto him a very great multitude, so that he entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land. [Jesus taught the people where they were.]

Mar_6:2  And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and what mean such mighty works wrought by his hands?

The Master teacher taught Wisdom from God and did such mighty acts. There was instruction and Demonstration.

Mar_6:34  And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Sheep without a Shepherd need to be taught. They had nobody who was compassionate and able to teach them.

Mar_8:31  And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, and the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Luk_3:23  And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

The Apostles Taught the people.

Act_1:1  The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,

Act_4:18  And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Act_5:28  saying, We straitly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Instructions to teach.

The Great commission: Mat 28:19  Go ye, therefore, and instruct all nations; and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Mat 28:20  And teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you always, unto the consummation of the worlds Amen.

Rom_2:21  as you teach others, do you fail to teach yourself? As you preach against stealing, do you steal? Practice what you teach.

1Co_4:17  That's why I sent Timothy to you. He is my dear and dependable son in the Lord and will help you remember how I live for the Messiah Jesus as I teach everywhere in every church.

Col_1:28  It is he whom we proclaim as we admonish and wisely teach everyone, so that we may present everyone mature in the Messiah.

1Ti_4:11  These are the things you must insist on and teach.

1Ti_6:2  Moreover, those who have believing masters should be respectful to them, because they are fellow believers. In fact, they must serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dear to them. These are the things you must teach and exhort.

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Ecclesiology : The Five-fold Ministries: d) Pastor /Shepherd.

We are looking at the five-fold Ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11  And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

pastor G4166 ποιμήν poimēn Thayer Definition:

1) a herdsman, especially a shepherd

1a) in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow

2) metaphorically

2a) the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the Head of the church

2a1) of the overseers of the Christian assemblies

2a2) of kings and princes

Webster’s Dictionary: Pastor:

1. A shepherd; one that has the care of flocks and herds.

2. A minister of the gospel who has the charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to watch over the people of his charge, and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the christian religion.

Have you seen a shepherd with his sheep.  They really know how to manage the sheep and provide and protect them. What a lesson for Pastors.

Look at these verses about Jesus the Shepherd

Mat 9:36  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Mat 9:37  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;

Mat 9:38  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

But when he saw the multitudes - That followed him from place to place. When he saw their anxiety to be instructed and saved.

He was moved with compassion on them - He pitied them.

Because they fainted - The word used here refers to the weariness and fatigue which results from labor and being burdened. He saw the people burdened with the rites of religion and the doctrines of the Pharisees; sinking down under their ignorance and the weight of their traditions; neglected by those who ought to have been enlightened teachers; and scattered and driven out without care and attention. With great beauty he compares them to sheep wandering without a shepherd. Judea was a land of flocks and herds. The faithful shepherd, by day and night, was with his flock. He defended it, made it to lie down in green pastures, and led it beside the still waters, Psa_23:2. Without his care the sheep would stray away. They were in danger of wild beasts. Barnes Notes

Sheep without a Shepherd

Mat 25:31  "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

Mat 25:32  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Mat 25:33  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

Mat 25:34  Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

The Good Shepherd will separate the sheep from the goats

As the shepherd separates (hōsper ho poimēn aphorizei). A common figure in Palestine. The sheep are usually white and the goats black. There are kids (eriphōn,  eriphia) which have grazed together. The goats devastate a field of all herbage. “Indeed they have extirpated many species of trees which once covered the hills” (Tristram, Natural History of the Bible, pp. 89f.). The shepherd stands at the gate and taps the sheep to go to the right and the goats to the left.RWP So there will be a separation of the Sheep and Goat nations.

Ps 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd.

When David was watching his sheep on the hillsides of Bethlehem a long time ago he learned how like sheep we are. He also realised that Someone was looking after him who was deeply concerned for His welfare. God was watching over him just as he was taking care of his own sheep. The Lord is my shepherd. Are you conscious  of His Care and protection right now?

