Discourse passages in the book of Acts in Relation to the Charismatic gifts of Prophecy

Discourse passages in the book of Acts and Charismatic gifts of prophecy and tongues

Even as I write this thread the Charismatic movement has just produced yet another book on how to use your miraculous spiritual gifts (this includes all gifts: tongues, prophecy, healing, etc...).  Each area of the Charismatic movement needs to continuously addressed.  We'll continue with what are discourse passages.  As New Evangelicalism continues to modify their outreach (including coolness, trendiness, and music), Fundamentalism must continue to respond with objective biblical truth to counter the ever growing (I had an experience) subjective focused movement.  To make the claim that today in the year 2017 we have access to all the miraculous sign gifts (just as practiced in the NT) is a claim that is neither defensible from scripture nor actually practicable today (that is, according to NT standards--not new standards to help justify their practice today).

What's a discourse passage?  What in the world is that?  You've used this term before probably without noticing it.  When you read Matthew 24-25, what is this commonly called?  The Olivet __________.  You got it.  Olivet Discourse.  From a simple grammar standpoint, discourse passages occur in two basic types: direct and indirect discourse.  You've seen this in you Bible before probably without noticing it.  Direct discourse appears as one person reporting what another said word for word such as, "David said, "We should sit in the chair.'"  Indirect discourse appears as the formula, "David said that we should sit in the chair."  Both can be identified (but not necessarily) with appropriate prepositions to identify verbal content conveyed.  I would suggest it is much easier to identify content clauses marked with appropriate preposition (just a side note).

Now within the book of Acts there are multiple discourse sections in which the Holy Ghost (Spirit) actually gives verbal content to a hearing audience.  It is no mysterious speech or utterances.  The point being, actual words (content) is delivered and preserved on the pages of scripture.  Every time the Holy Spirit speaks to believers in the book of Acts it is breathed out Scripture.  Logically, every time the Spirit speaks it is scripture.  Question: When people today claim (or believe) the Holy Spirit is speaking to them do they put it on the same level as scripture?  Do they give it another personal or individual authority for themselves alone?  Be careful how you answer this.  Vast denominations claim God is speaking to them today.  Howbeit via different means and of course with a different standard of authenticity.  So when we evaluate from the basis of scripture, does the modern day Charismatic claims of prophecy, tongues, and Spirit led content stand up to the paradigm of scripture?

Let's sample some of these passages in the book of Acts.  You (yourself) evaluate what the scriptures record the Holy Spirit said.  Again, you evaluate is the Holy Spirit functioning this exact same way today?  If not, why the different standard today?  Remember this question is not, are churches being planted, gospel content delivered, unbelievers converted, but is it happening the exact same way.  All these things can happen without the mysterious miracle claims by the Charismatic movement.  In the end, the Charismatic movement will reinterpret all texts based on personal experience.  All texts must be made to fit their subjective experience paradigm.  And don't forget all categories (including Bible) must be redefined to fit these experiences.  Prophecy not working.  Easy, just redefine what prophecy is so it fits your experiences.

Let's look at some text explicitly mentioning the Holy Spirit speaking verbally with understandable content to actual believers in an understandable language (we'll get to Pentecost later).

Acts 10:19-20, "While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.  Arise, therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them."

Acts 11:12, "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting."  No explicit verbal content described but notice the recipient of the message had no doubt as to what the Spirit required.

Acts 13:2, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."

Acts 15: 28, "For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"

Acts 16:6-7, "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not."

Acts 21:11, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."

Note from all these passages we have in scripture the following: first, every time we have verbal content from the Holy Spirit spoken to a believer it became scripture (not a different level of authority).  Charismatics don't like this concept of inspiration and discourse.  Why again?  Two standards and redefinition or prophecy needed.  Second, the Holy Spirit always (in every text) when speaking directly to the believers, it was in a language they understood.  No ecstatic tongues or closet prayers or visions.  Lastly, in all the available data we have in scripture, when multiple people were present, they all understood the exact content that was given.  

So is what you just read being practiced to biblical standard and proportion?  I would suggest no.  This is part of why I am a Cessationist. 


Again, comments as always encouraged.