In the Bible, prophets played a major role, sharing messages from God with others. But what does that mean for us today? This post explores what the Bible says about prophets in modern times and whether their role is still important for believers now.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Discouragement
What Does The Bible Say About Prophets Today
1 Corinthians 14:29
“Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of discernment and accountability in the prophetic ministry. It emphasizes the need for prophets to submit their words to the scrutiny of other believers, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their messages.
It serves as a safeguard against false prophecy and encourages a collective approach to discerning God’s voice. Prophets today should embrace this principle, seeking wise counsel and accountability within the body of Christ to provide accurate and edifying messages.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
“Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.”
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the prophetic gift and its role within the church. Believers are instructed not to dismiss or belittle prophecies but rather to test them against Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
It encourages discernment and the pursuit of truth, urging believers to hold onto what aligns with God’s Word and bears witness with their hearts. Prophets today should embrace this mindset, valuing prophecy while also seeking to ensure its alignment with God’s truth.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
This verse emphasizes that prophets are a gift from Christ to the church, alongside other ministry roles. Prophets are given to equip believers for ministry, helping to edify and strengthen the body of Christ.
It highlights the vital role prophets play in building up the church and advancing God’s kingdom. Prophets today should recognize their calling to equip and edify the body of Christ, using their prophetic gifts to empower believers and fulfill God’s purposes.
2 Peter 1:20-21
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
This verse emphasizes the divine origin of prophecy. It highlights that Scriptural prophecies were not products of human interpretation or will, but rather were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Prophets today should operate in humility, recognizing that their messages should align with God’s Word and be led by the Holy Spirit. They should seek to faithfully deliver the messages entrusted to them rather than adding personal interpretations or agendas.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse highlights the importance of discernment in evaluating the authenticity of prophetic messages. It warns against blindly accepting every spirit but instead urges believers to test the spirits to ensure their alignment with God’s truth.
Prophets today should exercise discernment and encourage believers to do the same, guarding against false prophets who may deceive and lead astray. Testing the spirits helps ensure that true prophetic words are received and false ones rejected.
Jeremiah 23:16
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’”
This verse serves as a warning against false prophets who proclaim messages that do not originate from God. It cautions against placing trust in those who speak out of their own imagination instead of being led by the Lord.
Prophets today should be cautious, ensuring that their messages are truly from God and do not give false hope. They should seek to stay closely connected to God, allowing their prophecies to flow from a genuine relationship with Him.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
This verse underscores the need to be cautious and discerning when it comes to recognizing false prophets. It warns that false prophets may appear harmless or even righteous on the outside but that their true nature is deceptive and harmful.
Prophets today should be vigilant and encourage believers to be discerning, being aware that false prophets exist and may try to deceive. Staying rooted in the Word of God and being led by the Holy Spirit can safeguard against being led astray by false prophets.
1 Corinthians 14:3
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
This verse highlights the purpose of prophecy: to strengthen, encourage, and bring comfort to people. Prophets today should focus on delivering messages that edify and uplift believers, helping them to grow in their faith and find hope in God.
Prophetic words should not be aimed at tearing down, causing fear, or promoting division but rather should be used to build up the body of Christ and draw people closer to God’s love and grace.
Acts 13:1-2
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
This passage showcases the presence of prophets within the early church and their involvement in discerning the will of the Holy Spirit. The prophets, alongside teachers, played a role in worshiping and seeking God’s guidance.
Prophets today should recognize the importance of partnering with other giftings within the body of Christ, seeking God’s direction collectively and functioning as part of a united community. Through worship, prayer, and fasting, prophets can discern and deliver specific assignments from the Lord.
Amos 3:7
“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
This verse underscores the cooperative relationship between God and His prophets. It emphasizes that the Lord communicates His plans and purposes to His servants, the prophets.
Prophets today should cultivate a close and intimate relationship with God, spending time in His presence and seeking His heart, in order to receive divine insights and messages. By aligning with God’s plans, prophets can play a significant role in advancing His kingdom on earth.