John 10:11 The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Joh 10:11  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Joh 10:12  He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

Joh 10:13  He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Joh 10:14  I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

Jesus is all that a good shepherd should be.

Heb 13:20-21 He is the Great Shepherd who rose from death to continue caring for us.

Heb 13:20  Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,

Heb 13:21  equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Application. Perhaps you are harassed and distressed and need the faithful leading and provision of the Good Shepherd right now.

Pray out to Him the words of this wonderful Hymn:

Gentle Shepherd, Come and  lead us,

For we need you to help us find our way.

Gentle Shepherd, Come and lead us,

For we need your strength from day to day.

There’s no other, we can turn to;

Who can help us face another day,

Gentle Shepherd, Come and lead us,

For we need you help to find our way

Watch theses young people sing on YouTube. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxcZqbsswNE> and the heritage singers in <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Cj1VtHlbA>

The Ministry of Shepherd/Pastor is as an Under-shepherd under Christ.

1Pe 5:2  Feed the flock of God among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; nor for base gain, but readily;

1Pe 5:3  nor as lording it over those allotted to you by God, but becoming examples to the flock.

1Pe 5:4  And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory.

Feed the flock of God - Discharge the duties of a shepherd toward the flock. On the word “feed,” see the notes at Joh_21:15. It is a word which Peter would be likely to remember, from the solemn manner in which the injunction to perform the duty was laid on him by the Saviour. The direction means to take such an oversight of the church as a shepherd is accustomed to take of his flock. See the notes at John 10:1-16.

being lords — Greek, “lording it”: implying pride and oppression. “Not that we have dominion over your faith.”

God’s heritage — Greek, “the inheritances,” that is, the portions of the Church committed severally to your pastoral charge [Bengel]. It is explained by “the flock” in the next clause. However, in 1Pe_5:2, “flock of God which is among you,” answering to “(God’s) heritages” (plural to express the sheep who are God’s portion and inheritance, Deu_32:9) committed to you, favors English Version. The flock, as one whole, is God’s heritage, or flock in the singular. JFB

The Millers in their Enclyclopedia of Bible Life describe the feeding work of the Oriental Shepherd in this way:

“[The Shepherd] … knew the ‘green pastures’, every one of them, below the terraced farms of Bethlehem. He knew how to walk at the head of every ‘flock of sheep’, leading them  - not following them as the western shepherds do- to rest beside “still waters”. He stayed away from the torrential streams rushing to join the …..Jordan or the Orontes rivers. The still waters known to the Psalmist were the wells, pools and quiet rivulets….. The “paths of the Righteousness” were age-old sheep- walks used since the beginning of the Hebrew people. p.34.

Feeding a flock is like feeding a family. You need to set before them various nutritious foods and dissuade them from eating junk food. To feed a congregation each week will involve likes and dislikes but unless the sheep are fed properly they’ll become weak and ill. I remember my son in law who didn’t like vegetables and he became sick. A balanced diet from God’s Word is what s needed spiritually. Sometimes pastures are hard to find especially in drought. The Shepherd has to forage to get extra sources of food. Farmers here were recently feeding their cattle cotton seed and molasses.

The pastor must choose portions of the Word of God that will cause the flock to grow in Grace and the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.

What do healthy Sheep look like? Your Pastor/ Your Shepherd by James Lee Beall When a Shepherd checks his sheep he looks for the Following:

(1) Healthy sheep look alert with a clear bold eye and with constantly pricked ears.

(2) Healthy sheep have good appetites.

Girls checking sheep in Kyrgystan

(3) Healthy sheep walk with coordination, holding their heads and necks upright.

(4) Healthy sheep have a firm and unbroken fleece.

(5) Healthy sheep keep within the flock.

(6) Healthy sheep have sound hooves.

(7) Healthy Sheep have sound, unbroken teeth.

