Came prophets from Jerusalem - Though the term prophet is used in the New Testament simply to signify a teacher, (see the note on Genesis 20:7, where the subject is largely explained), yet here it evidently means also such as are under Divine inspiration, and foretold future events. This was certainly the case with Agabus, Acts 11:28, though, perhaps, his ordinary character was that of a teacher or preacher. It seems from various scriptures, Romans 12:4, etc., 1 Corinthians 13:2-14:40, that the prophets of the New Testament were
From Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 3:5, we learn that the prophets of the Christian Church were inferior to the apostles; but, from Ephesians 4:11, we see that they were superior to all other teachers, even to evangelists and pastors.
And in these days - While Barnabas and Saul were at Antioch.
Came prophets - The word “prophet” denotes properly “one who foretells future events.” See the notes on Matthew 7:15. It is sometimes used in the New Testament to denote simply “religious teachers, instructors sent from God, without particular reference to future events.” To teach the people in the doctrines of religion was a part of the prophetic office, and this idea was only sometimes denoted by the use of the word. See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 14:3, 1Corinthians 14:5,1 Corinthians 14:24. These prophets seem to have been endowed in a remarkable manner with the knowledge of future events; with the power of explaining mysteries; and in some cases with the power of speaking foreign languages. In this case, it seems that one of them at least had the power of foretelling future events.
Through circumstances some who love and obey God become poor. Some are not careful; they do not know how to manage. Others are poor through sickness and misfortune. Whatever the cause, they are in need, and to help them is an important line of missionary work. 6T 271.1
All our churches should have a care for their own poor. Our love for God is to be expressed in doing good to the needy and suffering of the household of faith whose necessities come to our knowledge and require our care. Every soul is under special obligation to God to notice His worthy poor with particular compassion. Under no consideration are these to be passed by. 6T 271.2
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.” 6T 271.3
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