E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.

,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

CHAPTER II

The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts

E. Earle Ellis
[p.55]

In several passages in Acts, the phenomenon of prophecy is described to Christian disciples

generally. Thus, the Pentecostal experience of tongues, which is identified as prophecy, 1 is
manifested by the whole Christian community. Likewise, the Ephesian disciples “began to
speak with tongues and prophesy” (Acts 19:6) upon their reception of the Holy Spirit.
Ananias, who received a prophetic revelation concerning Paul, also is designated simply as “a
certain disciple” (Acts 9:10). Alongside these texts is the equally significant fact that Luke
restricts the term or title prof»thj, as it is used of his contemporaries, to a select number of
“leading men” (cf. Acts 15:22) who exercise considerable influence in the Christian
community.2 Among them are a group from the Jerusalem church visiting Antioch, including
Agabus (Acts 11:27 f.; cf. 21:10); a group resident in Antioch, including Barnabas and Paul
(Acts 13:1);3 and the two prophets who accompanied the Jerusalem Decree to Antioch, Judas
Barsabbas and Silas (Acts 15:22, 32). Peter also, who is not called prof»thj, nevertheless has
the marks of a prophet, for example, in the knowledge of men’s hearts (Acts 5:3; 8:21 ff.; cf.
Luke 7:39) and in the experience and proclamation of revelations in visions and dreams.4
Among such leaders

[p.56]

perhaps should be included the four daughters of Philip “who prophesied”.5

1
Acts 2:4, 11, 17 f. Probably the equation of the proclamation in tongues with prophecy arises because the
various tongues are, in fact, the native, understood languages of the respective hearers. Similarly, the “prophecy”
in Acts 19:6 probably is an interpretation of the preceding strange “tongues” (cf. Acts 10:46; 1 Cor. 14:13). This
appears to be preferable to an identification of the two phenomena although that cannot be ruled out (cf. H.
Conzelmann, Die Apostelgeschichte [Göttingen, 1963], p. 27). In 1 Cor. 14:5, 39. Paul also desires that the
whole congregation should prophesy.
2
Apart from references to Old Testament prophets cf. Lk. 4:24 7:16, 39; 9:8, 19; 13:33; 24:19; Acts 3:22 f.; cf.
Acts 7:37 (of Jesus) and Acts 11:27; 13:1; 15:32; 21:10; cf. Lk. 11:49 (of Christians). Cf. Lk. 1:76; 7:26; 20:6 (of
the Baptist). The verb form always in Acts refers to Christians: Acts 2:17 f.; 19:6; 21:9.
3
It is probable pace J. Lindblom that both “prophets and teachers” describe the whole group. See below, p. 62.
4
Acts 10:10; cf. 9:10; 16:9; 18:9; 22:17 ff.; 27:23. Visions and dreams(Joel 3:1 = Acts 2:17) are specific
manifestations of prophecy. Cf. Num. 12:6; J. Lindblom, Prophecy in Ancient Israel (Oxford, 1962), pp. 147f.,
201. Apparently miracles were not necessarily or even usually associated with a prophet (ibid., pp. 201 f., 217;
cf. Jn. 10:41 with Lk. 7:26 par.). In Lk. 7:16 the disciples and the crowd make an explicit connexion between
them; but Lk. 7:20 ff. better expresses the Evangelist’s view of the significance of miracles. Acts (2:17 f., 43;
5:12-16; 10:34, 40; 19:11 f.) distinguishes prophecy from miracle working and, like Paul (2 Cor. 12:12; cf. Rom.
15:19), associates signs and miracles with the “apostle”, but not exclusively so (Acts 6:8; 8:6f., 13; 1 Cor. 12:28
f.; 14:22).
5
Acts 21:9. The patristic references (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3, 31, 4; 3, 37, i) suggest that their activity
was not an occasional phenomenon but was a distinguished and long-remembered ministry. So, J. Lindblom,
Gesichte und Offenbarungen (Lund, 1968), p. 179, who distinguishes them as persons who have the prophetic
charism as “a continuing possession”. Cf. Lk. 2:36 where Anna is called a prophetess; Rev. 2:20.
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

