The Characteristics of True Prophets Biblical Definition of

The Characteristics of True Prophets

Biblical Definition of a Prophet • The Hebrew word nabi, occurring 314 x in the OT, refers to a “a spokesman, speaker, prophet” [Thomas 5030]. • According to the TWOT, “the essential idea in the word is that of authorized spokesman” [Harris, p. 544].

Biblical Definition of a Prophet • The Greek noun prophētēs, occurring 144 x in the NT, a compound of pro [before] and phēmi [to declare, say], refers to “a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of the divine will)” [Thomas 4396]. • Louw & Nida define it as “one who proclaims inspired utterances on behalf of God” [53. 79].

Biblical Definition of Prophecy • The Greek verb prophēteuō, occurring 28 x in the NT, means “to foretell, tell forth, prophesy” [Thomas 4395]. • BDAG say it means “(1) to proclaim an inspired revelation, prophesy; (2) to tell about something that is hidden from view, tell, reveal; (3) to foretell something that lies in the future, foretell, prophesy. ”

Identification of True Prophets • They served as God’s mouthpiece, i. e. , spokesman (Exod. 4: 10 -16; 6: 28 -7: 2; Jer. 1: 910). • They were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Sam. 23: 1 -2; 1 Chron. 28: 11 -19; Neh. 9: 26 -31; 2 Pet. 1: 19 -21).

Identification of True Prophets • They accurately related the past, spoke to the needs of the present, and offered precise predictions of the future (Isa. 41: 21 -29; 42: 59; 43: 8 -13). • They communicated God’s will by various means and measures (Num. 12: 1 -8; Joel 2: 2829; Matt. 17: 1 -8; Heb. 1: 1 -4).

Examples of True Prophets • • • Abraham Ahijah the Shilonite Elijah Elisha Gad Haggai Iddo Isaiah Jehu Jeremiah • • • Jonah Micaiah Moses Nathan Oded Samuel Saul Shemaiah Sons of the Prophets Unnamed Prophets

Jesus, the Greatest Example • Deuteronomy 18: 15 -19 • Acts 3: 19 -26 • Hebrews 1: 1 -2

Characteristics of True Prophets • Commission (2 Sam. 7: 1 -7; Jer. 1: 4 -10; Ezek. 1: 1 -3) • Consistency (Deut. 13: 1 -5; 18: 20 -22; Isa. 8: 1920) • Completeness (Jer. 1: 17 -19; 26: 1 -6; 42: 4 -6) • Corrective (Jer. 1: 9 -10; 25: 4 -7; 44: 4 -6) • Courageous (Ezek. 2: 1 -7; 3: 4 -11; Mic. 3: 5 -8)

Cost & Consequences • • Persecuted Threatened Mistreated Beaten Arrested Imprisoned Killed

Conclusion • Like the prophets of old, we must be willing to endure affliction (Heb. 11: 32 -40; James 5: 10 -11). • As was the case with King Ahab (1 Kings 22: 1 -40), and the Israelites of old (Isa. 30: 9 -17), many today want a soft, smooth, self-serving message; • Yet, true disciples will study to show themselves approved unto God (2 Tim. 2: 15), and will faithfully preach the word, reproving, rebuking, exhorting, with patience and instruction (2 Tim. 4: 1 -5).