The New Testament Prophets: Who Are They and What Is Their Role?

The New Testament contains a group of individuals known as prophets who played a crucial role in the early Christian church. These prophets were not simply predictors of the future but were also messengers of God's word and agents of his will.

Characteristics of New Testament Prophets

New Testament prophets shared several characteristics:

• Spirit-filled: They were filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowered them to speak God's word with authority.
• Called by God: They were specifically called and ordained by God for their prophetic ministry.
• Prophesied about the future: While their primary role was to proclaim God's present truth, they often also prophesied about future events.
• Exhorted and warned: They exhorted the people to follow God's will and warned them of the consequences of disobedience.

Types of New Testament Prophets

There were two main types of prophets in the New Testament:

• Apostles: The apostles were the primary prophets of the early church. They were commissioned by Jesus himself and had the authority to establish the doctrines and practices of the church.
• Non-apostolic prophets: These prophets were not apostles but were nevertheless recognized as messengers of God. They played an important role in supporting and guiding the church.

The Role of New Testament Prophets

The New Testament prophets played a vital role in the development and growth of the Christian church:

• Foundation: They laid the foundation for the church by proclaiming the gospel and establishing its doctrines.
• Guidance: They provided guidance and direction to the church leaders and members.
• Encouragement: They encouraged the church during times of persecution and adversity.
• Oversight: They oversaw the spiritual well-being of the church and held leaders accountable.
• Unity: They promoted unity within the church by fostering a sense of shared purpose and mission.

Examples of New Testament Prophets

Some of the most prominent New Testament prophets include:

• Agabus: A prophet who predicted a great famine during the reign of Claudius.
• Judas and Silas: Prophets who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys.
• Philip the evangelist: A prophet who baptized the Ethiopian eunuch.
• John the Revelator: The author of the book of Revelation, who received visions of the future.

In conclusion, the New Testament prophets were essential figures in the early Christian church. They played a vital role in establishing the church, providing guidance and encouragement, and overseeing its spiritual well-being. Their words and prophecies continue to inspire and guide Christians today.