The “Spirit of Prophecy” (Rev 19:10) in the Light of Second Temple Jewish Usage

Abstract

The phrase “spirit of prophecy” occurs only once in the entire New Testament, and it is in Revelation 19:10. It appears to signify that the prophetic gift was still manifested in the time of the New Testament and in the latter days of the Church. But how can we understand the Jewish tradition through several statements from Jewish literature that prophecy ceased earlier?1 Can the understanding and use of “spirit of prophecy” within Judaism be of help to us as we interpret and apply the “spirit of prophecy” in the book of Revelation? In this study, I intend to engage in a literary-historical and exegetical investigation of “spirit of prophecy” in order to be able to present evidences of the use and understanding of the phrase “spirit of prophecy.” In doing so, the study will confirm or deny prophecy’s continued existence, during the intertestamental and the New Testament.