THE MAKING OF A MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD: FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS 2

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be
pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built
up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and
forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of
men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him
who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Introduction:

The Scripture verse above highlights five distinct areas or roles of ministry which God has given to the
Church as a gift, so that it can operate in totality and reach maturity. Essentially the five-fold ministry
establishes a group of leaders to govern the Church based on giftedness in one of five areas, which together
provide a holistic and balanced perspective to complete Christian ministry.

This model stands somewhat in contrast to the more traditional hierarchy Church model with a Senior
pastor, associate and assistant pastors.

All five streams of giftedness are highly unlikely to be represented and well balanced in one or two
individuals.

The five-fold model functions on the basis that leaders with the gifting of an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist,
Pastor or Teacher oversee ministry areas where they have a proven anointing to grow and edify the Church.

Much of this controversy stems from a lack of thorough understanding of the various gifts and ministries
God has given the church to help lead, guide, direct and edify the saints outlined in Ephesians 4:11. The
major concern centers upon the abuse of power and the self-appointment of people to positions of
influence and authority that are not in submission to the Holy Spirit or accountable to other leaders or to the
body of the Church.

The question of the operation of the five-fold ministries in the Church today is largely dictated by the
traditions of each individual denomination and their historical interpretation of Scripture on this topic
varying from complete rejection to an open embrace.

It is difficult for any formal body of believers to approach the New Testament in a totally objective manner.
Much of how one perceives New Testament leadership hinges on our present experience and environment.
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As we probe this topic, we are essentially trying to eliminate any man-made parameters of leadership that
have permeated into the structure and philosophy of Church leadership and rediscover the foundational
model and principles Jesus intended to underpin the operation of the body.

Before we discuss this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we need to explore church history to
remind ourselves of some principles of leadership that God has ordained and used in the life of his children.

Background

Since the beginning of human life, God has always ruled His children in the model of a Theocracy. Theocracy
simply means that there is only God in charge and therefore men and woman must follow God’s direction
and will for their lives both individually and corporately.

Democracy has never been the modus operandi in the Body of Christ.

God anoints, He appoints and He directs. We really do not have a vote on any subject whatsoever if we are
Spirit led. Having to vote means that we are unable to reach unity and agreement through discussion and
prayer and that is not God’s will for His children.

Biblical history shows us different models of leadership that God has appointed to rule over His children.
Each model was effective for that time and season and as time rolled forward, so God changes his models of
leadership to coincide with His divine purposes for that season.

Key Points:

I. Leadership models in the Old Testament

A. In the Old Testament alone, we see many completely different models of leadership ordained by God.
Overall we see 6 different forms of leadership during the Old Testament:

1. Covenant bearers - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

2. Divinely directly/appointed - Moses, Joshua
3. Priests - Aaron, Levites
4. Judges - Deborah, Gideon, Samson
5. Kings - Saul, David
6. Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel

B. The offices of prophet and priest were already in operation during the time of the judges and the kings,
i.e. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge at the same time (Judges 4:4).

1. The period of the judges only operated for 185 years starting with Othniel as the 1st judge, and
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ending when the last judge Samuel who anointed Saul as the 1st king of Israel.
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2. Saul’s anointing started a new model of leadership using kings as rulers.

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3. The prophets had the task of challenging the sins of the people, calling them back into fellowship
with God.

 The prophets were also excellent interpreters of the Law through divine inspiration.

 Through their ministries, they would correct erroneous doctrines surrounding the Law (Jeremiah
26:4-5).

4. The 3 offices that had the greatest effect on leadership during the Old Testament were the offices of
priest, prophet and king. The Bible says that Jesus Christ operated in all three of these offices.

 Jesus is called the King of kings.

 Jesus is called our High Priest and Intercessor standing at the right hand of God.

 Jesus spoke about a prophet not being honored in his own country referring to Himself. His
disciples and other followers often spoke of Him as a prophet.

 Because Jesus had fulfilled these offices just as He has fulfilled the Old Covenant by His eternal
sacrifice, it is no longer necessary for us to be ruled by priests, kings or prophets in the way that
occurred during Old Testament times.

 We are no longer a single nation needing to hear from God through another person because
God has made a way for us through Jesus Christ to have direct communication with Him because
His Spirit lives in our lives.

o Every ministry is an extension of the ministry of Christ Himself, who is the chief
cornerstone of the foundations.

o Ultimately Christ Himself will replace the five-fold ministry leadership. The 5-fold
ministries are only temporary. Christ’s leadership is and will always be eternal.

