Prophets in the Bible

In Scripture, a prophet is God's spokesperson: a man or woman called to declare the divine Word with courage, even when that word is unwelcome. The prophets of the Old Testament summoned Israel to repentance, announced God's judgment, and promised future restoration. Moses is presented as a prophet without equal: "And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face" (Deuteronomy 34:10). Beside him stand Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the twelve minor prophets. Above them all, Scripture foretold the coming of one unique Prophet: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers; it is to him you shall listen" (Deuteronomy 18:15). Jesus is that promised Prophet. In the New Testament the prophetic ministry continues as one of the gifts Christ gave to His Church (Ephesians 4:11); John the Baptist is called "more than a prophet" (Matthew 11:9), and Agabus foretells a famine by the Spirit (Acts 11:28). The authentic prophet always points back to Christ, and his message is confirmed by the Scriptures. Every prophetic word remains subject to testing: "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). The faithful prophet does not fear rejection, because his mission is greater than the approval of men. Yet he remains humble, knowing that he knows in part and prophesies in part, awaiting the day when the partial gives way to the perfect.