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Prophecy can't be ongoing.
Fran, I think this statement you made is true…
I guess i just don’t know scripture! Fran
There are always new things for us to learn.
John the Baptist was the last Old Testament prophet.
Yes, but he was not the end of prophesy!
The last sacrifice and the last prophet. See Revelation 22:19.
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Fran, this statement refers to the Apocalypse of John. It does not say there is no prophesy after Jesus.
Prophets were spiritual guides in times of trouble, like the exiles. Sometimes they were harsh with the nation of Israel and sometimes they were encouraging. They also predicted the future at times (especially Daniel) but that was not their primary function. Also, they gave new truths to the people. There are no longer any new truths, although we might understand truths better in some way.
The Church will continue to need the gift of prophesy until she is taken up into heaven. We will always need God’s direction in how to apply His eternal Truth.
If there is no more gift of prophesy, we have to throw out a LOT of scripture:
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17*‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18*yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days
I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. Acts 2:17–18
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And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7There were about twelve of them in all. Acts 19:5–7
(We understand this passage to be about Confirmation, at which time the gifts of the HS are imparted to the faithful.)
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On the morrow we departed and came to Caesarea; and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9And he had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. Acts 21:8–10
(Were these women acting against God, Fran?)
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For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6*
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; Romans 12:4–7
If Jesus was the last prophet, why is Paul teaching about prophesy?
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Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3
On the other hand, he who prophesies speaks to men for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but** he who prophesies edifies the church**. 5*Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. **He who prophesies is greater **than he who speaks in tongues, unless some one interprets, so that the church may be edified.
6*Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how shall I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 1 Corinthians 14:1–7
Paul is encouraging the members of the body to exercise the gift of prophesy and talks about using it himself for the edification of the Church.
Fran, I strongly urge you to take the words of the Apostle to heart:
“do not despise prophesying” 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21
Maybe not proclaim it ceased before God is ready?
) Catholic position is that ‘public revelation’ has ended but ‘private revelation’ can still happen.