14th October 2025
We believe in the Holy Spirit…He has spoken through the Prophets.
Part of a series on the Nicene Creed
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 (NIV) In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways… Hebrews 1:1
The Nicene Creed of 325 AD ended with a single phrase on the Holy Spirit – ‘We believe in the Holy Spirit’. However, following the Second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 381 AD a further section was added which included the clause that the Holy Spirit has spoken through the prophets. This was added to address the heresy of Marcionism.1 Marcion of Sinope (c. 85 AD – c. 160 AD) was an early Church heretic who taught that the vengeful Creator God of the Old Testament was distinct from the benevolent God of the New Testament revealed by Jesus. He completely rejected the Old Testament scriptures, viewing its God as a flawed creator responsible for the imperfect material world.
Several of the early church Fathers, especially Justin Martyr (died c. 165 AD), Irenaeus (145 AD – c. 202 AD) and Tertullian (c.150 AD – c. 229 AD) exposed the Gnosticism 2 behind Marcion’s teaching, and the early Church consistently taught the unity of the Old and New Testaments. By the time of the fourth century, it was deemed necessary to restate what earlier Fathers had taught: the Holy Spirit inspired not only the New Testament but also the Old Testament, as highlighted in the header scriptures. The phrase ‘he has spoken through the prophets’ fits the common pattern of prophets speaking by the Holy Spirit. For example, Jesus says that David spoke by the Spirit (Matthew 22:43), agreeing with David’s own testimony: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.” (2 Samuel 23:2).
By including this phrase in the Creed, it is affirmed that the Holy Spirit guided and inspired the prophets of the Old Testament, enabling them to speak God’s word with authority, ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of their messages. Also, it emphasised the continuity of the revelation of the Old and New Testaments, revealing the unfolding of God’s plan throughout history. The Spirit who spoke through the prophets is the same Spirit who inspired the apostles and continues to guide the Church today. Additionally, the messages of the prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit, prepared the way for the coming of Christ (Luke 24:44). They foretold, created anticipation, and laid the foundation for his birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension.
As we reflect on the Spirit’s role in inspiring the prophets, we are drawn into a deeper intimacy with the Trinity. We see the Father’s loving plan of salvation unfolding throughout history, the Son’s incarnation as the fulfilment of that plan, and the Spirit’s ongoing work of guiding and sanctifying the Church. This awareness transforms our approach to scripture. We no longer read the Bible as a collection of ancient texts, but as a living word, a dynamic conversation between God and humanity.
May we listen for the Spirit’s voice speaking through the prophets, challenging us, comforting us, and inviting us to participate in God’s redemptive work.
Prayer
Loving Father, just as the Spirit of wisdom and understanding filled the prophets with courage and insight, may he open our hearts too, so that we can hear your voice amidst the noise of our world. Teach us to listen with humility and to speak with love, following the example of those whom you inspired long ago. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
1 Marcionite | History, Beliefs, Heresy, & Facts | Britannica
2 Gnosticism | Definition, Texts, Movements, & Influence | Britannica
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Study by: Barry Robinson About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA
Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm
Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church