In the book of Genesis, Adam speaks directly with God—receiving commands, instructions, and even judgments. This kind of divine communication is often associated with the role of a prophet throughout the Bible. Yet, Adam is not explicitly called a prophet in Scripture, nor is he commonly regarded as one in most Christian traditions. Why is that the case? Does the biblical or theological definition of a prophet involve more than just direct communication with God—such as delivering God's message to others, foretelling future events, or leading a covenant community? I’d appreciate perspectives from Scripture, early Church Fathers, and major Christian traditions.

Deuteronomy 18:21–22 says that if a prophet’s words do not come to pass, then the Lord has not spoken through them. This seems to suggest that fulfilled prophecy is a sign of true prophecy. Some Christians also believe that Satan does not know the future in the way God does (i.e., perfectly and completely), so any accurate future prediction would necessarily come from God. However, in Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns of false prophets performing great signs and wonders that could deceive even the elect if that were possible. Does this imply that even seemingly accurate future predictions could come from deceptive sources? So my question is: Can fulfilled predictions about the future be used as a reliable test to determine whether a prophet is truly from God, considering the claim that Satan does not know the future? Or are there additional biblical criteria that must be used to discern a true prophet?

A recent question and an older question have accrued several answers with 'false' prophecies of Joseph Smith. Below is a compilation of them: 1. D&C 84:2-5,31 Prophecy that the temple would be built in Missouri within Smith's Generation >2 Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem. > >3 Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased. > >4 Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation. > >5 For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house. > >31 Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed 2. D&C 87:1-3 1832 Joseph Smith prophesied that the United States civil war would eventually engulf all nations >1 Verily, **thus saith the Lord** concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls; > >2 And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place. > >3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations. 3. History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 182 1835 Joseph Smith prophesied the Lord’s return within 56 years >President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision and by the Holy Spirit. He then gave a relation of some of the circumstances attending while journeying to Zion—our trials, sufferings; and said God had not designed all this for nothing, but He had it in remembrance yet; and it was the will of God that those who went Zion, with a determination to lay down their lives, if necessary, should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh—even fifty-six years should wind up the scene. 4. History of the Church, vol. 5, pg. 394 1843 Joseph Smith prophesied that the United States government would be overthrown and wasted within a few years if they refused to redress the wrongs committed against the Mormons in Missouri >**I prophesy in the name of the Lord God** of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left 5. D&C 114:1 Apr 1838 David Patten would go on a mission (he died October 1838 before he could) >1 Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world. 6. History of the Church, vol 6, p 116 1843 >While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government How do LDS explain how Joseph Smith is a prophet when there are false prophecies?

Trinitarian Christians say that *God has **always** existed as Father, Son, and Holy Spiri*. And that the father created everything through the son. **Did Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Job, Noah, Moses, Jacob, Ishmael, David, worship God as a triune "person/God?**" When they prayed, did they understand that they were praying to a triune God? Which one of the three answered their prayers? If they did not kmow that the God they worshipped was a triune God, **why would the greatest of believing men not know the son and or the holy spirit....and not be required to worship the son and or the holy spirit (both of whom existed in that time AS GOD)...and yet for the rest of us, if we don’t worship or acknowledge the son or holy spirit, we go to hell?** This question is for Trinitarians. Secondly, **my inquiry is not focusing on Jesus (the man/Messiah), but on the preexisting son and holy spirit as they existed during the Old Testament period (in their divine essence/nature as part of the triune God)**

> Matthew 17:3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, > talking with Jesus. > > 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you > wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one > for Elijah.” I am wondering how Peter recognized that the men were Elijah and Moses? Photographs and portraits didn't exist back in those days. If they did, Peter being a fisherman wouldn't have been to school to see them. And I doubt Moses and Elijah began their conversation by saying - "Hello Jesus, I am Elijah and this is my buddy Moses." So how would Peter know it was Elijah standing there?

How do Evangelical Christians discern between a false prophet and a true prophet in the modern era? Is it the same as was required in the Old Testament? (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) In the Bible it says to beware of false prophets: Is there any kind of test for this that can be used today?

