11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; — Ephesians 4:11
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. — 1 Corinthians 12:28
Old Testament Prophet
Under the old covenant before Jesus came the Holy Spirit anointed the prophets, priests and kings. There were times He temporarily anointed individuals for specific things. The kingly anointing was a warriors anointing and the priestly anointing was a warriors anointing. The prophetic anointing was the only ministerial anointing under the old covenant.
Characteristics of Old Testament Prophets
- They knew things supernaturally through the spiritual gifts word of wisdom, word of knowledge or the discerning of spirits.
- They saw into the spirit realm by the spiritual gift of discerning of spirits which were visions or dreams also called night visions
- They prophesied through the gift of prophecy
- They gave guidance to people seeking God
- The preached or taught the word of the Lord
The office of the prophet was the most prolific one of the Old Testament. The office of the prophet functions highly in the supernatural, through revelations and visions. Prophets have at two of the revelation gifts operating in their ministry plus the gift of prophecy. The revelation gifts are the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discerning of spirits. The word of wisdom is the supernatural ability to know things concerning the future. In it a revelation of the future. The word of knowledge is the supernatural ability to know facts concerning the past or present. It a revelation of past or present events or facts. The discerning of spirits is seeing into the spirit realm. It includes seeing visions and dreaming dreams. It is the ability to discern in the spirit realm the spirits of that realm. The gift of prophecy is the ability to speak and know mysteries. Every true prophet in the Old Testament had at least two of the revelation gifts and the gift of prophecy. For more information on the revelation gifts and the gift of prophecy go to the spiritual gifts page.
The Characteristics of the New Testament Prophet
The new covenant prophet is similar to the old testament prophet.
- They know things supernaturally
- They see into the spirit realm
- They preach or teach the word of God
- They prophesy through the gift of prophecy
The new testament prophet is different from the old testament prophet in two main ways. First the new testament prophet does not guide the people of God. The Holy Spirit was given to guide His people. The second way the new testament prophet is different from old testament prophet is the new forthtell but the old foretold. In a word the new testament prophet prophesies the possibilities based upon what is already done but the old prophets of the old covenant prophesied about things to come, mostly the coming of Christ.