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Functions of New Testament Prophets
What do 14:3&version=NKJV&src=tools">1 Corinthians 14:3, 04:11-13&version=NKJV&src=tools">Ephesians 4:11-13, and 22:6&version=NKJV&src=tools">Revelation 22:6 tell us about the role of New Testament prophets?
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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 12:10&version=NKJV&src=tools">1 Corinthians 12:10, prophecy is mentioned among other spiritual gifts. In the body of Christ metaphor (1 Cor. 12:27-28), prophets are mentioned after apostles, who also received revelations from God. According to 14:3&version=NKJV&src=tools">1 Corinthians 14:3: "He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (NKJV).
04:11-13&version=NKJV&src=tools">Ephesians 4:11-13 lists a similar cluster of spiritual gifts, as does 1 Corinthians 12. Prophets are mentioned among apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (04:11&version=NKJV&src=tools">Eph. 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" (Eph. 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 Cor. 14:31, NKJV). In times of tribulation and persecution, the gift of prophecy has been a source of encouragement and hope.
In 22:6&version=NKJV&src=tools">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.
