What Does the Bible Say About Prophets After Jesus?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

The Bible speaks often about prophets—men and women chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people.

Before Jesus, prophets played a major role in guiding Israel, warning against sin, and revealing God’s plans.

But what about after Jesus?

Did prophecy end with His coming, or did God continue to speak through prophets?

Many people wonder whether prophecy is still active today and how to recognize true prophets from false ones.

By looking at Scripture, we can find answers to these important questions.

The Role of Prophets in the Old Testament

Before diving into what happened after Jesus, it helps to understand the role of prophets in the Old Testament.

Prophets were God’s messengers, chosen to speak His words to the people.

They warned against sin, called for repentance, and sometimes foretold future events.

People like Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah served as God’s representatives.

Deuteronomy 18:18-19 states, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth.

He will tell them everything I command him.”

This prophecy pointed to future prophets, including Jesus Himself.

While Old Testament prophets performed miracles and predicted future events, their main role was to speak God’s truth.

They reminded the people of their covenant with God and warned them of consequences for turning away.

Their words were not their own but were given to them by God.

Jesus as the Ultimate Prophet

Jesus was more than just a prophet—He was the Son of God.

However, He was also called a prophet during His ministry.

In John 6:14, after witnessing one of His miracles, people said, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, proving that He was the long-awaited Messiah.

Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”

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This verse suggests a shift—while God once used prophets to deliver His messages, He now speaks through Jesus.

Everything God wants us to know about salvation, grace, and His kingdom has been revealed through Christ.

Prophets in the Early Church

Even after Jesus’ resurrection, prophecy did not disappear.

The New Testament shows that prophets were still active in the early church.

Acts 2:17-18 quotes the prophet Joel:

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

This passage suggests that prophecy would continue beyond Jesus’ earthly ministry.

In Acts 11:27-28, a prophet named Agabus predicted a famine, and the church prepared accordingly.

Another mention of prophets is found in Acts 13:1: “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers.”

Ephesians 4:11 also lists prophets as part of God’s gifts to the church, along with apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

These passages show that prophecy was still present in the early church and played a role in strengthening believers.

The Purpose of Prophets After Jesus

The prophets of the New Testament had a different role than those in the Old Testament.

Rather than introducing new laws or warning Israel of destruction, they encouraged, corrected, and built up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:3 explains, “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.”

Prophecy was not about controlling people or revealing secret knowledge.

It was about bringing clarity and encouragement to believers.

In 1 Corinthians 14:29, Paul gives instructions on how prophecy should be handled in the church:

“Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.”

This means prophecy was to be tested, not blindly accepted.

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If someone claimed to be a prophet, their words had to align with Scripture and be confirmed by others.

Warnings About False Prophets

The Bible strongly warns about false prophets who deceive people.

Jesus Himself cautioned in Matthew 7:15, “Watch out for false prophets.

They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

False prophets can look and sound convincing, but their teachings lead people away from God’s truth.

In 2 Peter 2:1, we see another warning: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.

They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them.”

This shows that false prophets are not just a thing of the past—they will continue to exist.

1 John 4:1 tells believers to test every spirit: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

This means that not everyone who claims to be a prophet is truly speaking for God.

Every prophecy must be examined to see if it aligns with Scripture.

Is There Still Prophecy Today?

Some Christians believe that prophecy ended with the completion of the Bible, while others believe it still continues.

Both views agree on one thing—nothing can replace Scripture.

God’s Word is complete, and no modern prophecy can add to it or take away from it.

Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding or taking away from God’s Word.

Even if prophecy continues today, it must always be tested against the Bible.

If it contradicts Scripture or promotes false teaching, it is not from God.

1 Corinthians 13:8 states, “Prophecies will cease,” leading some to believe that prophecy has already ended.

However, others argue that this verse refers to the return of Christ, when all prophecy will be fulfilled.

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Regardless of whether prophecy continues, believers are called to rely on God’s Word as their ultimate source of truth.

How to Discern True and False Prophets

Because the Bible warns about false prophets, it is important to know how to recognize them.

First, a true prophet’s words will align with Scripture.

Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that even if a prophet performs signs and wonders, they should not be believed if they lead people away from God.

Second, a true prophet’s words will come true.

Deuteronomy 18:22 says, “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.”

Third, a true prophet will display godly character.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit, you will recognize them.”

If a person claiming to be a prophet lives in sin, seeks power, or causes division, they are not speaking for God.

Final Thoughts

The Bible makes it clear that prophets played an important role in both the Old and New Testaments.

Jesus was the ultimate prophet, revealing God’s truth and fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.

After Jesus, prophecy continued in the early church, helping to encourage and guide believers.

However, Scripture also warns about false prophets who deceive people for personal gain.

While some believe prophecy continues today and others believe it has ceased, one truth remains—God’s Word is the final authority.

Any message, whether from a prophet or preacher, must be tested against Scripture.

By studying the Bible and seeking God’s wisdom, believers can stay grounded in truth and avoid deception.