The Office of the Prophet
The Office of the Prophet
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11–12 (NKJV)
God has always spoken to His people, and one of the ways He continues to do so is through the office of the prophet. While prophecy as a gift is available to all believers through the Holy Spirit, the office of the prophet carries a unique responsibility. Prophets are not given to entertain or predict the future for personal benefit. Their calling is to strengthen, guide, and correct the church so that the body of Christ can be built up and equipped for ministry.
In the New Testament, we see prophets like Agabus and Silas offering confirmation, warning, and encouragement to the early church. They were not lone voices, but served within the community of believers. Their words carried weight because they flowed from accountability, relationship, and obedience to God. True prophetic ministry is never self-serving; it points people back to Christ and His purposes.
Jesus also gave us wisdom about discerning prophets: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). A true prophet’s life will reflect the character of Christ and bear fruit that brings glory to God. If their words sow division, promote self-exaltation, or contradict Scripture, they are not operating in the Spirit of God. Genuine prophets lead people to repentance, to unity, and to a deeper love for Jesus.
For us today, understanding the office of the prophet helps us discern the difference between personal impressions and God-ordained direction. It reminds us that prophecy is not about spectacle but about service. Prophets help the church stay aligned with God’s truth, and their ministry, when authentic, always leads to greater unity and maturity among believers.
Reflection: When you hear someone claim to speak for God, do you consider the fruit of their life and ministry? How can you develop discernment to recognize what is truly from the Spirit?
