What Is a Prophet

- by Gabriel Voorhees

Part 1: The Biblical Identity of a Prophet

A prophet is not a mystical fortune-teller or a spiritual hobbyist. Biblically defined, a prophet is a man or woman chosen, consecrated, and commissioned by God to speak His words, His will, and His warnings.

  • Called, Not Self-Appointed: Calling precedes function. (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Amos).

  • Bears God’s Authority: They don’t speak about God; they speak for God (Deuteronomy 18:18).

  • Carries the "Burden" (Massa): A prophet’s heart is wrapped around the message (Hosea, Habakkuk).

  • Spiritually Mature: The vessel must be shaped by obedience and endurance (Moses, Daniel).

Part 2: Old Testament Function

In the Old Covenant, prophets functioned with a specific legal and national mandate:

  1. Covenant Enforcers: Functioning like "covenant attorneys" to call Israel back to the Law.

  2. Counsellors to Kings: They advised leadership but never bowed to them (Nathan, Elisha).

  3. Outside the System: Often standing in opposition to religious or political structures (Amos, Elijah).

Part 3: New Testament Continuity and Change

Prophecy develops in the New Testament but remains a core leadership function:

  • Governing Leadership: Part of the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20).

  • From Nation to Body: Addressing the Church rather than a single theocratic nation.

  • Equipping: Focusing on the maturity and unification of believers.

Part 4: Office vs. Gift of Prophecy

It is vital to distinguish between the temporary gift and the lifelong office:

FeatureThe Gift of ProphecyThe Office of ProphetScopeFor many; often temporary.For the few; lifelong appointment.FunctionEncouragement, comfort, exhortation.Governs, guards doctrine, shapes movements.AuthorityNo governmental authority.Carries weight, accuracy, and commission.

Part 5: The Weight of Prophetic Ministry

The path is defined by three heavy realities:

  • Holiness: A high standard for utterance and life.

  • Suffering: Often resisted by the very people they are sent to help.

  • Loneliness: Seeing what others ignore and hearing what others do not.

Part 6: Summary Statement

A prophet is a divinely chosen mouthpiece who carries God’s words, bears His burden, and speaks with Heaven’s authority, revealing His heart, His warnings, and His will.

Part 7: The Great Prophetic Shift

John the Baptist → The Cross → Revelation

1. John the Baptist: The Hinge

Jesus said, “The Law and the Prophets prophesied until John.” John is the final Old Covenant prophet.

  • The Fulfillment of Amos 3:7: God does nothing without revealing it. John is the "megaphone" before the Messiah.

  • Bridge Between Covenants: He carries the fire of the Old and the dawn of the New.

  • The Wilderness Voice: Proving that prophets prepare nations for God and kings for accountability.

2. The Cross: The Dividing Line

At the Cross, judgment is absorbed. Prophetic function shifts from announcing legal wrath to revealing the finished work of Christ.

3. Revelation 19:10: The New Center

“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

In the OT, prophecy pointed forward to a coming King. In the NT, prophecy radiates outward from Christ. He is no longer just the subject; He is the Source.

Part 8: The Seamless Line of Prophecy

The Forerunner (John)The Foundation (Jesus)The Empowerment (The Spirit)Finishes the Old.Begins the New.Empowers the Church.Announces the King.Establishes the Kingdom.Reveals the King through prophecy.Prepares the world for Jesus.Prepares the world for the Cross.Prepares the world for the Spirit.

The Whole Transition in One Line:

John stands between two worlds: the final prophet of the old and the herald of the new; at the Cross, judgment is absorbed and prophecy shifts from announcing wrath to revealing Jesus; and Revelation completes the arc: all prophecy flows from Him, reveals Him, and leads back to Him.

Michael Sitko