Tuesday: Functions of New Testament Prophets
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 20th of October 2026
What do 1 Corinthians 14:3, Ephesians 4:11-13, and Revelation 22:6 tell us about the role of New Testament prophets?
These verses above, however helpful, do not present a comprehensive view of all that New Testament prophets did. Nevertheless, much of what they did reflects what prophets in the Old Testament also had done, thus providing continuity with the prophetic gift.
In 1 Corinthians 12:10, prophecy is mentioned among other spiritual gifts. In the body of Christ metaphor (1 Corinthians 12:27-28), prophets are mentioned after apostles, who also received revelations from God. According to 1 Corinthians 14:3: “He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (NKJV).
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Ephesians 4:11-13 lists a similar cluster of spiritual gifts, as does 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. Prophets are mentioned among apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). These persons exist for “the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13, NKJV). As seen here and elsewhere, Jesus is the central focus of their message.
The book of Acts talked about two prophets, Judas and Silas (neither one having written a book in the Bible), who “exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words” (Acts 15:32, NKJV). Though, yes, at times prophets do have to utter warnings, even stern warnings at times, they also—depending upon the circumstance—do offer words of encouragement, especially in trying times, words that were no doubt greatly appreciated by those who needed to hear them and the hope and promise that they contained.
The work of encouragement also is mentioned in the context of prophesying (1 Corinthians 14:31, NKJV). In times of tribulation and persecution, the gift of prophecy has been a source of encouragement and hope.
In Revelation 22:6, Jesus is presented as “Lord God of the holy prophets” and whose “ ‘words are faithful and true’ ” (NKJV). Of course, anything that comes from God’s servants, when they are speaking for God, is going to be “faithful and true,” too. In a world in which we can trust so little, we can indeed trust what the prophets of the Lord say, especially in His Word, our final and ultimate authority.
Paul’s definition of prophesying is:
And furthermore he gives an example of how this works:
This sounds like the sort of prophecy we all ought to be doing. There are a couple of references to prophesying in the Old Testament that add emphasis to this idea:
Interestingly, we had a church service last week taken by young people. Modern music, the modern equivalent of zithers, harps and cymbals, and probably a couple of sackbutt equivalents added in for good measure. Not really my kind of music, but the message was clear and we went home feeling blessed. Were our young people prophesying? Maybe we should listen carefully.
You’ve gotten me wondering too, Maurice. Weren’t they prophesying? 1 Chronicle 25:1 also makes me wonder the more; that prophets were appointed! This is where majority of us get it all wrong. The moment we’ll know who a prophet is then we all will be accepting the truth shared on the pulpit of the Lord.
The lesson quite rightly highlights that “we can indeed trust what the prophets of the Lord say, especially in His Word…”. This isn’t the problem though. Understanding what is said is one thing, understanding what is meant is something quite different.
While the meaning is quite plain in some places (for example, Jesus predicting his death and resurrection), others are a little more challenging requiring deeper study and thought.
The “problem” is not so much the “prophetic utterances”, as what we do with them: how we understand them and apply the principles to our lives. These principles exist across time and cultures and are applied and understood by individuals of varying maturity. Not only that, but each of us battles with an ego that usually masks itself under some cloak of distraction. Ironically, Jesus couldn’t have been clearer about predicting his death and resurrection – yet it was the Pharisees who took the prediction seriously enough to act (Matthew 27:62-63).
The simplicity of truth is not in conflict with the complexity of truth. Honouring both while appropriately wrestling with each other for the advancement of truth and revelation requires maturity, humility, dependence upon each other and most importantly a focus on and dependence on the One who is Truth.
Might this be by design? Interestingly, the lesson touches on this thought. “In a world in which we can trust so little” could be understood as an invitation from God to trust and respect each other while wrestling together to advance Truth instead of trying to win an argument.
When we get this right, I believe it will be a remarkable witness FOR Truth.
