what is the role of Prophets in the NT?
Lets look for examples in Acts and elsewhere dating to after the Resurrection since that is when the Holy Spirit and his gifts are given.
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That's a good question, in light of the modern Charismatic movement especially!
I actually think the role is much more minor compared to what most Charismatics claim. (If you look at the mention of people who are called "prophets" in the NT, it is substantially smaller than OT prophets) NT Prophets like Agabus provided guidance and encouragement to the body etc.
Saint John the Divine is a person who sort of is an exception to this, but then again he was not just a prophet but was one of the apostles, and not just a apostle but part of Christ's most inner circle of followers.
This is of course much different that what many Charismatics claim or expect. They assume or expect a prominent role of prophets today that mirrors the role played in the days of the Old Testament.
In closing, I will say the Didache written in the time of the Apostolic Fathers, I believe sheds a lot of light on this issue since it shows how primitive Christians operated just after the last books of the NT were written.
1Co 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts,
but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1Co 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;
but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues,
but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge,
or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts,
seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:
but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1Co 14:24
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.
Let all things be done unto edifying.
1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course;
and let one interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Co 14:29
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
I guess it is time to stop being novices and babes in Christ and fully understand the validity and purpose of Prophets, Prophesying, and Prophesy,
IN, TO and FOR the Church.
We cannot compare what Prophets did in the Old Testament with regard to the Position of a Prophet in the New Testament and in the Church of today.
The Holy Spirit speaks through the Prophet for the Edification of the Church (Body), HE also speaks through the one who has the Gift of Interpretation.
1Co 14:38
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
