how many prophesies in a meeting?

He gave multiple prophetic words, calling out peoples names and phone numbers also.

:-P sounds like Peter Popoff. He was a scam artist.

My question is, does 1 Cor 14 teach that there should be 3 prophetic words maximum in any given meeting?

No.

1 Cor 14:24 But if [b]all[/b] prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

27 If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.

Not all messages in tongues are 'prophecy'. Some might be prayer. This is one reason interpretation should be awaited, for the edification of all present.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

The matter being judged is the content of the 'prophecy', that it should be in keeping with scripture, and therefore also, the character of God. The person bringing the prophetic word is not being judged, except to become known as one who is in touch with God and being used by Him through the gifts given to him for the church. But so should we all be!

I believe Paul is being practical here, as, if a word being brought is [u]not[/u] from God, the other prophets should be free to express that they cannot endorse the content, for whatever reason. This is where 'church' could be messy, and why it's extremely important that the men who are given oversight should have been recognised by the flock itself previously, and not imposed on the flock from some higher authority within that denomination for the purpose of controlling what God appears to say to the people. Often the people 'know' what's of God, more than 'religious' leaders!

30 If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 [u]For ye may all prophesy one by one[/u], that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Probably more could be said, but Paul uses the word 'all' quite freely. The word of God is not bound.

Hi lydian,

While I'm answering that, perhaps you would think about how you understand v 32: And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets? Thanks.

So you think there is no restriction on the number of prophetic words in a meeting? and that the whole congregation could literally prophesy one by one if they wanted to?

I'm going to answer your questions with questions, because we are very probably coming from different kinds of denominational background, and this will very much predicate what we expect of 'church' meetings.

[i]1) So you think there is no restriction on the number of prophetic words in a meeting?[/i]

If the Holy Spirit is in control of a meeting, and distributes a prophesy to each believer, which they dutifully deliver to the assembled saints, is that unbiblical? Paul states, (much more than a mere implication) 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

Do you have a problem with Paul's permission?

[i]2) and that the whole congregation could literally prophesy one by one if they wanted to?[/i]

Ah! 'if they wanted to' is problematic.

Prophecy is never because the person with the word 'want's to. That would be closer to a WoF (Word of Faith) model, which is unbiblical. I needed to tease this out for you, in case this is what you have experienced, or, been taught is how 'prophecy' comes forth.

I would like your further comment on your second question, to indicate that you understand the word does not come from the prophet, but from God [i]through[/i] the believer who is thus stirred?

If your experience is of people making stuff up, and giving it as if it's a word from God, then that is a problem. But that's exactly why Paul put in the advice 'and let the other judge' (v 29, which part you did not quote in your question). It's a safety mechanism.

1 Cor 2:16, 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. [b]And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us[/b]. Rom 8:14

[i]3) hi, so what do you think verse 29 means?[/i]

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

Quite simply, I believe the matter of judging a prophecy, is essential for the sake of newer Christians, and those who don't have that gift. I believe Paul is intent on 40 Let all things be done decently and in order, and his suggestion is borne out of sheer practicality, so that there is proper time given to considering the words which have been brought forth, before hearing any more.

In the light of v 32, 'And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets', I believe it is possible for a prophecy to be held back by the person to whom God is giving or has given, a word for the local assembly, such that they can wait until the judging of words already given is over. This is also an observation with regard to what prophecy is and is not. It is not an ecstatic utterance over which the person uttering it has no control.

In a similar observation, Jesus said 'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' Matt 6:21. The point is that 'I' decide what my treasure is. 'I' [i]govern[/i] my heart. 'I' can [i]direct[/i] my heart's affection upwards, and can set my mind on things above. Likewise, a prophet controls what comes out of his mouth by the same mechanism.

The practice which has appeared in pentecostal/charismatic churches, of the person with the word having to tell it to some official (rather than speak it out while it's fresh, for the other prophets to judge), is pernicious to the health of the body for a number of reasons. (Which we could explore later in this thread, if you're interested.)

And, v 32 also means that a prophet can keep quiet, knowing that if the word they are hearing in their spirit is from God, and He wants it spoken right then, He will give it to someone else. Thus, as a prophet, he can judge that word coming through another prophet, and can be one of those offering confirmation that it is indeed from God; 'for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' Rev 19:10.

Is this making any sense?

It should be obvious that if the assembly wants to hear from God, then they may have to wait on Him, until He has finished speaking. Or until He has started speaking... and finished speaking.

If your question is borne out of the assumption that God has to speak when the saints choose to gather, and stop speaking when they choose to go home, then I'm certain He will co-operate, but the saints may not get to know His voice, His mind or His heart, under that system.

Hi lydian,

What you describe about not knowing what to do with a word, is not your 'fault'. The leadership of a church should consider themselves as submitted to you, as they wish you to be to them, especailly when it comes to the ministry of the gifts of the Spirit. Sometimes it is one of [i]them[/i] that needs to hear from God, for their own sake, or the sake of the whole body.

(im open to be wrong of course! as i probably am, but thats ok im just processing all this)

'where two or three'... Meetings aren't always a whole congregation. Or, the congregation may be quite small, in which case it may be essential that everyone has a word from God of one variety or another.