C. Although apostolic ministry seems exclusive to the New Testament, we discover from the scriptures that
apostolic ministry was demonstrated in the Old Testament.

1. Two key biblical figures that exemplify this truth are Abraham and Moses.

2. Each of these men were prophets, but from God’s interaction with them, we discover there was a
type of apostolic anointing on their lives. They demonstrated three apostolic traits:

 They reflect the character of God.

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 They established individuals in the faith of God.

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 They exercised great spiritual authority and power.

3. Moses, like Abraham, demonstrated apostolic grace.

 When God spoke of his ministry, He said that Moses was not like other prophets.

 Apostles and prophets are similar, but the apostle’s ministry is greater than the prophet’s
because of the spiritual authority of the office.

 This is what Moses represented in his day. He was a prophet, but there was something greater
about him.

 When God sent Moses to Pharaoh, He told Moses that Aaron would be his prophet, and Moses
would be as God to Pharaoh.

And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy
prophet. 2Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: (Exodus 7:1-2a)

 This is a clear demonstration of the apostolic grace. Moses would reflect God’s character as he
fulfilled his ministry.

 Finally, like the modern day apostle, Moses established people in the faith of God.

4. Abraham’s prophetic status was also evident because of the way the Lord used him.
Abraham was used to represent the voice of the Lord in the earth.

 In addition, God revealed to him future events in his life and others (Sodom/Gomorrah and his
descendants), as well as His eternal purpose.

 Even Christ said that Abraham saw His day before He came (John 8:56).

II. Leadership Models in the New Testament

A. The New Testament leadership model looks entirely different than any of the Old Testament examples we
looked at.

1. We will also see that although prophets are mentioned in both Testaments, their ministries are
slightly different.

2. The greatest reasons for the new leadership model in the New Testament are:

 All of God’s people now have direct access to God the Father through Jesus Christ.
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 The Holy Spirit who is the constant presence, power and witness of God (Christ), now resides in
each individual who professes Jesus Christ as Lord of his/her life.
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3. Because of these two significant factors, God created a new leadership model for the church.

 At this point we encounter the considerable controversy in Christian circles relating to the
validity of the “five-fold ministry.”

 Some maintain that the five-fold ministry was only meant for the “Apostolic age” (30-90 AD).

 Others object on the basis that it creates an elite hierarchy of leadership.

 Properly understood, the five-fold ministry in fact takes the emphasis away from a hierarchical
leadership and places the weight of ministry towards a spread of responsibility across the
Church body.

B. If we look at Ephesians 4:11-13 more closely again, we’ll be able to make a few interesting observations:

1. Spiritual gifts are supplemented by the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers
(Eph. 4:11), which are as different as oil and water and yet brought together by divine chemistry
creating together an indissoluble bond. The whole book of 1 Corinthians is really about this unity.

2. What is the purpose of these ministries?

 For the perfecting/maturing of God’s people

 For the work or equipping of the ministry
 For the edifying/building up of the Body of Christ.

3. For how long?- Until we all come to complete unity in the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of
God

 Until we are all full mature/full grown in the Lord

 Until we all reach the full measure of the stature of Christ.

4. It is fairly safe to say that the three purposes for these ministries are just as relevant today as they
were 2000 years ago - probably more so today than ever before.

5. Also, this verse states that four things are required before these ministries will not be required
anymore and none of these four requirements have yet been met in the Body of Christ today.

6. These ministries are alive and very much needed in the local church today.

III. The ministry gifts in the local church today

A. The five ministries in discussion are Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.
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1. First, with the ministry gifts the believer himself or herself is the gift given by Christ to His
church.
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 They are Jesus’ ministry gifts to His church because the church can never be what He intends
without them. For example, the apostle Paul was Jesus’ gift to the Gentile believers.

 In contrast, with spiritual gifts, the gift is given to the person, who is then able to minister it to
others.

 Therefore, with ministry gifts, the person is the gift, and with spiritual gifts, the person has the
gift.

2. With a ministry gift, every aspect of the total ministry makes up the gift.

 It is like an athlete who runs the mile faster than anybody else. His whole life centers on running
the mile.

 Similarly, for the person who is a ministry gift to the church, his whole life centers on being an
apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher.

 Paul often compared Christian ministry to the activities of athletes because there is so much that
is parallel between them in terms of the need for training, discipline, and dedication.

