Biblical Diviners & Prophets? Interview with Dr. Ben Witherington III
May 21, 2024
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Dr. Ben Witherington III, a renowned biblical scholar specializing in prophecy, discusses the role of prophecy in the Old and New Testaments, the transition from diviners to prophets in Israel, the complexities of distinguishing true prophecy from false, and the interplay between prophetic and wisdom literature. He also shares insights on the Holy Spirit's operation in the New Covenant era and the importance of discernment in prophetic practice.
Differentiating true prophecy from false is crucial, court prophets served kings, while Israel's prophets spoke directly from God.
Prophetic ministry transitioned from diviners to Yahweh's prophets, showing God's direct communication and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Deep dives
Prophetic Ministry in the Old Testament
Prophetic ministry in the Old Testament was diverse, involving seers, prophets, and visionaries like Daniel and Ezekiel. The nature of prophecy changed during the exile, leading to more visionary and apocalyptic messages.
The Transition to Jesus
All Old Testament prophecies and promises find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the culmination of the law, temple sacrifices, and messianic prophecies, serving as the ultimate revelation of God.
Applying Christ's Teachings
The challenge lies in applying the demanding teachings of Christ, such as loving enemies and praying for persecutors, to our daily lives. Jesus offers mercy and grace to sinners while calling for discipleship and obedience.
Bringing the Focus Back to Christ
The ultimate aim of understanding prophecy and divination is to direct our focus back to Jesus Christ, who embodies the fulfillment of God's promises and reveals the depth of God's love and grace.
Explore biblical prophecy with esteemed biblical scholar Dr. Ben Witherington III as he discusses his book, "Jesus the Seer: The Progress of Prophecy." Jesus the Seer explores the profound role of prophecy in both the Old and New Testaments and how it all points to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Witherington unpacks the historical and theological contexts of prophecy, shedding light on its significance in the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world. He explains how ancient cultures relied on diviners to interpret signs from nature, while court prophets served kings with their insights. In contrast, the Israelites transitioned from these practices as Yahweh’s prophets rose to prominence, delivering divine messages directly from God. Meanwhile, priests took on roles that involved interpreting God’s will through sacred objects such as the Urim and thummim, effectively replacing the diviners of surrounding nations.
Our conversation examines the complexities of distinguishing true prophecy from false, the role of court prophets, and the fascinating interplay between prophetic and wisdom literature. Dr. Witherington also shares his perspective on how the Holy Spirit operates differently in the New Covenant era, emphasizing the importance of discernment in contemporary prophetic practice.
Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that not only enriches our understanding of biblical prophecy but also points us back to the central figure of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether you're a pastor, teacher, or theology enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will deepen your appreciation for the prophetic traditions of the Bible.
Jesus the Seer: https://a.co/d/1Ty6jSg
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