The Gift of prophecy
This is the passage Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1Cor 14:1-5) regarding prophecy.
1Follow the way of love and eagerly) desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. (1Cor 14:1-5)
Does Paul suggest that he wishes everyone to be a prophet??
No, I don’t believe that, if we were all mouthpieces, how could the body work properly, without hands, without feet, or without internal organs? No, my own belief is that we just have a misunderstanding of what “prophecy” actually is.
So what is prophecy? Is not a Rhema word from God? What does Paul mean?
Verse 3 is the pivotal verse..
“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, (edification) encouragement and comfort.”
I believe that Paul is suggesting in this passage that prophecy is a ‘word’ or message ABOUT the Lord.
Prophecy is, in this context, a word about the Lord, a forth telling about Him, led by the Holy Spirit. It is a word about His greatest, about His grace, about His mercy and about His kingdom. It is the exhortation of God and this is why it is edification for the whole church.
I am sure we have all experienced the strength and comfort when someone starts to praise God and speak out about His great wonders, we are all upbuilt. This is why I believe Paul states that this type of prophecy is therefore more desirable than speaking in tongues.
However, I believe this type of prophecy should not be confused with the gift associated with the ministry of a prophet (particularly the Old Testament). This is very different to the revelatory prophetic messages given throughout OT. Let us take just one example, messages that foretold very specific death and disaster (1 Sam 2:27-36; 1 Kings 13:20-24, Amos 7:14-17). These prophecies are not related to any Messianic prophecy, (of which there are over 400) and were certainty not edifying to those that heard them, in fact the opposite.
The ministry of a prophet involves the foretelling and forewarning, the blessings and the curses, to reprove and to reveal, to name but a few, these messages given directly from God for a specific time and a specific purpose.
In the New Testament, after receiving of the Holy Spirit Paul encourages all to use simple prophecy, but I stress again this should not be confused with the gifting associated with the ministry of a prophet, the foretelling of future events, these messages are given directly from God and spoke through prophets by “a word of knowledge”(1 Cor 12: 
or “a word of wisdom”. ( 1Cor 2:6-7)
Paul wishes all speak to use simple prophecy (1Cor 14:5) and glorify God, enabling the edification and comfort of the church, but not all are called to be prophets (1Cor 12:27-29). Paul implies prophecy is for comforting and encouraging. That is why Paul continues in verse 12.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
I praise the Lord for the giving to His Bride, prophecy, tongues and all the spiritual giftings, however, I believe what is really needed is unity by embracing our diversity, but above all these things is love.
Blessings
Tags: Christian Life, Christianity