The Place of a Modern Prophet

What is the gift of prophecy?

“If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21

“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11, 12

A prophet's scope of impact:

• The writings of some prophets have been nearly universally available (Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Paul).
• The availability of some prophetic writings has been limited (1 Chronicles 29:29; Colossians 4:16).
• Some prophets produced no prophetic writings (Enoch, Elijah, Elisha).
• Many prophets existed of whom we know little or nothing (1 Samuel 10:5).

What is the difference between a prophet in the Bible and a prophet today?

A modern prophet:

1. As always, must be tested by the standard of the previous prophetic writings.
   • 1 Corinthians 14:32; Isaiah 8:20
   • Jesus Himself was tested — John 1:45; Luke 24:44
   • Paul was tested — Acts 17:10, 11
2. Has a limited scope of impact, compared to canonical prophets.
3. Lacks universal recognition.
   • 1 Corinthians 14:22
4. Presents no new truths.
   Ecclesiastes 1:9; 3:15
5. The message of a non-canonical prophet has the same authority as that of canonical prophets.
   • Nathan — 2 Samuel 12
   • Huldah — 2 Chronicles 34:20-28
   • Micaiah — 1 Kings 22