Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Peter’s “more sure word of prophecy” is presented as superior to contemporary prophetic claims because the apostles were with “the author of life…word made flesh”; how should this reshape the weight you give to modern prophecy, impressions, and new revelations—especially in communities that emphasize being “filled with the Holy Spirit”?
Another way to ask: Peter calls Scripture a “more sure” prophetic word than newer prophetic claims because the apostles knew Jesus personally. How should that affect how much weight we give to modern prophecies, impressions, and “new revelations,” especially in Spirit-filled churches?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
According to the speaker, modern prophetic claims should never carry the same weight as the apostolic witness and Scripture, because the apostles learned directly from “the word made flesh.” Communities that emphasize the Spirit should still prioritize Jesus’ teaching and the apostles, and be cautious of Spirit-language being used to promote selfish power.
- He suggests others were likely “going around with prophetic words like we have in our day,” raising, “Who should we listen to?”
- Peter’s reason for certainty: “We… have been with the very author of life… the word made flesh himself.”
- He concludes: “We don’t need to waste our time going around looking for some new thing,” because apostolic teaching contains “so much good prophecy.”
- He stresses Scripture as light: “take heed… as unto a light that shineth in a dark place,” implying it guides through confusion.
- He warns of people claiming to be “filled with the Holy Spirit… and they speak all sorts of things… from their selfish desires for power,” and says God “will not overlook this.”