Chapter 11. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
JTO Note: Notice that there is nothing in the content of the Didiache that suggests there are NO PROPHETS. There is nothing in the scripture that suggests that either. Keep in mind that neither scriptural or Tradition suggests one should initially suspect a prophet of being a deceiver. All are strongly warned to do the opposite and accept the prophet whom God has gifted, while looking for the signs of confirmation. To do otherwise is to be in danger of grieving the Holy Spirit. Beware of anyone who, cart blanche, denounces and attacks God's prophets today. They have the spirit of Jezabel.
The Apostle Paul warns us not to despise prophecies, as they are given to men as a warning.
ReplyDeleteRemember the Old Testament story about the Ninevites who were told by a prophet that their city was going to be destroyed. Instead of laughing and criticizing Jonah who was the prophet sent to them by God, they heeded his words, and the entire city prayed and fasted. As a result, the Lord heard them, took pity on them, and did not chastize them.
People need not pay heed to the exact words in prophecies, nor should they become paralyzed by them into inaction. Rather, it is important to understand why the prophecy was given in the first place.
Is it a warning to repent?
Is it a warning not to become comfortable and build yet another barn in which to store our harvest instead of sharing it with the poor?
Is it a warning that the Second Coming of Christ is not eminent in our times, but that World War III is only a few months away and that 1/2 to 2/3 of mankind may be destroyed if we do nothing?
Then would not it be our fault if we were to do nothing? Would not this genocide be on our heads? Would not we share the guilt if a nuclear bomb is dropped on us, on a nearby city, or nearby nation? Would not the cries of the orphans and widows be our fault?
Could it be a warning that if we pray, fast, and give alms that this World War may be diverted or completely avoided?
Finally, are we praying the Paraclesis to the Theotokos and urging our friends, relatives, and neighbors to do the same?
These are valid points because we as a people are not repenting, but are continuing to mire in porn or follow the immoral offerings in sports events, movies, theatres, TV, and on the Internet. Have you noticed how commercials and entertainment are becoming worse with each passing year? Have you seen the blatant displays of Satanic worship? Lord have mercy.
Yes, prophecies are sometimes vague, and for a reason. If we pray, fast, and truly repent as a family, city, or nation, then these dire warnings may be avoided entirely or just postponed to a later date when mankind becomes wicked again.