I understand that most scholars think that book of Daniel is a forgery and definitely not written in the 6th century BC and not written by Daniel. What strikes me is why Christians traditionally think that the book was written by Daniel ? In the book itself, first 1-6 chapters, it's written in 3rd person and not 1st which definitely don't mean at all that book was written by Daniel. For sure, 7-12 sometimes talk about in 1st person but what solid argument does this give that book was written by Daniel ? Would you be able to shed lights about why Christians think that it was written by Daniel ? what's their reasoning ?

John 14:6: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..” **A Jewish professor that I know argues that this statement is true for all prophets concerning the people they were sent to. That a critical misunderstanding has led Christians to imagine the statement is only true for Jesus. He asserts that Noah was the way, the truth, and the life for his people. Those who didn't believe in him perished in the flood.** In the same way, he says Moses was the way, the truth, and the life for the Israelites when he was their leader/prophet (he cites the passover and says any family that refused to obey Moses would have lost a firstborn). According to him, Jesus cannot be *the way*, *the truth*, and *the life* for the people of Noah and Moses when those people were not obligated to believe in him. He cites Hebrews 1:1: "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways" He also cites Jeremiah 21:8; Malachi 2:6-7; Malachi 2:8-9; Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 19:23; and Proverbs 11:19 as evidence that those who followed the prophets were righteous, and the right way of life. How do I rebut this, with references and wisdom?

On p. 115 of [*Catholic Prophecy by Yves Dupont*](https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=4444) , we find: > *Oba Prophecy.* "It will come when the Church authorities issue directives to promote a new cult, when priests are forbidden to celebrate in any other, when the higher positions in the Church are given to perjurers and hypocrites, when only the renegades are admitted to occupy those positions." QUESTION: Where may I find a reference for this "Oba Prophecy"? The above book was published in 1970. Thank you.

The word meshiach just means anointed one. So what indication is there that Daniel 9 is about the Messiah? Further reading would be appreciated, thanks!

I'm catholic and I live in Brazil. I believe in the gift of the infallibility in the New Testament, but i'm trying to understand if Jews, in the old covenant (Old Testament) were infallible too. I found some clues, like: 1 Samuel 9,6 ; John 11,51 ; 2 Peter 1,21 seem to teach infallibility of the prophets of the Old testament. However, it is impossible that the old covenant were TOTALLY infallible, because if it was so, they would in the first place, have recognized Jesus Christ as the true Messiah. So where does all this leave us? Were they "sometimes" infallible? Was there a limit to it? I found your link to an article here, but the link is broken :(https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/65996/the-chair-of-moses-and-jewish-clerical-infallibility) And this is the link you put: https://christiantheorist.weebly.com/basics-of-the-holy-faith/category/01-the-church-of-jesus-the-christ-is-one Could you help me with this, sir? I would love to read your insights about this theme!

Matthew 2:23 NIV > and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. From what research I have done, it does not seem that any of the prophets who are recorded in the old testament said this, or anything similar. Even the apocrypha does not seem to make reference to this prophecy. Even more troubling, is Matthew saying the prophets, plural, have predicted this, making it even more vexing that it is not written in anywhere in the canon today. What was Matthew referencing here?

Jews had prophets and received Scriptures from those prophets. Later, came Christians who had apostles and through them received Scriptures. Still later, Muslims come along and they have one prophet Muhammad and through him they received Quran. Muhammad claimed that he belongs to the prophetic line of the Judeo-Christian tradition. In the Quran, the book Muhammad gave as the Scriptures, he quotes many familiar names and stories from the Bible. Why don't Christians, mainly Protestant Christians, accept the Islamic prophet Muhammad as a true prophet of God? If they don't, why? An already discussed question in this forum has been offered as an answer to this question. Here it is: https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/87277/50422 However, the above question and the responses it gathered do not answer my question as I explain below. My above questions in the OP do not seek general reasons to test all those who claim to be the prophets of God, rather they focus only on the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his claims. Furthermore, none of the answers given in the above link examine Muhammad's teachings in the light of the Biblical teachings.

Concerning Ezekiel the Prophet, considering the fact that he was in exile and isolated, does Catholic tradition have anything to say about him?

