Bible Figure
Prophets of Christianity
Prophets in the biblical and early Christian sense were people called to speak messages from God. The New Testament presents prophecy as a continuing gift in the early church while grounding the Christian message in the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets through Jesus Christ.
Biography
The New Testament repeatedly appeals to Israel's prophets as witnesses to God's promises fulfilled in Christ. It also names prophets within the early Christian community, including Agabus and prophets and teachers at Antioch, and speaks of prophecy as a spiritual gift exercised for the building up of the church. The category must be distinguished from the specific Old Testament prophetic office and from later claims made outside the biblical period. Because this record is collective, individual prophets should be treated in their own figure records where possible.
Biblical Significance
Christian prophecy in the New Testament serves the proclamation and edification of the church under the authority of God's revelation. The apostles consistently test prophetic claims and center the church's faith on Christ and the apostolic Gospel.