 A ministry is a lifework. On the other hand, the nine supernatural gifts are brief, dramatic,
brilliant, arresting manifestations that happen and are finished.

3. Third, a ministry gift cannot be divorced from a person’s character.

 It has to be so because of the very nature of ministry gifts; it is essential to their outworking.

 On the other hand, with spiritual gifts, character is not necessarily involved.

 All believers may exercise the spiritual gift of prophecy. Yet God never says we will all be
prophets.

o Prophesying, in itself, does not give you the ministry of a prophet, nor the character that
necessarily corresponds with a ministry gift.

o However, if you receive a supernatural gift, it does increase your responsibility. And a
responsible person will conduct himself in such a way that the gift will go together with the
rest of what he does.

o What we find is that not all who receive a gift take that responsibility or are mature enough
in that way.
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4. There are those who would say that they have incorrectly been called the 5-fold ministries
because they believe pastor and teacher are actually mentioned in scripture as a combined entity. I,
on the other hand, believe there is a distinct anointing and teacher gift and not all pastors possess it.

5. These leadership ministries are not merely "titles" but ministry functions or job descriptions.

6. The focus can and may never be on a man or woman, but rather on the task being
performed in obedience to Christ for the benefit of the Church body.

7. The purpose is purely to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ
may be built up.

8. Our ministry is the ministry of Christ expressed through the believer by the anointing of the
Holy Spirit.

 Christ is our Apostle (Hebrews 3:1)

1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high
priest whom we confess. 2He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all
God’s house. 3Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has
greater honor than the house itself. 4For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of
everything. 5Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future.
6But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the
hope of which we boast.

 Christ is our Prophet (Luke 24:19)

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all
the people.

 Christ is our Evangelist (Matthew 9:35)

35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of
the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

 Christ is our Pastor (1 Peter 5:2-4)

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will
share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—
not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager
to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the

 Christ is our Teacher (John 3:2).

1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came
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to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could
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perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

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9. Every ministry is an extension of the ministry of Christ Himself, who is the chief cornerstone
of the foundations.

10. Ultimately Christ Himself will replace the five-fold ministry leadership. The 5-fold ministries
are only temporary. Christ’s leadership is and will always be eternal.

B. The essential ingredient in the establishment of New Testament leadership within the local Church is to
ensure that all these gifts are in operation and that they are exercised in unity together. None can be
dominant, none can be absent.

1. Much of the danger associated with misuse and abuse of these gifts can be avoided if they are not
set up as an individual’s specific title or a formal office of the Church leadership structure, but rather
as recognition of a proven area of passion and anointing that a leader expresses in his or her
ministry.

2. Any local Church can maintain the New Testament directive simply by ensuring there’s an
established team of leaders.

3. The collective giftedness of the leadership team incorporates all five distinct areas of ministry and
ensures their influence in the life of the Church.

C. There are certain things we must remember about spiritual gifts and also the five-fold ministers who are
gifted to the church. Gifts or calling do not equate to maturity.

1. Fivefold ministers are servants. Matthew 20:25 states “whoever wants to be great must be a servant
of all.” Jesus is the greatest servant of all, he gave his very life for those he loves.

2. A calling on a minister’s life, i.e. five-fold minister, is one aspect of their ministry for the Lord, their
character is the second aspect. How much their character has been matured directly relates to the
level of authority that the Lord commissions them to have.

3. Every Christian needs to be accountable to those that are called to look after and equip them,
including five-fold ministers.

D. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Read: Ephesians 3:7-21)

MINISTRY GIFTS IN EPHESIANS 4:11

IV. Apostle (Please refer to the first set of notes on “Five-Fold Ministry”)

V. Prophets: Guide

A. The word prophet originates from the Greek word, prophetes, which means an inspired speaker or a
foreteller.
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7Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
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1. Prophets will only speak for God, not for a particular Church or organization.

2. Prophets are chosen to communicate the heart and mind of God.

3. They are specialists in “the word of the Lord.”

4. Prophets’ ministries will vary in demonstration and expression.

B. The anointing to prophesy is seen oftentimes in believers who are called to the five-fold ministry.

1. They will operate in their respective offices while exercising prophetic insight and authority.

2. The prophetic anointing adds a depth and dimension to their ministries.

3. The prophecy of the prophet will provide direction, give insight into purpose, rebuke, correct, and
reveal future events in God’s eternal purpose.

 This is in addition to edification, exhortation, and comfort.