In summary, Christian prophecy in Acts is represented as an eschatological power of the Holy

Spirit from God (Acts 2:17) or from the risen Jesus (Acts 1:8; 2:17, 33; cf. Psa. 68:19 (18);
Eph. 4:8). Although prophecy is a possibility for any Christian, it is primarily identified with
certain leaders who exercise it as a ministry (see below). The specific “prophetic” functions of
these persons is more difficult to establish. That is, which of their activities are specifically a
manifestation of their role as prof»thj? What is the relationship of prophecy to other
ministries in Acts? To identify the role of the Christian prophet it is necessary to discover
Luke’s understanding of what constitutes and what distinguishes prophecy.

I
Certain functions of the Christian prof»thj are clearly reminiscent of the role of the prophet
in the Old Testament. In addition to the marks of the prophet mentioned above, these include
the prediction of future events (Acts 11:28; 20:23, 25; 27:22), the declaration of divine
judgments (Acts 13:11; 28:25-28), and the employment of symbolic actions (Acts 21:11). The
prophets in Acts also expound the Scriptures and “exhort” and “strengthen” the disciples.
Whether these activities also represent for Luke a distinctly prophetic function requires a
closer look.

Luke’s use of papakalšw/par£klhsij with reference to Christian prophets is relatively

frequent. The verb is used to describe the proclamation of the Baptist6 as well as the ministry
of those in Acts who are designated prophets.7 As a description of Peter’s preaching, it may be
one of the prophetic traits that characterize Luke’s presentation of the apostle’s ministry.8 In
Acts 15:32 the phrase papakalšw kaˆ ™pisthr…zw (“exhort and strengthen”) is specifically
connected to the fact that Judas and Silas are prophets.9 It is found elsewhere in the New
Testament only

[p.57]

in Acts 14:22, used of the prophets Paul and Barnabas, and (with the cognate sthr…zw) in the
Thessalonian letters.10

The noun par£klhsij, which occurs in the New Testament only in Luke—Acts, Paul and
Hebrews, is associated by Luke with the activity of the Holy Spirit.11 Furthermore, the written

6
Lk 3:18; cf. 7:26.
7
Barnabas (Acts 11:23), Paul and Silas (Acts 16:40), Paul (Acts 20:2). It is noteworthy, however, that the term is
not used to describe the ministry of Jesus.
8
Acts 2:40 (diamartÚromai kaˆ parakalšw); cf. 1 Thes. 2:12; above, p. 55, n. 4. On marturšw cf. also Acts
10:42 f.; 18:5; 20:21 ff.; Eph. 4:17. It appears at times to be virtually a terminus technicus for an utterance in the
Spirit, i.e., prophecy.
9
F. J. F. Jackson and K. Lake, BC, 4, p. 182, noting the parallelism between Acts 15:27 and Acts 15:32, translate
“Judas and Silas themselves, being prophets...” and reject the reading, “who also were themselves prophets”,
with its allusion to Acts 131 f.
10
1 Thes. 3:2; 2 Thes. 2:17. The former describes the task given to Timothy, their “fellow-worker”, by Paul and
Silas.
11
The church walks “in the par£klhsij of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:31); the prophets Paul and Barnabas are
invited to give a “word of par£klhsij”, i.e., an exposition of Scripture (Acts 13:15); the Jerusalem Decree,
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

par£klhsij of the Jerusalem Decree is set in parallel with the verbal “exhortation” of the
prophets Judas and Silas, and the term “son of par£klhsij”, applied to Barnabas in Acts
4:36, possibly represents “son of prophecy”.12 The understanding of par£klhsij as the
specific ministry of a prophet is supported in the Pauline literature by 1 Corinthians 14:2 f.
There the prophets’ ministry of “edification” is accomplished by means of par£klhsij and
paramuq…a13 which are, in the words of G. Stählin,” a part of the work of prophesying”.14 A
similar impression is given in Romans 15:4f -441.6 TD -ese TD /F51Ta7.56 -0.0073 Tc32o0 A
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

this activity in Acts is not described as “prophecy” nor limited to “prophets”. In what degree
then can it be regarded as “prophetic” activity?