Joel 2:28-29
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
This prophecy from Joel speaks of a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out, enabling believers of all ages and both genders to prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions.
Prophets today should recognize that the gift of prophecy is not limited to a select few but is available to every believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit. This passage encourages prophets to embrace and empower others to operate in the prophetic, fostering an environment where all can hear God’s voice.
Acts 2:17-18
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
This passage, quoted by the Apostle Peter at Pentecost, reiterates the widespread availability of the prophetic gift in the last days. It emphasizes that men, women, young, and old will all have the ability to prophesy as the Spirit is poured out.
Prophets today should celebrate the fact that both men and women can operate in the prophetic, breaking down gender barriers and encouraging all believers to pursue and develop their prophetic gifts. This verse also highlights the inclusivity and equality found in God’s Kingdom.
Acts 19:6
“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
This verse recounts an incident where believers in Ephesus received the Holy Spirit and subsequently prophesied. This demonstrates that the reception of the Holy Spirit can activate the prophetic gift within individuals.
Prophets today should recognize that the infilling of the Holy Spirit can ignite and enhance their prophetic ability. They should seek to cultivate a deep relationship with the Spirit and be open to His leading and empowerment in their prophetic ministry.
1 Corinthians 14:31
“For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.”
This verse encourages believers to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy and emphasizes the value of prophetic ministry within the church. It highlights that through the operation of the gift of prophecy, everyone can share in instructing and encouraging one another.
Prophets today should recognize their role in equipping and empowering other believers to prophesy, creating a culture where the prophetic gift is activated and utilized for the edification of the entire body of Christ.
Numbers 11:29
“But Moses replied, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!’”
In this verse, Moses expresses the desire for all the people of God to be prophets, filled with the Spirit and carrying His messages. It reflects a vision of the entire community walking closely with God and speaking His words with authority.
Prophets today should echo this sentiment, desiring to see a prophetic awakening in the body of Christ. They should encourage and empower believers to seek God’s Spirit and hear His voice, to speak prophetically into the world around them.
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
In this verse, Paul reminds Timothy not to neglect the prophetic gift that he received through the laying on of hands by the elders. It highlights the significance of spiritual impartation and the role of prophetic activation in Timothy’s life and ministry.
Prophets today should encourage believers to recognize and steward their prophetic gifts, not allowing them to lie dormant or be neglected. They should also affirm the importance of spiritual impartation and activation through the laying on of hands within the body of Christ.
Deuteronomy 18:22
“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.”
This verse serves as a guideline for evaluating the authenticity of a prophet’s message. It emphasizes that if a prophetic word does not come to pass, it should not be attributed to the Lord. False prophecies should not cause alarm but rather serve as a discernment tool.
Prophets today should understand the weight of their responsibility in delivering accurate and trustworthy messages. They should exercise care and humility, recognizing that false prophecies can harm the credibility of the prophetic ministry.
Revelation 19:10
“At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.’”
In this verse, an angel corrects John when he attempts to worship him, emphasizing that prophecy ultimately testifies to Jesus and should direct worship towards God alone. It highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in prophetic revelation.
Prophets today should have a deep reverence for Jesus and the Word of God, recognizing that the ultimate purpose of prophecy is to point people to Jesus and bring glory to God. The Holy Spirit is the source and guide of prophetic revelation.
1 Chronicles 29:29
“As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer, the records of Nathan the prophet and the records of Gad the seer.”
This verse acknowledges the role of the seers and prophets as recorders of significant events in the history of God’s people. The seers and prophets mentioned here were faithful in documenting the works and words of God.
Prophets today should recognize the importance of preserving and recording prophetic messages, testimonies, and encounters with God. This helps build a spiritual legacy and serves as a testimony of God’s faithfulness for future generations.
2 Chronicles 20:20
“Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”
This verse encourages trust in the Lord and His prophets. It highlights the interdependence between faith in God and faith in the prophetic word.
Prophets today should strive for integrity and accuracy in their prophetic ministry, facilitating trust and faith in their words. Believers should also hold a positive posture towards the prophetic, seeking to align themselves with God’s purposes and promises.