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Does the gift of prophecy still exist today?

by Stephen Davey

Meredith asks, "I've heard a pastor who is preaching that prophets are alive and well in this present time. Is this true?

The gift of prophecy is found in Ephesians 4:11. It was a temporary gift that God gave to the early church as the church was being established. According to Ephesians 2:20, the church was built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets.

The prophet had one main function. He was to proclaim a message from God. That message would be either a new revelation of truth from God, or a prediction of something that would come in the future. 

The reason God gave prophets to the early church, as well as to Old Testament saints, is because they did not have the completed Bible. Some early Christians only had access to parts of the New Testament, because it was being written at that time. The last book of the New Testament, Revelation, was not completed until John was very old, so it was late in the first century. So, God used prophets to teach the people. And of course, the apostles and prophets were the authors of the New Testament. 

Now that we have the Bible, there is no need for prophets today. That’s why it was a temporary gift, only for the early church. Today, pastors and teachers of the Bible are not prophets. They take God’s revealed Word, and help others understand what it says and what it means. But they are not the recipients of any new truth, they are not receiving new revelations from God, and they are not receiving visions about the future. 

It’s possible that someone might use the title “prophet” to simply refer to forth-telling, or proclaiming truth that is revealed in the Bible. I think it’s best to be more careful with language. To call yourself a prophet has connotations that you are receiving new truth or predicting the future. Titles like pastor or teacher would be better and less confusing.

I hope this helps!

GO DEEPER:

Modern-Day Prophets: What the Bible Reveals About Their Role and Impact Today

In today’s world of spiritual confusion and competing messages, many people are drawn to the idea of “modern-day prophets”—individuals who claim to speak fresh revelation from God. But what does the Bible actually say? From a conservative evangelical perspective, we believe that the office of prophet—as one who speaks direct, divine revelation on behalf of God—has ceased with the completion of the biblical canon. While God certainly uses pastors, teachers, and bold voices to proclaim truth today, the authoritative role of a prophet is no longer active. This article explores biblical prophecy in its historical context, its fulfillment in Christ, and how God’s Word remains our final and sufficient guide for truth today.

Understanding the Concept of Prophecy in the Bible

In the Bible, prophecy is God’s supernatural communication to His people through chosen individuals. Prophets in both the Old and New Testaments served as God’s mouthpieces, delivering His warnings, promises, and instruction. Prophetic messages weren’t simply about predicting the future—they revealed God’s character, called people to repentance, and pointed forward to the coming Messiah. Importantly, these messages were always consistent with God’s revealed truth.

In the New Testament, prophecy confirmed the gospel and authenticated the authority of the apostles. As Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV) states, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” This shift underscores the completed revelation of God in Christ and through Scripture.

Historical Overview of Prophets in the Old Testament

Prophets such as Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah played key roles in Israel’s spiritual life. Moses spoke with God face to face (Exodus 33:11), Elijah confronted false worship with power, and Isaiah prophesied about judgment and the coming Savior. These prophets often delivered unpopular messages that called the people back to God.

Prophets were called by God, often through direct revelation, and were confirmed through miraculous signs or fulfilled predictions. Their authority came not from popularity or charisma, but from divine appointment. The Old Testament prophets also foreshadowed the greater Prophet to come—Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15).

The Role of Prophets in the New Testament

The New Testament introduces Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate Prophet. He not only proclaimed God’s truth but embodied it. As John 1:14 (ESV) declares, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

While the early church did include prophets (e.g., Acts 11:27–28), their function was tied to the foundational period of the church. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:20 that the household of God is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Once that foundation was laid and the New Testament was completed, the need for authoritative prophets ceased.

Characteristics of Biblical Prophets vs. Modern Claims

Biblical prophets were uniquely commissioned by God, often receiving direct revelation through visions or audible speech. Their words carried divine authority and were to be obeyed as if God Himself had spoken.

Today, many who claim to be “prophets” speak messages that either contradict Scripture or add to it—both of which are forbidden (Revelation 22:18-19). From a biblical standpoint, modern individuals may have strong convictions, insight, or spiritual influence, but they do not receive new, authoritative revelation from God.