Unfortunately, in my experience, I’ve found this easier to say than do…
I think Randall that you might have forgotten or underestimated the presence and the power of the Spirit’s guidance in the life of the Believer. The Apostle John says- “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth:…” John 16:13 KJV. Of course different minds will perceive “truth” differently. Our age, educational level, our sex, our nationality etc.; all of these factors and more affect our perception.Nevertheless the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives guarantees us the basic understanding of truth.
Steve,
I really appreciate you taking the time to respond with your thought provoking post. You raise an important point relating to the guidance into Truth and the work of God through the Spirit to each person individually which is vital. However, I’m not really dealing with the work on the Spirit individually as much as how we corporately relate to revelation when deciding what Truth is and how we collectively apply or represent it.
The church, which is a representative of Christ on earth, consists of individuals in a collective body. While Truth can be revealed to individuals, it must be subject to the body (see: Romans 14:7; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:4-5; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:25). This concept formed the fundamental principle of the Protestant Reformation known as the “Priesthood of all Believers”, which is itself the bedrock for all the other Protestant principles.
Paul himself followed this God-given direction or revelation (see: Galatians 2:1-2, Acts 9:1-17). This even occurred within the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the high-profile conflict caused by A.T. Jones and E.J. Waggoner printing valid Truths in the Signs of the Times. They did not submit their message to the church, and Ellen White had some very strong words to say to both of them.
So while the Spirit does work on individuals, Biblically speaking, it is the church that is Christ’s representative body revealing Truth – through individuals! God has chosen all of us, who have such different minds and perceptions of “truth”, to wrestle together to go beyond basic understandings of truth. Often, the how is more important than the what…
Even the text you quoted (John 16:13), taken in context and digging into the original language supports this position. Jesus is talking to the disciples (collectively), so when He says the Spirit of Truth “will guide you into all truth…”, the “you” is in the plural, not the singular. Unfortunately, the English hides the distinction.
In this situation, I don’t believe it is either/or – both (individual/collective) are vital aspects of the process God uses to reveal Himself to the world, and the universe.
Thanks again for your post…
You stated above, “While Truth can be revealed to individuals, it must be subject to the body.” The body is very important but was truth established by the body prior to the reformation or by the body of Pharisees. Truth can only be established by the Word.
Perhaps we need to consider what the “body of Christ” is.
Is it an institution, or is it the body of believers united by their faith in Christ and His Word?
Thanks for the post – much appreciated, and you pull me up on an important distinction.
First minor clarification – I would see “established by the Word” as different from “subject to the body”.
You are correct – scripture is the standard, and no body (denominated or otherwise) can override it. But Scripture is interpreted by fallible people, so God has us test one another’s insights against it (1 Cor 14:29). It is the wisdom of the group that increases the likelihood of a better outcome (Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:17).
However, when a body contradicts the Word, the Word wins (Acts 5:29). But the contradiction may not be real. Pride can affect individuals and bodies alike, so both should stay open to correction from the text. Whatever the outcome, how we handle disagreement is just as important. We need to treat each other with patience, openness and respect, especially for those who see things differently. Unfortunately, it is here where most of the damage in Christianity is done.
Thank you for your profound comments Randall. God bless.
In our time, in this century, it seems God has not raised another credible prophet like Ellen White for our church. Has God stopped speaking to the church? Is still God speaking to the church?
Yes, God is still speaking to His church. Ephesians 4:11–13 identifies prophets among the ministries Christ gave to the Church for its equipping, growth and maturity. Therefore, the absence of universally recognised modern prophets cannot be used to claim that prophecy has ceased. We must be extremely cautious about comparing every contemporary Christian leader with biblical prophets, even with Ellen White. The New Testament clearly presents prophecy as a gift that serves the Church, not necessarily as a position of national prominence or public celebrity. According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, its purposes include edification, exhortation and comfort. Consequently, a prophet who faithfully strengthens a local church may receive little public recognition.
