prophecy

Divination and prophecy in the Hellenistic world

The problem of false prophets that occurred in Old Testament times also occurred in the early Christian communities. Prophets and diviners were widespread throughout the Hellenistic world. The Greek prophētēs was not only a forthteller but also an interpreter of divine messages. In addition, there were mantics (from the Greek mantis)—i.e., visionary seers—whose visions were interpreted by prophets, soothsayers, diviners of all kinds, and especially astrologers. The impetus for much of this activity came from Babylonia. The influx of new religions from the East brought a profusion of astrologers and prophets. Many schools of astrology were founded throughout the Hellenistic world, and old schools of philosophy became very much occupied with astrology.