Instead of seeking modern-day “prophets,” Christians are called to faithfully proclaim what God has already revealed in Scripture. Preachers and teachers today are not inspired prophets—they are expositors of the already-inspired Word.

The Danger of Modern-Day Prophets

Claiming to speak new revelation from God undermines the sufficiency and finality of the Bible. Scripture is God’s complete and perfect Word for us today (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Seeking new messages from self-proclaimed prophets can lead people away from God’s truth.

False prophets have always been a danger to God’s people. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15 ESV). The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to test every message by Scripture (1 John 4:1).

Discerning Truth in a Post-Prophet Age

In the absence of modern-day prophets, how do we discern truth? Through God’s Word. Scripture is our final authority. While God may prompt or guide us through circumstances or the counsel of others, He does not give new, binding revelation. The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply what has already been revealed.

The gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10) and the teaching of sound doctrine are essential for the church. Spiritual leaders today must be trained in rightly handling the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), not in claiming prophetic authority.

The Role of Preaching and Teaching Today

Pastors, elders, and Bible teachers serve the church today by explaining and applying Scripture. While they may speak with boldness and conviction, their words must always be tested by the Bible. They do not replace the role of prophets—they proclaim the once-for-all delivered faith (Jude 3).

Churches thrive when leaders commit to expositional preaching, clear doctrine, and gospel-centered ministry—not personality-driven “prophetic” movements. The role of every Christian is to know God’s Word deeply and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Conclusion: Standing on the Sure Foundation

From Genesis to Revelation, prophets served God’s purposes in redemptive history. But with the coming of Christ and the completion of the Bible, God has spoken fully and finally through His Son and His Word.

We do not need new messages from modern prophets. We need faithful messengers who will proclaim what God has already said. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)—sufficient for salvation, discipleship, and every good work.

Let’s hold fast to Scripture as our authority, trusting the Spirit to illuminate its truth, and proclaiming the gospel with courage and clarity in a world desperate for truth.

“For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7 ESV)

And He has revealed it. In His Word, once and for all.

Add a Comment

Comments

Reeba Ajith says:
Thank you so much for that crisp explanation. It was very helpful.
MOSES GWALI says:
Helpful.
Sheree Storms says:
I believe these to be the end of times because of the Bible. You're stating, no there are no prophets. I do not believe that. The Bible states that you can tell the difference by it coming true every time not just occasionally plus Luke then quotes our verse from Joel in Acts 2:17, 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. Inhave been around may teachers of theology and believe me, most teach the Bible completely wrong. Please read the Bible every day and every year, pray and meditate on the word. Find the True answers yourself, and do NOT depend on someone's opinion or their teaching. This is your eternity we're talking about, that's more important to than them, I promise you. May God be with you all.
Robert says:
Joel, 2:28 "And it will come about after this... After what? It's important that when we read the bible to read it in context with the chapter and verse. What you sited in Joel, is concerning the millennium, or end times, it is not speaking of today. Perhaps you should evaluate more closely why you think the pastors are all wrong. Maybe their right, and it's you who isn't understanding.
Alphonse Ndihokubwayo says:
I also disagree with today self proclaimed prophet , in Hebrew 1:1-2 in the past God spoke to us through prophets but in these last days God spoke to us through his son