In our time, we must not confine prophetic ministry to focus solely on predicting future events. It should also contribute to discipleship, responsible service, unity and the spiritual development of believers.
In our time, in this century, it seems God has not raised another credible prophet like Ellen White for our church. 1. Has God stopped speaking to the church? 2. Is still God speaking to the church?
Question one. No, we have all we need from Ellen White’s Writings, but do we take the message to heart? In otherwards do we take the principles of the Bible gained from the prophets or apostles and apply them to our lives? Yes, by the power invested from the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:13. For instance, when we gave our hearts to God, we no longer say Jesus is accursed, rather with humility listening to the Holy Spirit we say that Jesus is Lord of my life, simple but for some more complex, or difficult, yet not difficult, because we trust in the Lord, listening to the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3.
Question two: Answer is yes. Through the prophets and apostles of the Bible writings and as companion to the Bible, Ellen White’s Writings, are there for us as lesser light that even though they are lesser light, this lesser light illuminates the Bible. Think about it since the lesser light illuminates the Bible, the Bible has even greater light then before our reading the writings of Ellen White. And it should also impel us to go deeper into the Word of God, a relationship with God is thus established even stronger, another function of the prophets.
Are you now following along with the Acts of the Apostles?
https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p127.867&index=0
The New Testament prophets proclaimed God’s message of edification, exhortation, and comforting the church. Their ministry strengthened believers in faith, encouraged them during trials, and promoted spiritual growth. Paul declares, “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (1 Corinthians 14:3). Their purpose was not pursuit of personal popularity or financial gain, but spiritual strengthening of God’s people in the New Testament.
The prophets helped in building the church and equiping believers for ministry. Together with the apostles, they contributed to establishment of the church upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). Through their ministry, believers were equipped for service, grow in unity of faith, and maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13).
The New Testament prophets also provided spiritual guidance and helped in protecting the church from deception. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit directed the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. However, prophetic messages must be tested against God’s truth, for John commanded, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Genuine New Testament prophecy glorifies Christ, strengthens the church, upholds biblical truth, and directs believers toward God’s mission.
To compare the functions of Old Testament prophets with those of New Testament prophets, one has to bear in mind that there was a shift in the way God dealt with His people. There was a transition from a national covenant community to a universal spiritual body, and this shift changed the setting and, consequently, the function of the prophetic office.
In the Old Testament, the prophets ministered largely within Israel as a theocratic nation. They called the people back to their covenant obligations, confronted kings and rulers, interpreted national events in light of God’s purposes, pronounced divine judgments, and sometimes communicated God’s direction concerning the affairs of the nation. Their ministry therefore carried both spiritual and national implications.
In the New Testament, God’s covenant people are no longer identified with one earthly nation but with a worldwide church drawn from every nation. Prophecy consequently operates not as a governmental office within a theocratic state, but as a spiritual gift within the body of Christ. Its purposes include edifying, exhorting, comforting, warning, correcting, guiding, and preparing God’s people, while continually pointing them to Christ and His revealed truth.
The prophetic gift itself has not become less divine or less authoritative; rather, the sphere in which it functions changed.
The other thing to keep in mind is that prophecy, even in ancient Israel, was not always an everyday thing. We get long periods of time passing when as far as we can tell there weren’t any prophets around (e.g., Samuel not recognizing the Lord’s voice because “the word of the Lord was rare in those days”). It seems reasonable that there were many prophets whose names were not recorded; certainly there were ones who left no writings that have lasted to our time; but we can’t be sure that prophecy was continuous back then, so why should we expect it to be continuous now? Remember Paul’s counsel to the Corinthians: the Holy Spirit gives us the gifts It thinks we need to build up others, which may not be the gifts we think we ought to have.
So many people nowadays say they know what will happen in the future. But what do they really know? The only thing we should care about for the future is hope. Without hope, no future makes sense!