Prophets & Prophecy in the Bible: Their Purpose, Proclamation & Promises

What do you picture when you hear the word “prophet”? Do you imagine someone forecasting the future using the formula: “The Lord says …”? Do you think of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. giving his “I Have a Dream” speech and working toward racial equality? Or perhaps you only picture ancient prophets whose prophecies were fulfilled long ago and have since faded in our modern age? How can one title stir up so many different images? Prophets are associated with hearing the Lord’s word for the future, speaking into situations of injustice, and calling for change. As we better understand who the prophets were, the prophecies they gave, the role of prophecy in the Old and New Testament, and the value of a biblical theology of prophecy, we will better recognize what prophets and prophecy mean for us today. Table of contentsWho were prophets?What was prophecy?What was the message of the prophets?What is a biblical theology of prophecy?Why does prophecy matter today? Who were prophets? First, let’s consider who the prophets were, their role within society, their calling by God, and the future elements of their messages. 1. A prophet’s role in society In the ancient world, prophets serv...