Shepherds check their sheep by picking them up and handling them.. They check for pest infestations, scabs or listlessness. When they find something they apply the right medication.

That is why sheep need to stay close to the shepherd.

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Ecclesiology - The five - fold Ministries. The Ministry of Evangelist.

from Ephesians 4:11-13

Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Evangelist G2099 εὐαγγελιστής euaggelistēs

Thayer Definition:

1) a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist

2) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles

Philip, the Evangelist Acts 21:8

We came to the house of Philip - One of the seven deacons, Act_6:5. After his conversation with the eunuch of Ethiopia, he went to Caesarea, and probably there abode.

The evangelist - This word properly means one who announces good news. In the New Testament it is applied to a preacher of the Gospel, or one who declares the glad tidings of salvation. It occurs only in two other places, Eph_4:1; 2Ti_4:5. What was the precise rank of those who bore this title in the early Christian church cannot perhaps be determined. It is evident, however, that it is used to denote the office of preaching the gospel; and as this title is applied to Philip, and not to any other of the seven deacons, it would seem probable that he had been entrusted with a special commission to preach, and that preaching did not pertain to him as a deacon, and does not properly belong to that office. The business of a deacon was to take care of the poor members of the church, Act_6:1-6. The office of preaching was distinct from this, though, as in this case, it might be conferred on the same individual.

What is the difference between a Witness and an Evangelist?

We are all called to be witnesses. Acts 1:8

Act 1:8  and yet you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and Samaria and to the remotest parts of the earth."

A witness is someone who is willing to speak the truth about Jesus even if it leads to his death. He tells what He has seen and heard.

My witnesses (mou martures). Correct text. “Royal words of magnificent and Divine assurance” (Furneaux). Our word martyrs is this word martures. In Luk_24:48 Jesus calls the disciples “witnesses to these things” (martures toutōn, objective genitive). In Act_1:22 an apostle has to be a “witness to the Resurrection” of Christ and in Act_10:39 to the life and work of Jesus. Hence there could be no “apostles” in this sense after the first generation. But here the apostles are called “my witnesses.” “His by a direct personal relationship” (Knowling). The expanding sphere of their witness when the Holy Spirit comes upon them is “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (heōs eschatou tēs gēs). Once they had been commanded to avoid Samaria (Mat_10:5), but now it is included in the world program as already outlined on the mountain in Galilee (Mat_28:19; Mar_16:15). Jesus is on Olivet as he points to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the uttermost (last, eschatou) part of the earth. The program still beckons us on to world conquest for Christ. “The Acts themselves form the best commentary on these words, and the words themselves might be given as the best summary of the Acts” (Page). The events follow this outline (Jerusalem till the end of chapter 7, with the martyrdom of Stephen, the scattering of the saints through Judea and Samaria in chapter 8, the conversion of Saul, chapter 9, the spread of the gospel to Romans in Caesarea by Peter (chapter 10), to Greeks in Antioch (chapter 11), RWP

But an Evangelist is associated with the Church but operates outside the Church as a Herald of the Good news of Jesus Christ. This was the Ministry of Evangelist, Billy Graham.

Eph 4:11 He gave some evangelists; by whom are designed, not so much the writers of the Gospels, as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, some of which were also apostles; as preachers of the Gospel, and who yet were distinct from the ordinary ministers of it; they were below the apostles, and yet above pastors and teachers; they were the companions of the apostles, and assistants to them, and subserved them in their work; such were Philip, Luke, Titus, Timothy, and others; these were not fixed and stated ministers in anyone place, as the following officers be, but were sent here and there as the apostles thought fit: J.Gill

The Bold Evangelist out on the Streets of Paris - Vince Estherman

Pray the Lord of the Harvest to Thrust forth Labourers into His harvest.

The Fields are white but the Labourers are few.

A Billy Graham Crusade

Ecclesiology -The Five-fold Ministry of Ephesians 4:11 ( B.) The Prophet

B. The NT Ministry of Prophet.

Luk 7:15  And the one who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother.

