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The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today by Wayne Grudem
What does the New Testament teach about the spiritual gift of prophecy? What is it? How does it function? Can evangelical Christians use it in their churches today?This updated, comprehensive work answers such questions and points the way to a renewed understanding of the gift of prophecy--an understanding that suggests how the body of Christ may enjoy one of the Holy Spirit's most edifying gifts without compromising the supremacy of Scripture."This conservative evangelical scholarly work gives a solid theological basis for further development of a practical theology of spiritual gifts." --John Wimber, Vineyard Christian Fellowship"Careful, thorough, wise, and to my mind, convincing." --J.I. Packer"...a fresh, biblically sound, readable contribution...its depth of scholarship, pastoral solidity, and cautions against abuses are special strengths. Highly recommended." --Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary"If Grudem's convincing thesis could be heard, a new path of dialog could perhaps be opened up in the Christian community. The research, clarity, and typical Grudem candor continue to make this the finest book on the subject to date." --L. Russ Bush, Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary"...thorough, biblical, and practical. It deserves the attention of all who are concerned about the spiritual development of the church today." --Stanley Horton, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Bible and Theology, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1988
79 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Grudem
123 books332 followersWayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge; DD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary, having previously taught for 20 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Grudem earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, as well as an MDiv from Westminster Seminary. He is the former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, a cofounder and past president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and has published over 20 books, including Systematic Theology, Evangelical Feminism, Politics—According to the Bible, and Business for the Glory of God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 25, 2024
Month 7: A book with at least 400 pages & Month 8: A book your pastor recommends
Thanks to Ps Phil for the lend, very encouraging and thought provoking, especially in an age where prophecy can be so misunderstood. I’ve seen prophecy done well and I’ll be praying for the Lord to use it in me if He sees fit
Thanks to Ps Phil for the lend, very encouraging and thought provoking, especially in an age where prophecy can be so misunderstood. I’ve seen prophecy done well and I’ll be praying for the Lord to use it in me if He sees fit
November 20, 2017
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.
July 22, 2025
Een boeiend standaardwerk over de gave van profetie, met veel zinnige exegese en inzichten en een hele nuchtere benadering van de gave van profetie. Volgens mij ben ik het lang niet in alles met hem eens, ik mis vooral een meer systematisch-theologische bezinning op deze gave in het licht van heel de persoon van de Heilige Geest. Maar het is in veel opzichten een rijk boek en een gesprekspartner waar je niet om heen kunt.
March 19, 2021
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.
January 12, 2021
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
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
April 23, 2023
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 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36 and headship order in congregational worship, Grudem follows James B. Hurley with D. A. Carson in agreement. Both men should be read in conjunction with Grudem.
Even in areas where you disagree with this book, you will benefit from it and your own thinking on this topic will be sharpened, as well as its application to the church.
In terms of how prophecy relates to 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36 and headship order in congregational worship, Grudem follows James B. Hurley with D. A. Carson in agreement. Both men should be read in conjunction with Grudem.
Even in areas where you disagree with this book, you will benefit from it and your own thinking on this topic will be sharpened, as well as its application to the church.
May 26, 2016
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.
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.
June 17, 2012
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.
August 30, 2011
Very interesting take on the understanding of the apostle in the New Testament. Wayne Grudem has revolutionised my understanding of the apostles' knowledge of their own writings and the authority that Jesus gave to them!
June 24, 2016
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!
July 21, 2012
A thorough and balanced offering on an often divisive subject.
June 8, 2017
A very intresting study on prophesy (preaching).
August 28, 2023
I disagree strongly with his conclusions but this is the best defense of the charismatic position on prophecy. Grudem (who seems to be a godly evangelical) is clear, careful, deals with objections, makes application, and stays engaging. Unlike many charismatics, Grudem bases the vast majority of his conclusions on exegesis of scripture rather than experience. But, his arguments on fallible prophecy are not convincing.
There is no clear indication from scripture that prophecy massively changed from the Old Testament (which had perfectly accurate and authoritative prophecy) to the New Testament (which supposedly has inaccurate and non-authoritative prophecy), and there is a lot of evidence that prophecy in the OT and NT are the same.