 When the prophet ministers, the prophecies will be of greater depth, dimension, and clarity.

 The prophet’s ministry is foundational. The prophecies of the prophet will often include
revelation concerning the will of God for an individual’s life and ministry.

 Also, the prophetic ministry of the prophet will reveal areas of spiritual weakness; including
areas of spiritual warfare.

 The prophet’s revelation will be of a greater strength even of those who possess a prophetic
anointing.

C. Although prophets prophesy, there are other prophetic vehicles in operation and a greater responsibility
in the Church; therefore, the gift of the prophet to the church is not the same as the gift of prophecy, which
is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit recorded in 1 Corinthians 12.

1. The gift of prophecy is the ability to speak, in a language understood by the believer, words that are
inspired and given by the Holy Spirit.

 Prophecy is not just inspired preaching.

 Neither does it proceed from human reasoning, learning, education, or seminary training.

 Like all the other gifts, it is made possible only by the supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit.
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2. The Greek word for ‘to prophesy’ is ‘propheteuo.’ It means to foretell events and speak under divine
inspiration.
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 This means that the source of prophecy is God.

 No one can prophesy except the Lord gives the revelation.

 Prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3-4).

3. Though many connect prophecy only with foretelling, it can also serve any of a number of equally
important purposes. Most of them fall under one of these five categories, set forth in I Corinthians
14: 3 and John 16: 13– 15:

 Edification: undergirding, building, encouragement

 Exhortation: instruction, correction, admonishment

 Consolation: comfort, empathy, understanding

 Guidance: counsel, direction, callings, advisories

 Disclosure of things to come: annunciations, warnings, foretelling

4. In Scripture , you’ll find examples of these multiple purposes being served, many of which have
nothing to do with foretelling. So, a message from God that edifies, exhorts, consoles, or guides can
be every bit as prophetic as a message that discloses what is to come.

5. Each of these purposes serves to advance God’s redemptive objective, spreading the testimony of
Jesus, which Revelation 19: 10 calls the spirit of prophecy.

 Extending the kingdom of God in Christ is of the essence in all forms of prophetic utterance.

 This can occur in Holy Spirit-inspired sermons and teachings, as well as during corporate or
private ministry.

D. New Testament prophets were initially raised up by God in Jerusalem among apostles. They came to the
apostolic Antioch Church in the early 1st century Church to bring great edification, exhortation and comfort
to the Church of God (Acts 11:27).

1. Then one mature prophet leader named Agabus stood up in the Church and predicted that a great
famine was going to come throughout all the world - which exactly happened as he had said (Acts
11:28).

2. In these end of end times, such strong prophets will rise up and be able to edify and predict the
destruction that will come upon the whole world.
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 They will help to keep the Church awake and to make it watch and pray for God's salvation
through the biggest event in the history of the Church, which is the rapture of all saints (Luke
21:36; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18).

 Prophetic prediction of events with great accuracy to the Church will come through these
prophets.

3. Because of the visit of Jerusalem prophets to Antioch Church, a strong prophetic Spirit settled over
the Church and made them minister to the Lord continuously in prayer.

 Then the Antioch Church was able to download the blue print of heaven and thus send apostles
strategically to turn the world upside down with the Gospel (Acts 13:1-3; 17:6).

1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord
and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called
them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

 This will happen in our generation too in the coming days. Jesus himself promised to send
apostles and prophets to the world to challenge them to come face-to-face with the kingdom of
God (Luke 11:49).

47“Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. 48So
you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.
49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will
kill and others they will persecute.’ 50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all
the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of
Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held
responsible for it all. 52“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge.
You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” 53When Jesus left there,
the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions,
54waiting to catch him in something he might say.

 These end-time apostles and prophets will heal the sick and demonstrate that the kingdom of
God has come near to people. They are challenged to make a wise choice to be subject to the
power of the heavenly King of kings before the Great Tribulation comes to the whole world (Luke
10:9-12).

8“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. 9Heal the sick who are there and
tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ 10But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its
streets and say, 11‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of
this: The kingdom of God is near.’ 12I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that
town.
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4. God has been restoring the office of prophets and apostles in the past twenty to thirty years in a
tangible way. Of course, finally it is becoming visible to all people, especially to the Church of the
living God (1 Tim 3:15).

E. The prophet, more than any other in five-fold ministry, is focused on the immediate voice of God (or the
rhema word).

1. Prophets have great ability to receive the heart and mind of God and declare it to people, churches,
businesses, cities, and nations.

