How Many Prophets Came After the Birth of Jesus?
The New Testament, specifically Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, paints a vivid picture of the era that followed the birth of Jesus. These gospels, along with the letters penned by apostles like Paul, Timothy, James, and Jude, paint a complex and multifaceted landscape of prophetic figures and spiritual gifts.
The End of Biblical Prophecy and the Post-Jesus Era
John the Baptist is remembered as the last of the true prophets before the birth of Jesus. However, the period following the life of Jesus saw a resurgence in spiritual gifts such as prophecy. The apostles, who were themselves considered prophets, engaged in various spiritual ministries. Their practices and teachings laid the foundation for the early Christian church, but they too were the last to publicly write prophecies.
By divine decree, John the beloved apostle was instructed to forbid any additional writings, whether doctrinal or outside of the Bible. This distinctly emphasizes that the canon of the Bible was closed.
Thus, while there have been thousands who have claimed the gift of prophecy, these individuals were not recognized as biblical prophets. According to scripture, these modern-day prophets minister within the context of church edification and do not claim to introduce new doctrines or write additional holy texts.
False Prophets and Their Warnings
Unfortunately, throughout history, there have also been many individuals claiming to be prophets, often under the guise of spreading God's message. However, the Bible clearly warns against such false prophets. Revelation 22:16-21 emphasizes that true prophecies come directly from God, not from mere human efforts or manipulations.
In this passage, Jesus Himself affirms that He has sent an angel to testify to the truths contained in the Bible. He urges the reader to abide by these teachings and warns that any addition or subtraction from the book of prophecy will result in severe consequences. This includes not only the societal and spiritual punishments mentioned in the Bible but also the loss of one's place in the spiritual realm.
The Resounding Call for Authenticity
The gravity of this warning is made clear in the closing verses of Revelation 22. Jesus asserts His imminent return and implores His followers to hold fast to the truths of scripture. The third and final time He publicly announces His return, and He concludes with a prayerful blessing, strengthening the authenticity of His message.
In essence, the history of prophecy since the birth of Jesus is marked by both authentic ministry and false teaching. While there have been many who have claimed the gift of prophecy, true God-given prophecy is rooted in the writings of the New Testament and the ongoing practice of the Christian faith as guided by divine principles.
Conclusion
The reverence for true prophecy and the caution against false prophets are foundational to the Christian faith, as demonstrated in the New Testament and reinforced by Revelation. While the number of individuals who have claimed the gift of prophecy might be numerable, it is the authenticity and divine origin of prophecy that holds true significance in the eyes of God.
For those seeking to discern between true and false prophecy, adherence to the teachings of the Bible and understanding the historical context of prophecy can provide clarity. By doing so, one can navigate the complexities of spiritual claims and maintain a unwavering faith grounded in truth and divine inspiration.