By Dan Maines

Prophecy Often Had Immediate Relevance

Many prophecies were warnings to the people of that time, calling them to repentance (e.g., Jonah to Nineveh, Jeremiah to Judah).

Jeremiah was addressing his contemporaries about the coming Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 25:11-12). While some of his prophecies extended beyond his time, they still had immediate relevance to his generation.

Daniel Understood Much of His Own Prophecies

Daniel did have moments where he was troubled and sought understanding (Daniel 8:27, Daniel 12:8-9), but that doesn't mean everything was beyond his grasp. Some visions were meant to be sealed for a later time, but others (such as Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2) were clearly understood and applied in Daniel's own lifetime.

The Prophets Did Understand Their Messages

The idea that Jeremiah, Amos, and Elijah did not understand what they wrote is an exaggeration.

Amos directly addressed Israel's sins and impending judgment (Amos 4:6-12). If he didn't understand it, how could he preach it to his generation?

Elijah primarily performed miracles and confronted Ahab, but he wasn't a writing prophet like Isaiah or Jeremiah. His role was clearly meant for his contemporaries.

Matthew Was Recording Events That Were Meant for His Audience

The argument that "if Matthew wrote it, it wasn't meant for him" is flawed. The Gospels were written as testimony for their generation, recording what Jesus did and taught (Luke 1:1-4, John 20:30-31).

Matthew did go out and teach, but he also left behind a written record for others to do the same. Writing things down wasn't unnecessary, it ensured the message could spread beyond his direct reach.

Jesus and the Apostles Expected Fulfillment Soon

Jesus and His disciples clearly indicated that prophecy was being fulfilled in their own time (Luke 4:21, Matthew 24:34, Acts 2:16-21).

Peter specifically states that the prophets spoke about their time (1 Peter 1:10-12). He never says prophecy was exclusively for future generations.

Conclusion
The claim that prophecy is never for the time it was given is simply incorrect. While some prophecies looked ahead, many were warnings, encouragements, or judgments directed at the immediate audience. The Bible itself repeatedly shows that prophets understood their messages and that their words often had immediate applications.