What Is a Prophet?
Session 1
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Text: Deuteronomy 18:15–22
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I. The Need to Define “Prophet”
In modern church language, prophet has become a slippery term—used for preachers, fortune tellers, mystics, or anyone with strong opinions.
Scripture, however, is far more precise. Before studying thirty prophets, we must know what a prophet is and is not.
Deuteronomy 18:15-22 gives one of the clearest definitions, while passages throughout the OT and NT fill in the picture.
II. What a Prophet Is
1. A Prophet Is One Who Speaks the Words of God
Deut. 18:18 — “I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”
The prophet’s defining characteristic is not personal insight or holiness, but verbal communication from God.
Prophets were mouthpieces of God—whether through spoken oracle, written message, or enacted sign.
Hebrew נָבִיא (nābîʼ) — “one who is called/spokesman.”
Greek προφήτης (prophētēs) — “one who speaks forth,” not merely “predicts.”
2. A Prophet Is an Authorized Messenger
Jeremiah 1:7–9 — God sends Jeremiah and puts His words in Jeremiah’s mouth.
Prophets were commissioned, not self-appointed.
Their authority rested on God’s call, not popular recognition or personal gifting.
3. A Prophet Is Sometimes, But Not Always, a Predictor
Prediction is part of prophecy but not its essence.
Moses, Samuel, and John the Baptist gave relatively little predictive content compared to their role as spokesmen for God’s will. They reveal the Word from God, whether it be present or future.
When they did predict, accuracy was absolute (Deut. 18:22).
4. A Prophet Is Distinct from Other Roles
Not the same as priest (who represents the people before God).
Not the same as king (who rules with delegated authority).
The prophet delivers God’s word into time, often confronting kings and priests alike (e.g., Nathan before David, Elijah before Ahab).
III. What a Prophet Is Not
1. A Prophet Is Not a Mere Preacher
While preaching may apply God’s Word, the prophet receives direct revelation.
Many modern evangelicals use “prophet” loosely for bold preachers. That’s not biblical usage.
Example: Amos was “no prophet, neither a prophet’s son” (Amos 7:14), yet when God called, he delivered new revelation—not simply exposition.
2. A Prophet Is Not a Fortune Teller or Mystic
Biblical prophets didn’t gaze into crystal balls, study patterns, or deliver vague “words.”
Their authority came from God’s direct speech, not subjective impressions or riddles.
Balaam illustrates that even a pagan seer can utter true prophecy only when God puts words in his mouth (Num. 23:5).
3. A Prophet Is Not Infallible in Character
Their message was inspired; their lives were not perfect.
Jonah ran away. Balaam was greedy. Samuel misjudged Eliab.
The test of a prophet is not moral perfection but faithfulness to deliver God’s Word accurately.
4. A Prophet Is Not a Permanent Office for Today
Ephesians 2:20 — the church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.”
Prophets were part of God’s revelatory foundation, not an ongoing pipeline of new revelation.
Modern “prophetic movements” often confuse spiritual insight with prophetic office.
IV. Tests of a True Prophet (Deut. 18:20–22)
1. Source Test – Is the message from the LORD or from another source?
2. Accuracy Test – Does the prediction come to pass? If not, the prophet spoke presumptuously.
3. Doctrinal Test – Deut. 13:1–5: Even accurate predictions are rejected if they lead people to other gods or false worship.
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V. Why This Definition Matters for the Series
If we don’t define the term carefully, we’ll read modern notions back into ancient texts.
The 30 prophets we’ll study function within this biblical framework—not as mere teachers or moral voices, but as instruments of revelation in specific times and places.
Their roles, messages, and contexts will make more sense once “prophet” is clearly defined.
Hebrews 1:1–2
> “God… spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets…”
