Prophecy – Philip’s four daughters – Dr David Petts – Acts 21

(Dr David Petts)

Philip’s four daughters (Acts 21:9)

Have you ever been in a situation…?

where you desperately needed God to speak to you

facing a problem and there seems to be no solution

then, someone who knows nothing about your problem says something which speaks into your situation and you know in your heart that this has to be a word from God himself.

This could happen through preaching or through prophecy.

In our meetings people often share what they believe God is saying

So it’s important that we understand what the Bible has to say about it.

In Acts 21… some interesting examples of how this gift was used.

Paul is on his way back to Jerusalem towards the conclusion of his third missionary journey. In verses 9-14 we’re told what happened at Caesarea.

Paul and his companions stayed with Philip the evangelist for several days and we’re told that Philip

…had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

However, the major event is the arrival of the prophet Agabus who prophesies over Paul. We’ll look at this in a moment, but first:

• What the Bible teaches about prophecy in general
• Prophecy in Acts 21
• Philip’s four daughters who prophesied (v9).

What the Bible teaches about prophecy in general

To prophesy means to speak on behalf of God (Cf. Exodus 7).

The Bible reveals at least four different levels of prophecy:

1. The prophecy of Scripture which is infallible (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20). All other prophecies must be judged in the light of this.
2. All Christians should prophesy (speak for God) (Acts 2:17ff.)
3. The gift of prophecy, the purpose of which is to strengthen, encourage and build up the church (1 Cor.14:3). It’s not infallible (1 Cor.14:29), but it must not be despised (1 Thessalonians 5:20)
4. The ministry of a prophet (Ephesians 4:11)

Acts 21:4.  An example of the gift of prophecy

We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:10-14.  An example of the ministry of a prophet

What can we learn about prophecy from Acts 21?

Acts 21:10-14

10. After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

11. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, ‘The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.” ’

12. When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

13. Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ 14. When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’

From this we learn 4 things:

1. Prophecy can be predictive v.11

In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles

2. It can be misapplied vv. 12-13 

12. When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

Cf. 21:4.

We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

But Cf. 20:22-23

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.

3. Only the individual can decide the Lord will for himself  v13

Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’

Note: unlike OT prophets, after Pentecost NT prophets don’t tell people what to do.

4. Even with the gift of prophecy, we do not always know God’s will for sure and have to say ‘the Lord’s will be done’ v.14.

When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’

Philip’s four unmarried daughters

1. They did not have the same gift as their father. The Holy Spirit determines… 1 Cor. 12:11. Don’t try to imitate.
2. They all prophesied – no restriction – 1 Cor. 14:39 Be eager to prophesy
3. They did so regularly – propheteuousai – present participle implies continuity.
4. They were not discouraged by the fact that their father was probably away from home quite a lot. This had not affected their attitude to the Lord. They had an experience of the Spirit for themselves.
5. They were not discouraged by the fact that their sisters already had the gift. No sibling rivalry.
6. They were not discouraged by the fact that they were probably quite young
7. They were not discouraged by the fact that they were female – compare Acts 2:17-18

QUESTION

Is anything discouraging you from prophesying (speaking on behalf of God)?

You might not be a prophet like Agabus.

You might not have the gift of prophecy like Philip’s daughters.

What you say will never be infallible like the words of Scripture.

BUT you CAN ask the Holy Spirit to give you words that will encourage others

and you CAN tell people who don’t yet know the Lord your experience of Jesus.

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