Luk 7:16  And fear came on all. And they glorified God, saying, A great prophet has risen up among us; and, God has visited His people.

Luk 7:26  But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

Luk 7:27  This is he of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who shall prepare Your way before You."

Luk 7:28  For I say to you, Among those who are born of woman there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

IN the OT the prophet was a Seer

nabiy', from naaba' "to bubble forth as a fountain," as Psa_45:1, "my heart is bubbling up a good matter," namely, inspired by the Holy Spirit; 2Pe_1:19-21; Job_32:8; Job_32:18-19; Job_32:20. Roeh, "seer," from raah "to see," was the term in Samuel's days (1Sa_9:9) which the sacred writer of 1 Samuel calls "beforetime"; but nabi was the term as far back as the Pentateuch, and roeh does not appear until Samuel's time, and of the ten times of its use in seven it is applied to Samuel. Chozeh, "seer," from the poetical chazeh "see," is first found in 2Sa_24:11, Fausset

The meaning of Prophet in the NT

G4396 προφήτης prophētēs

Thayer Definition:

1) in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things

2) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation

2a) the OT prophets, having foretold the kingdom, deeds and death, of Jesus the Messiah.

2b) of John the Baptist, the herald of Jesus the Messiah

2c) of the illustrious prophet, the Jews expected before the advent of the Messiah

2d) the Messiah

2e) of men filled with the Spirit of God, who by God’s authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges salvation of men

2f) of prophets that appeared in the apostolic age among Christians

2f1) they are associated with the apostles

2f2) they discerned and did what is best for the Christian cause, foretelling certain future events. (Act_11:27)

2f3) in the religious assemblies of the Christians, they were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, their hearers

Strongs prophētēs

prof-ay'-tace

From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet: - prophe

The Free Dictionary <http://www.thefreedictionary.com/prophet>

1. A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.

2. A person gifted with profound moral insight and exceptional powers of expression.

3. A predictor;

Christ as a Prophet of God

The Jews in Jesus Day were expecting the Prophet promised by Moses to be raised up to deliver them from the Romans.Deu 18:15  "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me (Moses) from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—ESV

IV. Christ the Prophet ISBE

Christ's ministry illustrates the prophetic office in the most extensive and exalted sense of the term. He was designed and appointed by the Father (Isa_61:1, Isa_61:2; compare Luk_4:16-21; Mat_17:5). In 1Co_1:30, Christ is declared to be made to us wisdom. His intimate knowledge of God (Joh_1:18; Mat_11:27; Joh_16:15), the qualities of His teaching dependent upon His nature, both Divine and human (Joh_3:34); His authority (Joh_1:9, Joh_1:17, Joh_1:18; Luk_4:18-21); His knowledge of God (Mar_12:29; Joh_4:24; Mat_11:25; Joh_17:11, Joh_17:25; Mat_18:35) - these all peculiarly fitted Christ to be the Revealer of God.

Besides His doctrine of God, His ministry included the truth concerning Himself, His nature, claims, mission, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and the religious life of man. He taught as none other the foundation of religion, the facts on which it was based, the essence of Divine service, the nature of sin, the grace of God, the means of atonement, the laws of the kingdom of God and the future state. By the acknowledgment of even those who have denied His Divine nature and redemptive work, He has been recognized as the Supreme Moral Teacher of the world.

His claim to be the Prophet is seen in that He is the source of the ever-extending revelation of the eternal. His own words and works He declared were only part of the fuller knowledge which would be furnished by the system which He established (Luk_9:45; Luk_18:34; Joh_12:16; Joh_14:26; Joh_15:26; Joh_16:12, Joh_16:13, Joh_16:14).

