THE PROPHETS OF THE
NEW TESTAMENT
The gift of prophecy, in its original meaning in the New Testament, is a special privilege granted by the Holy Spirit to certain members of the churches to receive and transmit messages and revelations from God.
At the beginning of the Church those who received this gift were called "prophets", following the example of those who appear in the Old Testament. Along with the Apostles, they built the foundation for the edification of the Saints, members of the family of God, Christ Jesus being the main corner stone (Ephesians 2:19 and 20).
The prophets spoke under the immediate authority of the Spirit of God, and conveyed divine communications concerning doctrinal truths, and clarification of future events, as the case may be. Their ministry has been preserved for us in the New Testament. Among them are James and Judas, and this began his book saying: "while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (verse 3).
Once the foundation by the apostles and prophets was completed, which is "the faith that was once and for all delivered to the Saints", the church of Jesus Christ continued to be built on this ground only (1 Corinthians 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:20, Hebrews 6:1). No other is admitted.
The Bible contains all the word of God which was revealed by the Holy Spirit, first in antiquity through the prophets, then by the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), then by the apostles and prophets inspired by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13 -15), finally by the revelation of Jesus Christ, after He was resurrected and raised to heaven, to John his beloved apostle. Thus ended the Divine revelation (Revelation 28:18-10). Since the Bible is complete, we reject any person who claims to have the gift of revealing more prophetic messages from God.
Nevertheless, some people think that the simple preaching of the Word of God with authority, incisive and effectively in the power of the Holy Spirit constitutes the exercise of the gift of prophecy today, as well as the praise of God (Luke 1:67-68) and the edification, exhortation and comfort of the people of God (Acts 15:32).
Even if we were to accept this understanding, those who do these things should be limited to the measure of faith already revealed (Romans 12:6), in other words, the "prophet" must prophesy within his own knowledge of the true biblical doctrines ("faith"). To be accepted, he can only declare the Word of the Lord as it is given in the Bible. It includes the proclamation of the Gospel message and exposition of revealed truth. He should not venture to take, modify, or add anything.
We will now examine the following prophets of the New Testament:
- Agabus: Acts 11:28, 21: 10.
- Anna: Luke 2:36.
- The daughters of Philip: Acts 21: 9.
- Zechariah the father of John: Luke 1: 67.