By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 10: The New Testament Prophet & Christ
Week 40: Prophets in the Book of Acts
Anchor Scripture: And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and strengthened them.” — Acts 15:32 (NKJV)
The Teaching
In the Book of Acts, we see a specific “type” of prophet represented by men like Barnabas and Silas. These were not “cave-dwellers” (Day 62); they were Traveling Exhorters. They were sent from the headquarters in Jerusalem to various local churches to “strengthen” the believers.
This archetype reveals the Mobilizing Function of the New Testament prophet. While Agabus (Day 291) focused on the “Warning,” Judas and Silas focused on the “Fortification.” They used “many words” to build up the inner man of the saints. The word “exhort” (parakaleō) means to call someone to your side—to encourage, comfort, and urge them forward.
The Prophet in Acts is often seen as a Mobile Resource. They travel to where the “building” is happening (Month 5) and they provide the “Supernatural Momentum” needed to keep the people going. They aren’t just there to “reveal secrets”; they are there to infuse the Body with divine strength. To follow this model is to realize that your gift is not for your own “ministry base,” but for the Strengthening of the whole Network.
Prophetic Insight
Maturity is moving from “Self-Expression” to “Body-Building.” If you are a prophet, you should be the person everyone is happy to see arrive. Your presence should bring a “Second Wind” to a tired church. If you walk into a situation and people feel “beaten down” or “heavy” because of your words, you are not following the Acts model. Judas and Silas left the people Strengthened. Your words are the “spiritual vitamins” that the Church needs to endure persecution and expansion. A true prophet is a Professional Encourager. You see the “Gold” in a struggling community and you call it forth until the people believe in themselves again.
The Activation
Identify a “Tired Group” or a person who is currently “weak” in their faith. Today, perform an act of Prophetic Exhortation. Reach out to them, not to “correct” them, but to “strengthen” them. Use “many words” of life and truth. Say: “I see the strength of God in you! I encourage you to keep running! You are more than a conqueror through Christ!” Notice how your voice can literally “lift” someone’s spirit.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for the grace to strengthen Your Body. I ask for the Silas anointing to be an exhorter today. Forgive me for being a source of heaviness. I choose today to use my words to build up and to fortify Your people. Let my voice bring a ‘Second Wind’ to the weary. Use me as a mobile resource for Your Kingdom, always ready to strengthen the brethren wherever I go. Amen.