1. Christ's Manner of Teaching

How remarkable was His method of teaching! Parable, proverb, absolute affirmation, suggestion, allusion to simple objects, practical life - these all made His teaching powerful, easily understood, living; sometimes His action was His word - and all with a commanding dignity and gracious winsomeness, that was felt by His hearers and has ever been recognized (Mat_7:29). So perfect and exalted was the teaching of Jesus that many have supposed that revelation ceased with Him, and the immediate followers whom He especially inspired to be His witnesses and interpreters. Certainly in Him the prophetic ministry culminated.

2. Christ as Prophet in His Church

An important aspect of Christ's prophetic office is that of His relation to the church as the source, through the instrumentality of His Spirit, of ever-enlarging knowledge of Divine truth which it has been able to gain. This is the real significance of the claim which some churches make to be the custodians and interpreters of the tradition of faith, with which has also gone theory of development - not as a human act but as a ministration of the Lord through His Spirit, which is granted to the church.

Even those who hold that all Divine truth is to be found in the sacred Scriptures have yet maintained that God has much truth still to bring out of His word by the leading and direction of the Spirit of Jesus. The Scripture itself declares that Christ was the light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (Joh_1:9).

He Himself promised that the Spirit which He would give would guide His followers into all truth (Joh_16:13).

The apostles claimed to receive their teaching and direction of the church from the Lord (1Co_11:23).

The testimony of Jesus is definitely declared to be the spirit of prophecy (Rev_19:10).

Indeed, all the apostolic writings in almost every line affirm that what they teach is received from the Spirit, who is the Spirit of the Lord.

The Temple Mount Jerusalem in the Time of Christ

3. Christ the Prophet of Prediction

Mat 24:1  Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple.

Mat 24:2  But he answered them, "You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

Barnes :There shall not be left here one stone upon another - At the time this was spoken, no event was more improbable than this. The temple was vast, rich, splendid. It was the pride of the nation, and the nation was at peace. Yet in the short space of 40 years all this was accomplished exactly. Jerusalem was taken by the Roman armies, under the command of Titus, 70 a.d. The account of the siege and destruction of the city is left us by Josephus, a historian of undoubted veracity and singular fidelity. He was a Jewish priest. In the wars of which he gives an account, he fell into the hands of the Romans, and remained with them during the siege and destruction of the city. Being a Jew, he would of course say nothing designed to confirm the prophecies of Jesus Christ; yet his whole history appears almost like a running commentary on these predictions respecting the destruction of the temple. The following particulars are given on his authority:

Mat 24:3  As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Mat 24:4  And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray.

Mat 24:5  For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.

Mat 24:6  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

Mat 24:7  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Mat 24:8  All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Mat 24:9  "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.

Mat 24:10  And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

Mat 24:11  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

Mat 24:12  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

Mat 24:13  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Mat 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Mat 24:15  "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),

Mat 24:16  then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mat 24:17  Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house,

Mat 24:18  and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.

Mat 24:19  And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Mat 24:20  Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.

Mat 24:21  For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.

4. Agabus, a Prophet of the Early Church.

Act 11:27  Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

Act 11:28  And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

Harold Horton spoke of big Prophets and little Prophets. The Big Prophets were people such as Agabus who were the the Ministry Gift of Christ to the Church. Their ministry was often larger than just one local church. These prophets in Acts 11:27 came down to Antioch from Jerusalem. Barnabas was already in Antioch where a great number of Greeks had believed on the Lord.

Agabus foretold the worldwide famine in the days of Claudius

The Little prophets were those of 1 Corinthians 12 where it says that all may prophesy.

