JEFF TURNER
Among the leadership roles Paul describes in Ephesians, prophets occupy a distinct place alongside apostles, evangelists, and pastor-teachers. Understanding this role requires distinguishing between a general sense of speaking truth and a specific, recognized office within the early Christian community.
While anyone preaching or teaching could loosely be described as prophesying, the formal office of prophet referred to specially appointed individuals serving within local congregations, distinct from the apostles who travelled to plant new churches. These prophets appear to have received direct revelation intended for their specific community, though their messages still required validation from fellow prophets and had to align with established apostolic teaching.
In essence, the apostles functioned somewhat like the early evangelists of their day, spreading the gospel across new territory, while the prophets functioned more like resident teaching pastors, instructing and guiding congregations already established.
Doesn’t this explain why, once the apostolic era concluded, the offices naturally transitioned into the ongoing roles of evangelists and teaching pastors that continue within churches today.
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and consolation.
1 Corinthians 14:3
Texas Gospel Canada Southern Gospel Radio 