The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

Comparing Two Vital Passages

The apostle John not only gives us the definition of the term “testimony of Jesus” but also reveals in another passage in the Apocalypse something that keys the expression “testimony of Jesus” to the prophetic gift. We might compare certain expressions in Revelation 19 and 22. In both passages we read that John falls at the feet of the angel to worship him. In both places we read the counsel of the angel: “See thou do it not”; “worship God.” In both instances the angel says, “I am thy fellow-servant.” But notice how the next expression is rendered. In Revelation 19 it is in one form and in Revelation 22 in another. In Revelation 19:10 we read, “of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus”; and in Revelation 22:9, “of thy brethren the prophets.” In this comparison we have further evidence concerning the “testimony of Jesus” being connected definitely with the prophetic gift. The angel is referring to those whom he calls John’s brethren. But who are they? In one place he says that they are the prophets. In the other they are those who have the “testimony of Jesus.” So we affirm that in the apostle John’s thinking the expression “testimony of Jesus” is intimately associated with, and an integral part of, the prophetic gift. BSPC 112.1

We would repeat John’s declaration. It seems that in order to prevent any misunderstanding as to the meaning he gives to the expression, the beloved apostle makes the matter unmistakably clear when he gives us the following equivalent statements: “I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus.” Revelation 19:10. “I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets.” Revelation 22:9. BSPC 112.2

Here the testimony of Jesus is linked with the work of the prophets of God in a way that surely cannot be misunderstood. This fact, together with others already mentioned, should enable us clearly to understand why, in Revelation 19:10, “the testimony of Jesus” is called “the spirit of prophecy.” BSPC 112.3

If, after considering the evidences here presented, some should still feel constrained to urge that the expression “testimony of Jesus” should be understood somewhat in its objective rather than its subjective sense, the reply is that the objective might be considered, but only as a secondary meaning. That the primary significance of this expression is subjective—the “testimony of Jesus” means Jesus’ testimony, either in Himself or in and through His servants upon whom He has bestowed the prophetic gift, has been established. Certainly, after the prophet has received the divine illumination and goes forth with his message to man, in the giving of that message he is surely bearing testimony concerning his Lord and Master. BSPC 112.4