The Gift of Prophecy: In the New Testament and Today by Wayne Grudem

The Gift of Prophecy: In the New Testament and Today Reviews

• 
  Drew Van Gorder

  A very thorough and fair look at the gift of prophecy that fully elaborates on both the old and new testament views that circulate around this very biblical yet controversial aspect of the Christian faith. A must read for charismatics, cessationists, and everyone in between.
• 
  Chris

  Having read the previous two editions of this book (1982, 1988), I find Grudem’s careful consideration of both the scriptural and practical implications of New Testament gift of prophecy to be helpful. Even if one is not convinced of his continuationism of this gift as “ordinary” prophecy in the congregation, anyone seeking to understand the function of prophecy and how it relates to the ministry roles of men and women in the church would be wise to interact with Grudem’s careful analysis. He also humbly admits various corrections or adjustments to his views from previous editions.
  
  In terms of how prophecy relates to First Corinthians 14 and women in the gathered cingregation, Grudem follows James B. Hurley and D. A. Carson is in agreement. Both of which should be read in conjunction with Grudem.
  
  Even in areas where you disagree with this book, you will benefit from having read it and will sharpen your own thinking on this topic, as well as its application to the church.
• 
  Mark Christenson

  This is a thorough treatment of the pursuit of the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Grudem seeks to be charitable to other positions while still holding to what he believes to be a correct stance to take on this Spirit-given gift to the church. Very helpful and clarifying.
• 
  Alex Kearney

  It’s no wonder this book has had a tremendous impact introducing continuationism to the Reformed community. Grudem does an excellent job positively proving from Scripture the gift of prophecy, as well as refuting common cessationist arguments.
  
  The more I study continuationism, the more I realize how weak cessationist arguments are. It’s actually astounding the evidence you can find in Scripture for what charismatics have been doing for decades. Yes, there are many abuses. While the charismatic community abuses many gifts of God, the Reformed community quenches many gifts of God.
  
  Similarly to Sam Storms’ book on tongues (which provided evidence that continuationism is a historic position in the church, notably in the first few centuries), Grudem’s appendix on prophecy in church history is enlightening. It dismantles the cessationist argument that continuationism began on Azusa Street in the 20th century. His evidence for some of the most influential Westminster Divines and most all of the Puritans being continuationists was surprising, if not like a posterizing slam dunk that embarrasses the other team. I love cessationists and enjoy many of their ministries, but the position is not a good one. Knox, Spurgeon, Luther, Calvin, Baxter, and Rutherford make appearances in the appendix as all being on a spectrum of believing in the continuation of prophecy.
  
  
  "If this gift is allowed to function and is encouraged in our lives, it would undoubtedly add an element of closeness to God and sensitivity to His promptings in our daily walk. Now some may object that this is just 'too subjective' an emphasis- and they may claim that we need to be 'more objective' than this in living our Christian lives. Such added emphasis on subjectivity, they may say, will simply open us up to doctrinal error, mistaken ethical guidance, and a wrongful neglect of guidance from Scripture in our lives. But it is probably true that those who make this objection are exactly the Christians who need this subjective process most in their own Christian lives! They are the ones who have the least likelihood of being led into error, for they already place great emphasis on solid grounding in the Word of God. Yet they especially need this gift, for at times their lives can become too exclusively intellectual and too narrowly doctrinal in focus. But this gift cannot be forced to happen by intellectual arguments or doctrinal investigations. Rather, it requires a different kind of activity-it requires waiting on the Lord, listening for Him, hearing His prompting in our hearts. In other words, for those who are completely evangelical, theologically orthodox, doctrinally mature, intellectually well informed, biblically literate Christians, probably what is most needed is a strong balancing influence of a more vital 'subjective' relationship with the Lord in their daily lives. I have to say that personally, as I am working with Scripture from an academic perspective day after day, I often sense that need in my own life." - Wayne Grudem
• 
  Josh Pannell

  Excellent exegesis on a much-neglected topic from a reformed perspective. Whether or not you consider yourself a continuation, this book is essential in understanding the modern Reformed-Charismatic movement.
  
  The book mostly covers 1 Corinthians 12-14 as an examination of the Greek text with the goal of understanding Paul's view of the role of prophecy in the New Covenant Church.
  
  After rigorous exegesis, the book seeks to answer practical questions and give advice to both pastors and church members in using the gift of prophecy at their Sunday meetings.
  5/5 stars.
• 
  Md Meiser

  Grudem does the church a service in exploring a neglected topic. He exegetes texts on prophecy with precision and care. I enjoyed his humble spirit and reading this greatly benefited my ministry. There are very helpful applications to those prophets of the church today. Anyone in apostolic ministry today should also be sure to read this if you haven't already.
• 
  Daniel

  Grudem is one of the clearest communicators of theology I have read. Even in areas where I differ, I'm better for having read him. In the case of this treatise on Prophecy, I do not differ with Grudem...and I am still better for having read him!
• 
  Steve Turnbull

  A thorough and balanced offering on an often divisive subject.
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  R.P. Bosman

  A very intresting study on prophesy (preaching).
• 
  Amy Farnham

  I always learn a lot from Grudem. This was handy as a survey of scripture on prophecy, but it was like reading a book about music written by someone who doesn’t sing or play an instrument. Interesting that he wrote his thesis on the topic... I wonder if he has latent prophetic gifts he hasn’t embraced yet.
• 
  Gavin Brand

  This book lays out a compelling case for the continuation of word gifts in the New Testament. Grudem is a force to be reckoned with. His attempts to carve out a space for the closing of the canon of scripture while also affirming the gift of prophecy for today. He does this by seeing a distinction between non-apostolic and apostolic prophecy. His view is detailed, well researched, and nuanced.
• 
  Nick

  A very helpful exploration on the subject, especially in its treatment of the role of OT canonical prophets and NT apostles, vs. NT prophets. There are also multiple excellent topical appendices which outline and summarize his arguments.
• 
  Jacob Van Sickle

  Thoroughly convincing.
• 
  Poptart19 (the name’s ren)

  2 stars
  
  Some very interesting arguments about the historical debate over cessationism in Protestant tradition, but I find Grudem hard to read.
• 
  Matthew McGuire

  A fantastic defense of the contemporary gift of prophecy. I can see why this has been such a fundamental work in the field.
• 
  Stan

  Wayne Grudem has accomplished quite a feat with this book. He has given us a book that attempts to address biblically the question of the gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and in churches today. He attempts to understand the arguments of cessationists and treat them with respect. He also tries to understand those who treat the gift of prophecy used today in a way that does not manage to apply biblical teaching to practice.
  
  In short, Grudem believes both points of view miss the actual teaching of the Bible on this topic. Therefore, he gives a balancing presentation of what he believes the Bible does teach. While I don't agree with him on every single little detail, he does an excellent job presenting his case. For the most part, he's very biblical.
  
  If you're interested in this topic, give this book a try. Enjoy!
• 
  Josh

  Excellent. Careful exegesis, and balanced treatment of a potentially controversial topic. I think Grudem makes a very solid case for the ongoing gift of prophecy, and does so in a way that is charitable to those who disagree with him.
• 
  Alan Rennê

  Fraco!
• 
  Jenn

  Very helpful.
• 
  Harvey

  An excellent biblical analysis of spiritual gifts (especially prophecy) and their use within the Church.
• 
  Per

  Did not answer all my questions about prophecy, but it sure was helpful.