PROPHETS, PROPHETESSES, FALSE PROPHETS
The Bible provides rich teachings on prophets, particularly in the Old Testament. The term “prophet” comes from the Greek word “prophetes,” meaning “to speak for another.” God appointed prophets as His representatives to convey His messages to His people. As St. Peter explains, “No prophecy of scripture is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the Holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God” (2 Pet 1:20-21).
Prophets received divine revelations through visions, dreams, or direct inspiration from God. Their primary role was to call people back to fidelity to God, urging them to repent from sin and live according to God’s covenant. Prophets boldly addressed issues like injustice, idolatry, and hypocrisy in worship, often facing severe opposition and persecution.
In addition to their messages of repentance, prophets also provided hope during times of oppression, foretelling the coming of the Messiah. They described the Messiah’s birth, mission, passion, death, and resurrection. The Gospel of Matthew, for instance, shows how Jesus Christ fulfilled these messianic prophecies.
Major and Minor Prophets
The classification of prophets into major and minor is based on the length of their writings rather than their importance. The major prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The minor prophets, collectively known as “The Twelve,” include Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
Other significant prophetic figures in the Bible are Abraham (Gen 20:7), Moses (Deut 34:10), Samuel (1 Sam 3:20), David (Acts 2:30), Elijah (1 Kgs 18:36), Elisha (1 Kgs 19:16), John the Baptist (Mt 11:9-14), and Jesus Himself (Mt 16:14).
Prophetesses
Scripture also acknowledges several prophetesses, though fewer in number compared to male prophets:
1. Miriam, Moses’ sister (Ex 15:20)
2. Deborah, who was also a judge of Israel (Judg 4:4)
3. Huldah (2 Kgs 22:14)
4. Noadiah (Neh 6:14)
5. Isaiah’s wife (Isa 8:3)
6. Anna, who recognized Jesus at His presentation in the Temple (Lk 2:36)
These women often served in specific, shorter-term roles compared to their male counterparts.
False Prophets
The Bible sternly warns against false prophets who misuse their status as God’s representatives. Deuteronomy 13:2-4 warns the Israelites against those who might lead them astray, even if their predictions seem accurate, as a test of their loyalty to God.
Jesus also cautioned His disciples about false prophets: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Mt 7:15). He further warned that “False messiahs and false prophets will arise, and they will perform signs and wonders so great as to deceive, if that were possible, even the elect” (Mt 24:24).
REFLECTION
As Catholics, we are called to exercise discernment in recognizing true prophetic voices. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the People of God is fitted and prepared to receive this prophetic word” (CCC 785). We must be vigilant against those who claim divine authority without apostolic succession or Church approval.
Our prophetic role as members of the Church is to study and share God’s truth through Jesus Christ. We are called to be witnesses to the Gospel in our daily lives, speaking out against injustice and leading others to Christ through our words and actions. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Every Christian is a prophet” (General Audience, April 19, 2023). Let us pray for the wisdom to recognize authentic prophetic voices in our world today and the courage to fulfill our own prophetic calling as disciples of Christ.