SUMMARY
Christians must judge prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More and guard against wolves in sheep’s clothing.
ANALYSIS
John calls his visions a prophecy (1:3) and like every other prophet, he had to contend with those who claimed to have prophetic gifts, but preached contrary to the word of God. This theme of prophetic contest played out in the life of IsaiahIsaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in Jerusalem, is included among the prophets of the eighth century BCE (along with Amos, Hosea, and Micah)--preachers who boldly proclaimed God's word of judgment against the economic, social, and religious disorders of their time. More and JeremiahProphet who condemned Judah's infidelity to God, warned of Babylonian conquest, and promised a new covenant. More; to describe his own prophetic opponent, John combines this theme with the challenges faced by ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal. More (1 Kings 16). He labels the prophet who opposes him JezebelQueen who promoted worship of Baal and who opposed Elijah. More, after the wife of King AhabKing of Israel who opposed Elijah. More of Israel (1 Kings 16:29). He probably chose this name both on account of the gender of his opponent, and also because of the subject matter of their dispute, namely the proper relationship to idols. Jezebel was challenged by Elijah because of her devotion to Baal; by labeling his opponent with this name, John hopes to convince his reader to understand that eating food sacrificed to idols constitutes idolatry. The contention between the two figures illustrates the concept of prophet for John. He does not criticize “Jezebel” for making inaccurate predictions; rather, he criticizes her for false practice (See Prophecy). John is calling for the churches to test those who claim to be prophets and to recognize that the only true sign of prophecy is witness to the true God and to the Lamb.
