Real New Testament Prophets in Action

Acts 21:8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And 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.’” (ESV)

Philips daughters were recognized prophetess but there is no record of any prophetic words spoken by them. Agabus, who is also a prophet comes & delivers a word under direct revelation by the Holy Spirit. This word does nothing to change Paul’s plans. Agabus, though a prophet, had no authority.

In modern times this meeting could have been a full blown charismaniac spectacle, people ‘imparting’, or ‘token’ baby jesus, barking & howling a-la Toronto’ & God knows what else. But since these were real New Testament Apostles, prophets, bishops, evangelists, & elders, – and not the bogus ones prevalent today in some circles – everything was done decently and in order,

This is a prime example of how the New Testament prophet differed from the Old. In the Old the prophet was the man who delivered the Word of God that must be obeyed. In the new their function is to ‘speak(s) to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.’ 1 Cor 14:3 (ESV) A far cry from the Old Testament Prophets’ mantel of authority. That mantel passed to the first century Apostles – and I’m talking about all of them – not just the Twelve.

I would like to point out that Agabus’ recorded prophecies – there are two – are 100% accurate. Too many false apostles & prophets have gone out claiming an authority and power that they simply do not have. They claim to speak the very Words of God but prove themselves to be blaspheming liars. They either contradict scripture or make predictions that never come to pass. They prove themselves to be charlatans by their own words & deeds.