a really great repost

I can't take credit for this post, but a friend of mine wrote it to answer a question I had, and I thought it was a good answer.

(Since prophecy is a theological issue, I've gone back to The Book for some refresher thoughts. To the agnostics and atheists that might be reading this, if you prefer to skip the theology and head straight to my views, they are about half way down.)

In every instance (that I see, although I might be wrong in this), when prophecy was spoken of or used in the New Testament, it was always the Holy Spirit that was doing the talking—not even Jesus himself. It was always through the Spirit.

When Jesus or Angels wanted to speak to men, they appeared in person or in a vision or dream. The two examples given in the New Testament of "dead saints" appearing (Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus) are difficult to base anything on because according to the Old Testament both Moses and Elijah never died. They were taken to Heaven and their bodies never found.

As far as the Old Testament goes, it's a little harder to do the research. Basically, as far as I can gather, the only people that spoke with the dead (or heard from the dead, for that matter) were those with familiar spirits or wizards. In the case of both of them, God ordered them killed.

We know from the New Testament that prophecy was highly regarded by the disciples, but that amongst the Christians there were very few that were considered to be prophets. This is made evident by the fact that the Bible actually names the prophets of that time (Acts 13:1 is one example, there are others). Saul (Paul) was one of listed prophets so he seemed to know what he was talking about when he spoke on the subject of prophecy �Ewhich is a good thing considering that most of the details on prophecy in the New Testament come from him.

It's also extremely important to note that the word used in the New Testament for "prophet" is the Greek word prophetes (prof-ay'-tace)
which has several different meanings, ranging from a foreteller ("prophet") to an inspired speaker and can even be used to refer to a poet.

Therefore, when Paul says, "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" (Eph 3:5) it's hard to discern if he is talking about the Gospel being made known by prophecy, or simply by good teachers. I tend to believe that in this case, he's talking about anointed teachers.

Paul held prophets to be second in importance in the Body of Christ to apostles (missionaries). He also made it very clear that not everyone was a prophet (he also made it clear for that matter, that not everyone was a missionary (but still essential to the body of Chriist)�Eso that covers two topics: Serving the Lord AND prophecy).
(1.Cor.12) (Eph.4:10&11)

What I personally see as some of the most important verses in the New Testament regarding prophecy are 2 Peter 1:19&20. I'm including the verses that precede and the verses that follow just so the context remains intact. The reason I think these verses are important is because verse 19 "we have the more sure word of prophecy" gets used a LOT to back up the validity of prophecy as used today in the Family.

"2 Pet 1:16-21 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The more "sure Word of prophecy" that Peter is talking about, are the prophecies from the Old Testament in reference to the coming of the Messiah. What I understand Peter to be saying is, "We heard the voice of God telling us that Jesus was his son, but even more than that, we have all of the prophecies in the scripture that He has fulfilled, and no prophecy in the scripture is privately interpreted."

Also of equal importance, in my opinion, is when Paul says, "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." (1.Cor.13) �E These verses follow the "Body of Christ" chapter in which Paul is talking about prophecy. These verses