A Comprehensive List of Prophets in the Bible
Introduction
The Bible, a sacred text of immense significance, features numerous prophets, individuals entrusted with divine revelations. These prophets acted as messengers and spokespeople for God, conveying his messages and guiding his people. This article provides a comprehensive list of prophets mentioned in the Bible, along with their initial biblical references and the testament era in which they lived.
Old Testament Prophets
Alphabetical Listing
- Aaron (Exodus 7:1)
- Amos (Amos 1:1)
- Azariah (2 Chronicles 15:1)
- Daniel (Daniel 1:17)
- Deborah (Judges 4:4)
- Elijah (1 Kings 17:1)
- Elisha (1 Kings 19:16)
- Enoch (Jude 1:14-15)
- Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:3)
- Ezra (Ezra 7:6)
- Gad (1 Samuel 22:5)
- Haggai (Haggai 1:1)
- Hosea (Hosea 1:1)
- Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1)
- Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5)
- Joel (Joel 1:1)
- Jonah (Jonah 1:1)
- Malachi (Malachi 1:1)
- Micah (Micah 1:1)
- Nahum (Nahum 1:1)
- Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2)
- Obadiah (Obadiah 1:1)
- Samuel (1 Samuel 3:20)
- Shemaiah (2 Chronicles 12:5)
- Zechariah (Zechariah 1:1)
- Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1)
Chronological Listing
- Samuel (1100-1050 BC)
- Nathan (1050-1010 BC)
- Ahijah (930-910 BC)
- Shemaiah (880-840 BC)
- Jehu (840-815 BC)
- Elijah (875-850 BC)
- Elisha (850-800 BC)
- Jonah (760-750 BC)
- Amos (750-730 BC)
- Hosea (750-725 BC)
- Isaiah (740-680 BC)
- Micah (740-700 BC)
- Nahum (720-690 BC)
- Habakkuk (630-600 BC)
New Testament Prophets
Alphabetical Listing
- Agabus (Acts 11:28)
- Anna (Luke 2:36)
- John the Baptist (Luke 1:76)
- Judas (son of James) (Acts 15:22)
- Peter (Acts 10:9)
- Philip (Acts 21:9)
- Silas (Acts 15:32)
- Simeon (Luke 2:25)
- Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18)
- Zechariah (priest) (Luke 1:5)
Note: Peter is primarily considered an apostle, but he also received prophetic visions (Acts 10:9-16).
Significance of Prophets
Prophets played a crucial role in biblical history, serving as a bridge between God and his people. They conveyed God's messages, warned of consequences, and provided guidance and hope. Their prophecies shaped the understanding and beliefs of generations, and their teachings continue to inspire and resonate with people today.
Advice from Biblical Prophets
- Obey God and receive blessings; disobedience leads to curses.
- Be warned of the consequences of disobedience.
- Trust in God's confirmation of past events.
- Study prophecies for future insights.
- Discern true prophets by the fulfillment of their prophecies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prophets in the Bible
Who are the Biblical prophets?
The Bible mentions around 88 prophets, with 63 in the Old Testament and 25 in the New Testament. These prophets were individuals entrusted with divine revelations and served as messengers and spokespeople for God.
What was the role of prophets?
Prophets conveyed God's messages, guiding his people and warning them of consequences. They also prophesied about future events and played a crucial role in shaping the faith and history of Israel.
What are the characteristics of a true prophet?
According to the Bible, true prophets had a genuine relationship with God, spoke his words accurately, and their prophecies came true. False prophets, on the other hand, spoke their own words or messages that did not align with God's will.
What are some prominent prophets in the Old Testament?
Notable Old Testament prophets include Moses, Aaron, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
What are some prominent prophets in the New Testament?
Significant New Testament prophets include John the Baptist, Agabus, Anna, and the apostles Peter, Paul, and Judas.
How do prophets fit into the overall narrative of the Bible?
Prophets played a pivotal role in the unfolding story of God's relationship with his people. They warned of judgment, called for repentance, and pointed to the coming of the Messiah.