Also, he never deals with the problem that (in his view) there is no objective way to determine if a prophecy is from God or not....which is a big deal, because if you can never be objectively sure if it is from God, then why should it bring encouragement or edification to your life?
I wrote more notes in the margins of this book than for any other book I have ever read.
There is no clear indication from scripture that prophecy massively changed from the Old Testament (which had perfectly accurate and authoritative prophecy) to the New Testament (which supposedly has inaccurate and non-authoritative prophecy), and there is a lot of evidence that prophecy in the OT and NT are the same.
Also, he never deals with the problem that (in his view) there is no objective way to determine if a prophecy is from God or not....which is a big deal, because if you can never be objectively sure if it is from God, then why should it bring encouragement or edification to your life?
I wrote more notes in the margins of this book than for any other book I have ever read.
June 3, 2024
Found the first few chapters unconvincing, and based on faulty argumentation. However, the latter chapters that came to practical considerations and application were indeed very good and found them challenging and helpful. I would say *most* of the Greek exegesis along the way was incredibly poor.
On a side-note, the list of noun+καὶ+noun examples used to bolster the very unlikely view that Ephesians 2:20 should be translated Apostle-Prophets in no way support that, given that every single one of those examples is wholly unlike the translation being proposed - they are nouns modifying or explaining one singular head noun (eg. Tychicus - who is both 1. Beloved brother and 2. Faithful Minister) not two nouns that the reader is expected to stitch together to create one implied referent.
On a side-note, the list of noun+καὶ+noun examples used to bolster the very unlikely view that Ephesians 2:20 should be translated Apostle-Prophets in no way support that, given that every single one of those examples is wholly unlike the translation being proposed - they are nouns modifying or explaining one singular head noun (eg. Tychicus - who is both 1. Beloved brother and 2. Faithful Minister) not two nouns that the reader is expected to stitch together to create one implied referent.
September 9, 2022
I’m certainly biased when it come to Wayne Grudem. However, this book gives an excellent demonstration of why I celebrate his influence in the world of theology. Grudem did a wonderful job in explaining this topic in an easy and gentle manner. He gives concise statements about what he believes and elaborates on why this is a constructive gift. There are my authors he disagrees with, but disagrees with them in a manner that preserves unity. Anyone searching for a book on the gift prophecy must read this book.
May 21, 2024
Grudem's book has been the most significant influence on the modern prophecy movement. However, I found it unconvincing with numerous weak spots, key passages and ideas ignored, and not clear on the practice in the local church. Despite attempts to show otherwise, it does create an issue of authority (should I believe this person or not) that can undermine a Christian's confidence in Scripture as well as bind his conscience in a way that is unbiblical. I am surprised at the traction this idea has gotten in mainstream evangelical circles when the exegesis to support it is so thin.
March 17, 2018
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.
August 31, 2019
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.
August 7, 2017
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.
December 27, 2025
Really struggled with this one and eventually put it down unfinished. Several points were made early on, that the book then built on. However, I disagree with the points that were made and so when the book built on what I think was an error it was hard to continue to read it.
March 21, 2020
Thoroughly convincing.
January 27, 2021
2 stars
Some very interesting arguments about the historical debate over cessationism in Protestant tradition, but I find Grudem hard to read.
Some very interesting arguments about the historical debate over cessationism in Protestant tradition, but I find Grudem hard to read.
February 18, 2023
A fantastic defense of the contemporary gift of prophecy. I can see why this has been such a fundamental work in the field.
March 1, 2024
A very thorough examination of the history of prophecy as it functions within the old and New Testament church. Very helpful in understanding how this concept exists today.
December 12, 2016
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!
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!
February 2, 2023
Loved this book. Appreciated the summary and application that concluded each chapter. Fairly presented other opinions while still being firm in his own beliefs.
Loved the last couple of chapters presenting advice to churches both wanting to use, and currently using, the gift of prophecy as well as establishing the beneficial gift prophecy within the modern church when used wisely and appropriately.
Loved the last couple of chapters presenting advice to churches both wanting to use, and currently using, the gift of prophecy as well as establishing the beneficial gift prophecy within the modern church when used wisely and appropriately.
August 5, 2013
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.
July 14, 2015
Excellent book explaining The gift of prophecy in today's church.
January 14, 2017
Very helpful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews