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Pneumatology
The Doctrine of the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit


Appendix 1—John Calvin and John Knox on Prophecy

 

JOHN CALVIN ON PROPHECY

 

ÒPaul applies the name ÒprophetsÓ to all those who were interpreters of GodÕs will, but to those who excelled in a particular revelation (Ephesians 4:11).  This class either does not exist today or is less commonly seen (Institutes, 4:3:4, 2:1057).

 

ÒIt is not clear that he intended here (Romans 12:6) only those wonderful graces by which Christ adorned His Gospel at the beginning.  We see rather that he is referring simply do ordinary gifts that remain perpetually in the ChurchÓ (Romans and Thessalonians, page 269).

 

ÒIt is difficult to make up oneÕs mind about gifts and offices of which the Church has been deprived for so long, except for mere traces or shades of them. Which are still to be foundÓ (Calvin commenting on I Cor. 12:28 in l Corinthians, page 271).

 

 

 

JOHN KNOX ON PROPHECY

 

 

Knox  gave prophecies:  

 

1)       The assurance which he expressed from the beginning of the Scottish troubles, that the cause of the Congregation would ultimately prevail;

 

2)       His confident hope of again preaching in his native country, and at St. Andrews, avowed by him during his imprisonment on board the French galleys, and frequently repeated during his exile;

 

3)       With the intimations which he gave respecting the death of Thomas Maitland, and Kircaldy of Grange. 

 

(Taken from the biography entitled Life of John Knox of the Free Presbyterian Church authored by Thomas MÕCrie in 1960).