In Joel 2 God was quoting to what will happen in last days whereby people will see signs and wonders in the sky not invented and false dreams of today thieves pertaining to things
Jay K. Chakma says:
Jesus knows better than you & me. Please pray & ask from Him. But don't judge one another. Because this is not fair before God. Haven't you heard "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever". Nothing is impossible with God. Can't I prophecy or see the future? Yes. I can see what is going to happen tomorrow in my dreams or direct and indirect visions. Please note: Not all my dreams are visions. Whatever I see, happens before 24 hours everyday... Am I a prophet? Can't I heal the sick? May the grace of Jesus Christ be with us. Amen.
Gordon Klassen says:
Those who say the gifts of the Holy Spirit have passed are using this as an excuse for not seeing the power of God in their own lives. There are over a billion Christians in the world who can testify that the gifts are all in full operation today. If we have the Holy Spirit we have access to His promises. I know. I came from a church that preached this powerless gospel but once I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit I was gloriously able to access the gifts which allowed me to grow in my faith and reach others with Christ through their operation. The world needs to see the power of God in action and not the flimsy excuses of a watered down gospel. I leave this with important message from the Bible for the Church today: 1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
Barry Wilkerson says:
In the latter times I will pour out my spirit on my sons and daughters and they shall prophecy
Gabriel G Paye says:
Still need clarity on this matter. What should be our stand on this matter?
Randy says:
prophets still do exist i know because i am Gods prophet, i have been transcribing the word of God for many years and it will be ready for you soon and all will know who is God what is life, heaven and hell.
SANDRA Y MILLER says:
Hello, I just read this today and i want to ask you a question. So are you saying that the Lord doesn't need prophets any more because HE doesn't have a message for a certain person that's personal and HE'S wanting to relate to them personally to let them know without a doubt that HE'S really with you and HE can speak to you through someone else by giving details that no one knows; BUT GOD!! . We are in the present and we still need them concerning our lives . I do not agree with you because I know my purpose not anyone else's. I know who I am and i will not let any man tell me who I am , for the LORD told me in a vision and believe me I was not seeking the LORD like that cause i was living my best life so I thought, but GOD showed me who I truly was, HE separated me from one place to another to get my attention, I let HIM do the rest and I've been with HIM ever since. To GOD be the GLORY!!!
Sandra says:
This is not true. Our lord christ said he would leave the "helper"meaning the holy spirit who has left the spiritual gifts for us. Prophecy is very needed today since we are not yet in eternity. When we go to the father and the end of times come it will no longer be needed because we will be in the presence of God so of course why else need it. Today God is manifesting but just not everywhere and this is why people rather say that it was only for the old times since they don't see the manifestation. But God is living and he speaks to guide and comfort his children. Go to Church of God ministry of Jesus Christ International and receive prophecy. see for yourself!
Jackie says:
Why would you say that God is not speaking any new revelations for today. Can you please show me where it says that prophets and prophecy is not for today. Has God taken back a gift He has given? This question recently came up in a Bible study class. Help please. Thanks Blessings to you!
Comfort Ndzumeni says:
Why do you need the Holy Spirit if you still need a prophet. The Holy Spirit is God in you. So why do you need another person. Who is greater and more truthfull, The Holy Spirit or prophets. Then a sangoma is also a prophet.
Enoch says:
Please don't let this man fool you, because the title prophet wasn't a temporal thing, but a person who bring lords message decode it into a more understandable form for humans. Prophets still exist today. if they was only used in the old testament when the bible isn't fully written but yet people were more fearful and closes to god then ever?. Please read the bible your self. i am an example of one a prophet. read the bible and ask the holy spirit to guide you to find the answers. peace be upon you. Amen
Donna Paxton says:
I have a question. Would Dr. Martin Luther King be an example of a a modern day prophet? Although he was not perfect as all humans have sin, to me he was like a modern day David to stand up against such a huge enemy.
Christian Nkem says:
The First Scripture you quoted explains why There are Prophet in the days of the early church and even in our day today. 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
charlee says:
