The Gift of Prophecy

The Relation Between Old Testament Prophecy and New Testament Prophecy

Many have raised the question of how Old Testament prophecy relates to New Testament prophecy. This is an issue widely discussed. GOP 56.4

W. A. Grudem probably tried to find “a middle ground” that is “acceptable to both” ³² those who believe that the genuine gift of prophecy has ceased to exist and Charismatics who believe it is very active even today. He suggests that there is a significant difference and, therefore, discontinuity between Old Testament and New Testament prophets. In his opinion, Old Testament prophets were infallible, while New Testament prophets were not. He claims that “the Greek word prophētēs (‘prophet’) at the time of the New Testament had a very broad range of meanings. It generally did not have the sense ‘one who speaks God’s very words’ but rather ‘one who speaks on the basis of some external influence.’ ” ³³ And he adds: “There are many indications in the New Testament that this ordinary gift of prophecy had authority less than that of the Bible, and even less than that of recognized Bible teachings in the early church.” ³⁴ For instance, he uses Ephesians 2:20, which talks about the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and concludes that this is a single group, because prophets cannot be on the same level with apostles. ³⁵ He also holds that the prophet Agabus erred (Acts 21:10, 11). ³⁶ GOP 56.5

Grudem’s arguments were seriously investigated and heavily critiqued by a number of scholars and theologians. For instance, D. L. Akin notes, “Grudem provides no exegetical clue for distinguishing errant New Testament prophets from inspired prophets and apostles.” ³⁷ N. Geisler refuted W. Grudem, arguing in favor of continuity between Old Testament and New Testament prophecy. ³⁸ R. L. Thomas charged Grudem of mishandling the New Testament text. ³⁹ GOP 57.1

The biblical data seem to suggest that there is a basic continuity between Old and New Testament prophecy, and yet there are a few elements of discontinuity that, however, do not threaten that continuity. GOP 57.2