Your Sons & Daughters Shall Prophesy - Prophetic Gifts Today In The New Testament Church

Christ's Continuing Voice in the Church

Philip Sent to the Eunuch (8:29-39)

"The Spirit said to Philip, 'Go up and join this chariot.' ...When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch saw him no more...." Doesn ' t the idea of the Spirit speaking to Philip sound like something from an Old Testament Elijah story? The text does not mention prophecy, but the guidance of the Spirit is so similar to prophetic activity that I feel it should be included.This and other references establish that the Spirit did, during this period, speak clearly and distinctly to ordinary people. 13 The fact that Philip had four daughters who prophesied (21:9) indicates that he was very familiar with the prophetic. "There was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Behold, here am I, Lord."' Ananias is later described (22:12) as a devout Jew in good standing with the Jewish community.Although not designated as an apostle or prophet, this average, devoted Jew received and delivered his message to Saul in much the same manner as an Old Testament prophet would have. Made bold by the Holy Spirit, Ananias declared this prophetic word to Paul (22:14): "The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the righteous One, and to hear an utterance from His mouth.For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard." Although usually given in the context of a church gathering, prophecy this time was on a one-to-one basis-directive, predictive and challenging. Ananias Sent to Saul (9:10-17; 22:12-14)

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit (10:44-48)

"While Peter was still speaking ...the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening....And all the circumcised believers ...were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God."

Peter Reports the Event to the Elders atJerusalem (11:1-18)

"'The Spirit told me to go with them....And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning.And ■ 200