You say prophecy was only a temporary gift used and mentioned in the Old Testament... but in 1 Chorinthians 14, it explicitly states that the greatest of all the spiritual gifts is prophecy, and that we are to desire the gift of prophecy. If this is found in the New Testament, under the new law that we are to follow, how could this NOT point to the fact that prophecy is still in use today? Furthermore, God desires a connection with his children, and desires to be known to them. Why would he not reveal Himself to us, whether it be through prophecy or through a visitation? The Bible says that it is not His will that any should perish. Why would a personal God take such an impersonal approach to His people?
Mark A Kellenberger says:
True prophet's of God are alive and well today. RABBI Jonathan Cohan is one of them. Amen, Amen and AMEN !!!
Jim Ash says:
You wrote: "Now that we have the Bible, there is no need for prophets today. That’s why it was a temporary gift, only for the early church." This logic seems to be in error. The Jews had The Torah, yet God sent prophets to them. In Deuteronomy 18:18 (NIV) God says, "I will raise up for them a prophet ... I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him." Speaking of future events accurately is not the only sign of a prophet. Most, if not all prophets spoke out about sin and called for repentance. Today's typical American Church does not much resemble the Biblical Church. So it seems clear we need prophets just as much now as the Jews did.
Karen says:
I disagree. I grew up in a Christian denomination that taught gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed to believers at the moment of salvation in Jesus Christ. As for the spiritual gift of prophecy, I go by 1 Corinthians 12:10.
Julio says:
Do you believe the two witnesses spoken of in revelation pass the right to be titled prophets of God?
Brandon says:
Do you believe that falsifying a baptism deprives one of a true relationship with GOD???
Kierra says:
That’s statement is false! There is a need for prophets, and there are still prophets on assignment here today on earth. Acts 2:17
Isaac kadayera says:
Which church was built on the foundations of the apostles and the prophets, who's the founder? Is the church still exists?
Shauna says:
I believe there are prophets, but they're not youtubers that are trying to make easy money. The holy spirit can use any of us to speak to someone. I'm leary of people that claim to be prophets. I'm especially leary of all the youtubers claiming to be prophets.
Mel Williams says:
You say they is no need for prophets today, I beg to differ, especially with how greedy and despicable human beings behave today.
Dr. Paula A. Price, PhD says:
Your argument is flawed. The word "prophet" appears 72 times in the New Testament, "prophets" 89 times, "prophecy" 15 times, and "prophecy" an additional 15 times. Of the approximate 88 times prophets are featured in Scripture, 25 of them appear in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, who came to earth as the Great Prophet Moses foretold would come, canonized His Scriptures in Luke 24:44 and does not mention pastors or teachers. Revelation 11 foretells of the two prophets who will be killed and raptured. There is infinitely more such as Silas, Agabus, Judas, and more. Against this plethora of prophets, prophecy references, the New Testament mentions prophets once in Ephesians 4:11. They do not appear in 1 Corinthians 12:28,29. Aside from the ecumenical kuriakon seizure of Jesus' ecclesia, there is no basis for your errant response. By the way, I am the author of The Prophet's Dictionary, 1 and 2.
Diana Becker says:
I function in the office of Prophet to the Nations Daughter of America The Lord has given me much revelation for America and .many visions. The Lord is calling America to Biblical righteousness. If we don't have righteousness we are going to have a GREAT BIG WAR. China China and China will be in that war! REPENT AMERICA! Go back to the God of our Fathers. America was founded by Christians on Biblical principles! He wants me to concentrate on crusades and broadcasting! Prophets are in this world today. I know many others. Seek to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit Acts 2 Jesus Christ is y Baptizer in the Holy Spirit! He instructed the church before His Ascension to go tarry in the upper room until they had been endued with power from on high and then they would become witnesses of Him in all the earth! Jesus is coming for His repentant blood washed church! PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD!!!
Marlo Savage says:
Thank you. You have confirmed what God has impressed on me.
Hope says:
Sir, I respect the limited knowledge that you have in sharing this message, but I can assure you I have been a spirit filled born again believer for 40 years this year and the need for profits and apostles is greater now than ever in our lifetime. The office of the profit and profits do exist …. This statement…“ now we have the Bible, there is no need for prophets” is totally your opinion and you should clearly state that as a true source to your readers instead of your opinion. For over 40 years, I have witnessed the gift of prophecy and profits in action as the Bible says at a fight and exhort and encourage the believers.. I would highly recommend for you, sir to fast and pray and seek out the Holy Spirit for yourself about your message and the truth. I say this in love to you, brother in Jesus name.
John A Dye says:
I am forever committed to bring clarity and truth of God's finish work to our ministry. Thank you for this wisdom and truth 🙏
Jonathan says:
1 Corinthians 13 makes it clear that these revelatory gifts are temporary and will stop.

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