Act_21:10  While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

Act 21:11  And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

Act 21:12  When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Act 21:13  Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

V.11And when he was come unto us,.... In Philip's house:

The prophet Agabus predicting Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem

he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet; and so prophesied by types and symbols, and gestures, as the prophets of old did; as Isaiah in Isa_20:2 and Jeremiah in  Jer_13:1, and Ezekiel in Eze_4:1 and Hosea in Hos_1:2, some understand this of his binding Paul's hands and feet, but it seems rather to design his own:

and said, thus saith the Holy Ghost; who was in Agabus, and spoke by him, and foretold some things to come to pass; and which did come to pass, and is a proof of the foreknowledge, and so of the deity of the blessed Spirit:

so shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle; meaning Paul, and who accordingly was bound in like manner, a very little time after this; see Act_21:33

and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles; the Romans, as they afterwards did.

5. The Prophets of 1 Corinthians 12,14

Spiritual gifts

The charismata, or special endowments of supernatural energy, such as prophecy and speaking with tongues. “Before this consciousness of a higher power than their own, the ordinary and natural faculties of the human mind seemed to retire, to make way for loftier aspirations, more immediate intimations of the divine will, more visible manifestations of the divine power.... It resembled in some degree the inspiration of the Jewish judges, psalmists, and prophets; VWS

1Co 12:11  All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

The Gift of Prophecy.

1Co 12:7  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1Co 12:8  For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,

1Co 12:9  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

1Co 12:10  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

So in the List of Spiritual Gifts of 1 Cor 12 we see the Prift of prophecy for the common good of the church.

1Co 14:1  Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

But rather that ye may prophesy (mallon de hina prophēteuēte). Distinct aim in view as in 1Co_14:5. Old verb from prophētēs, common in N.T. Present subjunctive, “that ye may keep on prophesying.” RWP

So in the pursuit of the Charismata (Spiritual Gifts) we should earnestly desire to prophesy.

earnestly desire G2206 ζηλόω

zēloō Thayer Definition:

1) to burn with zeal

1a) to be heated or to boil with envy, hatred, anger

1a1) in a good sense, to be zealous in the pursuit of good

1b) to desire earnestly, pursue

1b1) to desire one earnestly, to strive after, busy one’s self about him

1Co 14:2  For he who speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. Yet in the Spirit he is speaking secret truths.

1Co 14:3  But he who prophesies speaks to men words of edification, encouragement and comfort.

To edification - See the note at 1Co_10:23. Speaks so as to enlighten and strengthen the church.

And exhortation - See the note at Rom_12:8. He applies and enforces the practical duties of religion, and urges motives for a holy life.

And comfort - Encouragement. That is, he presents the promises and the “hopes” of the gospel; the various considerations adapted to administer comfort in the time of trial. The other might do this, but it would be in a foreign language, and would be useless to the church.Barnes

1Co 14:5  I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy; for greater is he prophesying than he speaking in tongues, unless he interpret so that the church may receive building up.

1Co 14:6  But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you, except I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?

1Co 14:24  But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

1Co 14:25  And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Barnes : His secrets are made manifest to himself in a surprising and remarkable manner. He shall be led to see the “real” designs and motives of his heart. His conscience would be awakened; he would recall his former course of life; he would see that it was evil; and the present state of his heart would be made known to himself. It is possible that he would “suppose that the speaker was aiming directly at him, and “revealing” his feelings to others; for such an effect is often produced. The convicted sinner often supposes that the preacher particularly intends “him,” and wonders that he has such an acquaintance with his feelings and his life;

Darrell Alexander prophesying

1Co 14:29  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

Speak two or three - On the same days, or at the same meeting; see the note at 1Co_14:27.

And let the other judge - The word “other” (οἱ ἄλλοι  hoi alloi, “the others”), Bloomfield supposes refers to the other prophets; and that the meaning is, that they should decide whether what was said was dictated by the Holy Spirit, or not. and deliberate on what was spoken, and determine whether it had evidence of being in accordance with the truth.

1Co 14:30  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

1Co 14:31  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

1Co 14:32  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

The evident meaning of this is, that they were able to control their inclination to speak; they were not under a necessity of speaking, even though they might be inspired. There was no need of disorder.Barnes

Releasing the prophetic Word in Sri lanka 2011