#1277. What is prophecy? (30/5/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we continue our Ready and Willing series, reflecting on the life of Philip.

Today, we reflect on what it meant for Philip’s daughters to prophesy, what prophecy is, and how we too can speak Spirit-led words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.

You can listen to this devotional below

In our last devotional, we reflected on how Philip raised his children in the faith. Today, we explore what it means that his daughters “prophesied”—a beautiful and intriguing detail in the text.

i. What is prophecy?

The Greek word used here, prophēteúō, means to speak forth or declare a message inspired by the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, prophecy is distinct from teaching.

• Teaching (didáskalos) is focused on explaining and applying Scripture, usually based on study and preparation.

• Prophecy, however, is an immediate message inspired by the Holy Spirit, often for a particular person, moment, or situation. It must always be tested—weighed carefully by church leadership and against Scripture (see 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21, 1 Corinthians 14:29).

Paul distinguishes the two when he writes:

Prophecy is a spiritual gift given by the Spirit, not based on age, gender, or marital status. Philip’s four daughters are a powerful biblical example of this. They were young, unmarried women—and yet known for speaking Spirit-inspired words. This should encourage all believers that God can use anyone willing to listen and speak faithfully.

ii. What is prophecy for?

In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul explains the goal of prophecy in the church:

In other words, prophecy builds up the church. It can be spontaneous encouragement, a timely word of hope, or a loving challenge, and, on occasion, predictive. We see an example of this in the same chapter of Acts: 

Most of the time prophecy is not dramatic. It often comes quietly, but when it is truly from the Holy Spirit, it brings life, faith and transformation. 

iii. Can all Christians prophesy?

While not all are called as prophets, Paul encourages all believers to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1). This means we can all pray to be used by the Holy Spirit in this way, especially to encourage others.

Just like Philip’s daughters, God may use you—whether you’re young or old, married or single, male or female. The key is being open to the Spirit, rooted in the Word, and part of a healthy, accountable church community.

In response, are you open to the Holy Spirit speaking through you to bless others? Do you regularly seek to strengthen, encourage, and comfort those around you? Have you asked God to use you in the gift of prophecy?

Let’s pray together

“Holy Spirit, thank You for giving gifts to Your church. I ask You to inspire me and use me to speak words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. Keep me humble, grounded in Scripture, and full of love. Lead me into all that You have for me, for the sake of building up Your people. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our Ready and Willing? series by looking at a number of aspects of Philip’s life under the theme: There is a great inheritance and a legacy for those who remain ready and willing. 

Please read Acts 21:7-9 and discuss:

1. Main Message – What do you think are the main ideas that God wants us to learn from this passage?

2. Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

3. Example of growth - What can we glean from the fact that Philip was called ‘the evangelist’?

4. Family portrait - What do we learn about Philip’s daughters, and how can we seek to be a great influence to the next generation, particularly if we are parents? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything else in this text that inspires or instructs us in our mission—how we approach people, how we listen to the Spirit, or how we respond with obedience?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation? Take time to name them and pray for them.

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the “people of peace” mentioned—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.