New Testament Prophets
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, NKJV
These devotional questions are original writing for this site, not the official Sabbath School quarterly. Read the full official lesson at ssnet.org.
The same Spirit who spoke through Old Testament prophets kept speaking in the New Testament. The names and the times changed, but the Source never did.
This week we meet Jesus as the greatest Prophet of all, see how apostles and prophets worked side by side, and hear a clear warning about false prophets who would try to imitate the real thing.
Through it all, one thread holds everything together: Jesus at the center, and Scripture as the final word.
Jesus, the Greatest Prophet
Moses said God would raise up “a Prophet like me” from among the people (Deuteronomy 18:15). The New Testament tells us this pointed to Jesus (Acts 3:22). But Jesus was more than a prophet who spoke God's words — He was the Word Himself, present at creation (John 1:1–3).
Who did Peter say Jesus was, when Jesus asked, “Whom do men say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13–16)?
Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He recognized Jesus as far more than just another prophet.
What does John 1:1–3 say about Jesus' role in creation?
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Jesus wasn't just a messenger sent by the Creator — He was the Creator Himself.
What does 2 Peter 1:19 say prophecy is like for those who pay attention to it?
“A light that shines in a dark place.” God's prophetic word gives light and direction until Jesus, the Morning Star, returns.
What does it mean to you that the One who created the universe is the same One who died for your sins?
A personal reflection question worth returning to slowly, rather than answering too quickly.
Apostles and Prophets, Side by Side
In the New Testament, God worked through both prophets and apostles. Paul called himself an apostle, sent by God's will, and said the church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
How did Paul defend his calling as an apostle in 1 Corinthians 9:1–2?
He pointed to what God had done through his ministry as proof, and reminded the Corinthians that they themselves were the result of his apostleship.
What does Ephesians 2:20 say the church is built on?
“The foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Their teaching only stands because Christ is the foundation beneath it.
According to Acts 15:32, what did the prophets Judas and Silas do for the believers?
They “exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.” Not every prophet was an apostle, and not every important ministry made it into a Bible book.
Why do you think the final authority for what we believe about Jesus rests in the Bible, rather than in any one person's teaching today?
A personal reflection question worth sitting with.
What Prophecy Is For
Paul says prophecy brings “edification, and exhortation, and comfort” to God's people (1 Corinthians 14:3). It isn't only for warning — it's also for building people up.
According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, what three things does prophecy bring to believers?
Edification, exhortation, and comfort. Prophecy strengthens and encourages people, not just warns them.
What is the purpose of the gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11–13, including prophets?
To equip believers for ministry and build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in faith and knowledge of Jesus.
How does Revelation 22:6 describe God in relation to the prophets?
He is called “the Lord God of the holy prophets,” whose words are “faithful and true.” What comes from God through His prophets can be trusted.
Has a message from Scripture, or from someone speaking God's truth, ever brought you real comfort in a hard season? What happened?
A personal reflection question, worth answering with a specific memory rather than a general one.
Women and Young Leaders in Ministry
Anna the prophetess served God with prayer and fasting, and spoke about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for Him (Luke 2:36–38). Philip's four daughters also prophesied (Acts 21:9). Alongside them, Paul mentored young leaders like Timothy and Titus for ministry.
What did Anna do with her life, according to Luke 2:37–38?
She served God with fasting and prayer night and day, and when she saw the infant Jesus, she gave thanks and spoke about Him to others.
What does Acts 21:9 tell us about Philip's daughters?
He had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Scripture doesn't record their exact words, but it clearly identifies them as prophets.
How did Paul describe his relationship with Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:2?
He called him “a true son in the faith.” Paul invested in Timothy, training him for ministry rather than doing everything himself.
What does it encourage you to see that God has always used young people, women, and unnamed believers alongside the well-known names of Scripture?
A personal reflection question worth carrying into your own sense of calling.
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
Jesus warned that false prophets would come, some even performing “great signs and wonders” (Matthew 24:24). He said we would know them “by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16–20), not by how impressive they seemed.
What did Jesus say false prophets would look like on the outside, according to Matthew 7:15?
“Ravenous wolves” dressed “in sheep's clothing.” They appear harmless, even trustworthy, while their intentions are destructive.
How did Jesus say we could actually recognize a false prophet (Matthew 7:16–20)?
“By their fruits.” Not by their claims or their charisma, but by what their lives and teaching actually produce over time.
According to Ephesians 6:10–18, what has God given us to protect against deception?
The armor of God — truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God — along with prayer. It's spiritual protection for a spiritual battle.
What helps you personally test whether a teaching or a message truly lines up with Scripture?
A personal reflection question worth being specific about.
Ellen White's Two Priorities
Ellen White said her writings were a “lesser light” meant to lead people to the “greater light” — the Bible. Her ministry always pointed toward two things: Jesus, and Scripture.
What did Ellen White say her writings were meant to do, in relation to the Bible?
She called them a “lesser light” leading people to the “greater light” — Scripture itself. She never wanted her writings to replace the Bible.
What did Ellen White say about her own experience while writing about the life of Christ?
She wrote that she was “deeply wrought upon” and could hardly endure the intensity of feeling as she thought about what Christ suffered for us.
What did Ellen White say Christian teachers and leaders must always teach, according to The Desire of Ages, p. 826?
What Christ Himself taught, both in person and through the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament — not merely human opinion.
Why do you think it matters that a person claiming the prophetic gift keeps pointing people back to Jesus and the Bible, rather than to themselves?
A personal reflection question — worth thinking about as a test for any teaching voice, not only a historical one.
For Discussion
This week we saw Jesus as the greatest Prophet, apostles and prophets working together, and warnings about false prophets. What stood out to you the most?
An open question — there's no wrong answer, only your own honest reflection.
How can a church community help protect its members from being deceived by false teaching?
A question worth discussing concretely, not just in general terms.
Ellen White said her writings pointed to the “greater light” of Scripture. Why is that kind of humility important for anyone in a teaching or ministry role?
A question worth applying to any teacher or leader you personally look up to.
What is one way you can be more like Anna this week — someone who quietly, faithfully points others to Jesus?
A closing question to carry into the week ahead, as this quarter's study continues.