We read in Matthew 22, on the **Parable of the Wedding Feast**, in Verse 6, the king's servants deputed to bring the invited, are killed by the invitees. That is not something which happens in normal course. Jesus was, in fact, referring to the Prophets killed by those to whom they had preached. One wishes to know who those prophets and the circumstances leading to their death were.

We have record of King David having several prophets speak into his life who "kept him on the straight and narrow" or disciplined him when necessary. (Samuel, Nathan, Gad) But I fail to find any prophets interacting with Solomon! Was this the reason for his ultimate apostasy? Did he make the mistake of relying on his gift of wisdom, without a continuing interaction with God?

Besides Jesus, is there any other figure in the Bible that would claim that some of the prophecies in the Scriptures were about him?

[This question](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/19010/was-no-prophet-ever-came-out-of-galilee-sarcastic) talks about how in John 7:52, the Pharisees claimed that "no prophet comes out of Galilee." The accepted answer discusses how commentators often point out the Pharisees' mistake, and N.T. Wright points out that "both the prophets Jonah and Hosea came from Galilee." In addition, I found [this link](http://storage.cloversites.com/makinglifecountministriesinc/documents/Did%20Any%20Prophets%20Come%20Out%20of%20Galilee.pdf) , which says that 5 prophets came from Galilee: Jonah, Nahum, Hosea, Elijah, and Elisha. BibleStudyTools.org has an [article](https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/11824/Hosea-as-Native-Galilee.htm) with a discussion about how Micah, Elijah, and Jonah being from Galilee, and how Nahum and Hosea could possibly have come from Galilee. **Which prophets are from Galilee, and how do we know?** An associated question, what is the source of the uncertainty surrounding this question? Perhaps I could word the question, what is the (Biblical and archeological) basis for saying that these 5 prophets are from Galilee? 1. Jonah from Gath-hepher >2 Kings 14:25 "He was the one who restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo Hamath to the Dead Sea, in accordance with the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, spoken through his servant **Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher**." [Wikipedia on Gath-hepher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gath-hepher) says it is in modern-day Galilee (maybe that's what it is saying?). Joshua 29:13 describes more where this place is. 2. Micah from Moresheth >Micah 1:1 The word of the Lord that came to **Micah of Moresheth** during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. [BibleAtlas.org](https://bibleatlas.org/moresheth.htm) doesn't mention Galilee at all in the article on Moresheth, nor does [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moresheth-Gath) in their article on Moresheth-Gath. Wikipedia says Moresheth = Moresheth-Gath. 3. Elijah from Gilead > 1 Kings 17:1 "Now **Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead**, said to Ahab, 'As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'" 2 Kings 15:29 actually seems to differentiate between Gilead and Galilee, which suggests that Gilead is not contained within Galilee. [Wikipedia on Gilead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilead) makes no mention of Galilee, and the [Bible Atlas](https://bibleatlas.org/gilead.htm) also seems to differentiate Gilead from Galilee by saying that in Gilead there is "the white chalk of the desert plateau, the same as that found in Samaria and Lower Galilee." 4. Elisha (I don't know the basis). 5. Hosea (I don't know the basis). I would like to see the basis for 4 and 5 (Elisha and Hosea) being from Galilee, and I would like to see how we can know 1-3 are actually from Galilee. I would also be interested if there are any other claims that additional prophets are from Galilee. My questions stems from the fact that none the verses say explicitly from Galilee, and I have seen almost nothing supporting the connection between the city mentioned and Galilee. Pardon my lack of knowledge in biblical geography. Perhaps it is obvious that these cities are contained in the region that is Galilee. There may also be a notable difference between the geographical boundaries in Galilee between the Old and New Testament timeframes or even within the Old Testament timeframe, which contains several thousand years of history on its own. I don't see how any denominational restriction will affect the answers, so I don't propose any.

What is required to be called a Prophet? Can someone like Sr. Lucia of Fatima be called a prophet since she passed on a prophetic revelation from Our Lady? I understand she didn't have a "vocation" like Jeremiah or St. John the Baptist did but it seems to me quite similar. I'm looking for a definition in a pre-V2 book or something similar.

Who is the last person regarded as a true prophet in Catholicism? What was his time frame when he was declared prophet by the Catholic church?