The Order of Prophets

The term “prophet” as used in the Bible is a broad and comprehensive one. It is employed to designate a man or woman engaged in a wide range of service in connection with the work of God. Some of the “prophets” never uttered a prophecy in the customary use of that term, so far as appears in the Sacred Record. Some were used only for a special occasion, others for a long series of years. Some wrote out the messages God gave them, others spoke only orally. To some, as in the case of Daniel and others, were given prophecies reaching into the distant future, portions of which are still unfulfilled. To others were given messages of local application only, suited to a particular time or occasion. Some were God’s messengers, raised up in periods of great crisis, to warn the church and the world of threatened judgments, and to call men back to allegiance to God. Such were Samuel, Elijah, John the Baptist, and others.TOJ 55.6

“In the highest sense the prophet was one who spoke by direct inspiration, communicating to the people the messages he had received from God. But the name was given also to those who, though not so directly inspired, were divinely called to instruct the people in the works and ways of God.”—Education, 46.TOJ 55.7

But while acting in various capacities—as judges, kings, prime ministers, counselors, teachers, and preachers—these men of God all belonged to the order of prophets and were used by Him as His chosen instruments. We cannot determine the position occupied by each one in the prophetic scale. If we were to attempt to do this, naturally we should place Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel ahead of John the Baptist. We should consider their long years of service, the far-reaching import of their prophecies. But of John—the Lord’s voice or messenger—who, so far as we have any record, uttered no far-reaching prophecies, and who disclaimed the prophetic title, the Master declared: “Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.” Luke 7:28.TOJ 55.8

In the foregoing statement Mrs. White does not claim the title of prophet, nor does she disclaim it. She has “no controversy” with those who call her by that name. She declares that God called her to be His messenger; that her work included “more than the word ‘prophet’ signifies.” When we come to consider the multiplicity of her labors in the church, the various capacities in which she ministered, we can understand the distinction she makes.TOJ 56.1