2. Prophets receive revelation from the Lord in various ways but I would say that the most common is
through hearing and seeing.

3. They proclaim a divine message that should never contradict scripture, and should bring Holy Spirit
confirmation of truth within the person receiving the word.

4. They equip the church to hear the voice of God for themselves, and to move in the supernatural gifts
of the Spirit.

5. Just as with every five-fold minister, a prophet needs space to learn and make mistakes.

F. The prophets challenge believers in their walks with the Lord.

1. They call the Church to change and repentance, and reveal future events.

2. The prophet’s ministry came to push the believers forward and establish them in the things of
the Lord.

G. The prophets are there to guide the Church along with the apostles, who are called to govern the Church
of God. These two are foundational offices of the Church (Ephesians 2:19-20).

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members
of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the
chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the
Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

1. The apostles receive the blue print from heaven and start to build a work through the prophets who
bring revelation, guidance and admonition for the Church to excel and prosper spiritually (Ezra 5:2).

2Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in
Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

2. For most of the time in the past centuries, the lack of revelation of these two offices has made the
Church powerless to face the Babylonian adulteration of the word of God.
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3. The ministry of the prophet involves being moved in prophetic utterance, which can be:
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 Predictive (Read: Acts 21:10-11; Acts 11:27-28)

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10After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11Coming
over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way
the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” 12When we
heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

30The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged
him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31While they were trying to kill him, news
reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.

 Directive (Acts 13:1-3)

1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord
and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called
them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

 Corrective (Read Acts 15:22-35).

22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send
them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were
leaders among the brothers. 23With them they sent the following letter:

H. Prophets have a strong sense of right and wrong, but even more than that: they have a strong sense of
the Spirit’s leading.

1. Their spiritual antennae start quivering when things are going off balance or in wrong directions.

2. Their voice is important for keeping the Church on track in what the Lord wants to do.

3. Prophets also understand justice and are defenders of what is fair and right.

I. All prophets exhibit characteristics of messengers and interpreters.

1. Messengers are deliverers of the sender’s message.

 A messenger’s only task is to carry the message from the sender to the recipient.

 God calls prophets to deliver the Word (message) of the Lord.

2. Messengers are responsible for the message they carry. Messengers have to be careful not to lose or
damage the message given them, whether it’s spoken or written.

3. Prophets are the eyes of the Lord. They have to watch in the Spirit for what the Lord will say and
deliver His message to the people (Ezekiel 33:7).

7“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give
them warning from me. 8When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die, ’ and you do
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not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for† his sin, and I will hold you
accountable for his blood. 9But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not
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do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.

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 The scriptures call the prophets “watchmen” and not shepherds. Though God will reveal many
things to them in the Spirit, they must minister those words in submission to local leadership.

 They should not alter the message because of personal opinion/bias, popularity, or gain.
Prophets have to resist prophesying to earn the favor of men.

 In addition, they have to guard themselves against ministering to bring people under their
control. Prophets that alter the word of the Lord are candidates for becoming false prophets.

4. Messengers have to be fearless. Messengers have been killed for delivering the Word of the Lord.

 There is no place for fear in the life of a prophet (Jeremiah 1:8).

7But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say
whatever I command you. 8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the
LORD.

 Prophets must deliver God’s message in spite of the consequences.

 Numerous prophets have ruined their ministries by choosing which words to deliver and which
to hold back.

5. Messengers have to be trustworthy.

6. Prophets are to possess integrity to fully cooperate with God (Amos 3:7).

J. Prophets are also interpreters

1. Interpreters are important to any kingdom. In the Church, prophets play an important role in the
revelation of Christ to the world.

2. Prophets understand the various manners in which God speaks.

 They help believers understand the different ways in which God speaks.

 They are skilled interpreters of dreams, visions, signs, and events.

3. Prophets have the awesome responsibility to make known unto man the counsel of an invisible God.
Therefore, it is imperative that the interpreter be able to not only translate, but also communicate
the intent of the words spoken.

4. Prophets also work alongside other ministries to ensure that the counsel of God is understood. In
addition, they labor to ensure its proper application in the Church and in the lives of believers.

K. Nine functions of a prophet

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1. Preach/Teach the Word of God (Ephesians 3:3-5; Acts 15:32).

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1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2Surely you have heard
about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to
me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my
insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now
been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the
Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in
Christ Jesus. 7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his
power.

32Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

2. Serve as intercessors (Jeremiah 27:18a).

18If they are prophets and have the word of the LORD, let them plead with the LORD Almighty

3. Lay spiritual foundations (Ephesians 2:20).

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members
of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the
chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the
Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

4. Reveal/Impart spiritual gifts (1 Timothy 4:14).

14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid
their hands on you.

 Prophets have the ability to recognize the gifts of God in believers.

 They have the ability to impart wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

 Prophets can bring to light spiritual gifts resident in believers and impart gifts (by the direction of
the Spirit) through the laying on of hands.

5. Prophesy (Acts 11:27-28; Ezekiel 3:10-11).

27During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28One of them, named Agabus,
stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.
(This happened during the reign of Claudius.)

10And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11Go now
to your countrymen in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says,’ whether
they listen or fail to listen. ”

6. Interpret Signs, Wonders, Dreams, and Visions. Prophets are gifted to interpret the supernatural
manifestations of God (Numbers 12:6).
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6he said, “Listen to my words: “When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I
speak to him in dreams.
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7. Expose False Prophets and Doctrines. Prophets are stewards of the mysteries of God (Jeremiah
5:31).

31The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But
what will you do in the end?

 They have revelation and foresight to warn against spiritual deception.

 They will contend for purity of faith and doctrine in the Church.

 They, like prophets of old, will warn and speak against false prophets and ministers,
unashamedly.

8. Perform signs, wonders, and healings (Isaiah 38:7-8).

7“ ‘This is the LORD’s sign to you that the LORD will do what he has promised: 8I will make the shadow cast
by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’ ” So the sunlight went back the
ten steps it had gone down.

9. Establish believers, churches, and organizations in the faith and will of God.

 Prophets have the chore to bring the people back to the purity of the faith.

 They have the ability to promote growth and stability in the Body of Christ.

 In addition, through prophetic insight, they will endeavor to make sure that the plan and will of
God is accomplished.

L. There is such a thing as a false prophet (1 John 4:1). God sets clear guidelines:

1. Prophecies should be tested.

2. The words of a prophet are judged by church leadership (1 Corinthians 14:29)

29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30And if a
revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all prophesy
in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets are subject to the
control of prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

3. Any prophecy should line up with Scripture (2 Peter 1: 19-21).

19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to
a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you
must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21For
prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the
Holy Spirit.
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M. Apostles and Prophets

1. There are certain functions and responsibilities that apostles and prophets share, but we see the
significant differences.

 Apostles evangelize while prophets prophesy.

 Apostles raise up leaders while prophets intercede for them.

 Apostles establish organizations while prophets interpret its vision.

2. These two ministry gifts work together: Cement and water; builders and inspectors

 Apostles and prophets bring balance to one another.

 Apostles provide stability for the Church, while prophets facilitate mobility in the Church.
Stability and Mobility work together as cement and water to lay the proper foundation for the
Church.

3. Apostles endeavor to lay a spiritual foundation for the saints to grow by.

 Their ministries provide structure and order for the worship of God.

o Paul’s ministry at Corinth exemplified this.

o He, along with the other apostles (Peter and Apollos), first laid the foundation for the
Church (Christ) and then built upon it through preaching, teaching, and the writing of
letters.

 After the construction of a building, the building inspector’s job is important.

o They come in to ensure that the building is safe for occupancy and that it meets all
governmental regulations.
o The prophet’s ministry can be comparable to this.

N. The apostolic and prophetic manifestations of the anointing work together as a check and balance to one
another.

1. In the human body, the heart brings substance to what is received in the mind, while the mind filters
the emotions of the heart.

2. Apostolic ministry balances the prophetic ministry by bringing stability and order to what God is
saying.
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3. Conversely, prophetic ministry balances apostolic ministry, by giving direction to what is received
through the apostolic ministry.

4. They work together so that the Church will have the heart and mind of God in all situations.

5. In the human body, an alert mind and strong heart provide the basis for a strong body. The same is
true in the Church.

6. The apostolic anointing and the prophetic anointing work together to ensure the Body of Christ
remains strong.

HOMEWORK:

1. Contrast the gift of prophecy, as one of the nine gifts of the Spirit, and the gift of the prophet to the
Church.
2. What primary responsibilities does a prophet have?
3. Discuss several characteristics of prophets.
4. List nine functions of prophets in the Church?
5. What is the relationship between apostles and prophets? How do they work together?

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