Matthew 23:34

"That a restitution or restoration of all things would occur in these latter days, including prophecy and revelation from God to man through living prophets. (Matthew 23:34, Acts 3:19-21) ("Mormonism" Is Both Christian And Biblical, Jon M. Taylor, Ph.D.)

"Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town." (Matthew 23:34)

The first quote is supposed to be supported by the second. With this in mind, lets see what Jesus is really saying by researching the full thought in the context of other verses within the book of Matthew.

Chapter 23 is focused on the last controversies with the Jewish leaders during the "Passion Week." The heading for Chapter 23 in the Bible, is titled the "Seven Woes." Those seven woes were pointed to the teachers of the law, the Pharisees, and the blind guides. Christ concludes the seven woes to these teachers, Pharisees, and guides by stating, "You snakes! You brood vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (Matthew 23:33)

The next verse is the verse that is in question. As a result of the actions of the teachers, Pharisees, and guides, Christ states that he is sending to them prophets and wise men and teachers. Jesus goes on to say that the teachers, Pharisees, and guides will harm (kill, crucify, flog, and pursue from town to town) the prophets, wise men and teachers He will send to them in their own time (Matthew 23:34). Then Jesus reminds the teachers, Pharisees, and guides the blood that had been shed already of the prophets in the Old Testament (Matthew 23:35). To finish out chapter 23, Jesus laments over Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ was not speaking of "living prophets" for this dispensation. This is clear. I pray that all who are sincere about knowing the truth of God's Word; go and study for yourselves and let the word flow through you in truth and light. Amen.