ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Female Prophets and Young Pastoral Associates
Read 02:36-38&version=NKJV&src=tools">Luke 2:36-38 and 21:9&version=NKJV&src=tools">Acts 21:9. What do these passages tell us about female prophets?
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In Old Testament times, God called both men and women to be His messengers. In New Testament times, there is clear evidence of female prophets. Anna was the first one called a "prophetess" in the New Testament. She is someone who, in her full-time ministry, "served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And . . . she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him" (Luke 2:37-38, NKJV).
21:9&version=NKJV&src=tools">Acts 21:9 says that Philip had "four virgin daughters who prophesied" (NKJV). New Testament historians, such as Eusebius, have found later texts that mention where they possibly lived, and then were buried. Either way, what we do see are women, most likely young women, who have the prophetic gift. We don't know exactly what they prophesied or the extent of their ministry. One thing, however, that we do know about these young women with the prophetic gift: none of their prophetic words made it into the canon, the Bible. That is, like many others, they were noncanonical prophets, true prophets whose words, writings, whatever, were not made into biblical books.
In addition to women prophets, young pastors worked in close association with apostles. Apostles mentored young leaders for ministry. Paul, for instance, addressed Timothy as "a true son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2, NKJV; see also 04:12&version=NKJV&src=tools">1 Tim. 4:12). Paul taught Timothy the basics of pastoral ministry. He states concerning his calling: "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare" (1 Tim. 1:18, NKJV).
In 01:4&version=NKJV&src=tools">Titus 1:4, Paul introduced Titus as "a true son in our common faith" (NKJV). Paul gave Titus the task of appointing leaders for the believers in Crete, a challenging congregation. He offered young Titus spiritual counsel on how to approach this important responsibility, then concluded: "Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you" (Titus 2:15, NKJV).
Young, old, male, female—we all can have a role to play in God's work. What is your role, and how can you do even more?