The interpretation of Scripture as an activity of a prophet was not unknown in the first century
since it was explicitly ascribed to Daniel (9:2, 24). It may be inferred also from other Old
Testament texts in which the prophet uses and reapplies older biblical phraseology and
ideas.19 These phenomena support the views of S. Krauss and others who connect the prophets
with the origins of the synagogue and regard them as the first to dispense religious teachings
in such assemblies.20 The rabbinic tradition, reflects a similar picture. According to the
Targum to judges 5:9, Deborah, under prophetic inspiration, “did not cease to give exposition
of the Torah.”21 The rabbis, moreover, regarded themselves, as the teachers of Israel, to be the
successors of the prophets: they sat “in Moses’ seat”.22

With respect to the interpretation of Scripture, then, there was not a

[p.59]

sharp division between the prophet and the teacher. This is perhaps to be most clearly
observed in the Qumran community’s “teacher” (moreh) and the wider number functioning as
“instructors” (maskilim). In a perceptive essay Professor Bruce has compared the wisdom
possessed by “Daniel the prophet”23 and by the “wise” (maskilim) in Daniel 11, 12 with that
of the “wise” at Qumran. “The maskil here, as in Daniel, is one who, having received from
God understanding in his hidden purpose, is thus in a position to impart that understanding to
others”.24 Without identifying themselves as prophets, the teachers at Qumran engage in an
interpretation of Scripture that has as its model the activity of Daniel the prophet. This

19
For example, cf. Jer. 48:45 with Num. 21:28; 24:17; Jer. 50-51 with Isa. 13-14; Zeph. 2:15 (zô’t = aÛth) with
Isa. 47:8. On Dan. 11:30 as a reinterpretation of Num. 24:24 see F. F. Bruce, “The Book of Daniel and the
Qumran Community”, Neotestamentica et Semitica, ed. E. E. Ellis and M. Wilcox (Edinburgh, 1969), p. 233.
See also my article in the same volume, p. 61. Cf. 2 Chr. 13:22.
20
Cf. L. Zunz, Die gottesdienstlichen Vorträge der Juden (Hildesheim, 1966 [1892]), pp. 37 f.: Already in the
Old Testament period older Scriptures were interpreted and in a certain sense changed. Ezra and the Levites
appear as interpreters of the laws; the Chronicler makes use of midrash; Daniel is the interpreter of Jeremiah. The
schools of the prophets become assemblies of the wise. S. Krauss (Synagogale Altertümer [Hildesheim, 1966
(1922)], p. 54) sees the incipient synagogue reflected in the “house of the people” (Jer. 39:8) = “house of
assembly” (Ps. 74:8), which began as assemblies in the temple area. I. Elbogen (Der jüdische Gottesdienst
[Hildesheim, 1967 (1931)], p. 235), on the other hand, finds the origin of the synagogue in assemblies in the
Exile in which prophets “strengthened the religious consciousness of the people by readings from the Scriptures
followed by teachings of exhortation and consolation”. Cf. SB 4, p. 115. For a different view cf. B. Reicke, The
New Testament Era (Philadelphia, 1968), pp. 119 f.
21
SB 4, p. 116. Cf. R. Meyer, TDNT 6 (1959-1969), p. 817: According to the rabbis the prophets are “the oldest
expositors of the Law…”
22
Matt. 23:2; R. Meyer, op. cit., 6, pp. 818 f. “Since the temple was destroyed prophecy has been taken from the
prophets and given to the wise” (Baba Bathra 12a). Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were viewed as the first
members of the chain of rabbinic tradition (Krauss, op. cit., pp. 47 f.). “Moses received... and delivered to
Joshua, and Joshua to the elders, and the elders to the prophets, and the prophets to the men of the great
synagogue” (Aboth 1:1). See also J. Jeremias (Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, London, 1969), pp. 233-245.
23
So identified in 4Qflor 2:3. Cf. Dan. 9:22, 25.
24
Bruce, “Daniel and Qumran”, pp. 228 f. Cf. 1QS 9:17-19: the maskil is to conceal the teaching of the Law
from the men of falsehood but to instruct the Community “in the mysteries (razey) of wonder and truth”; 1QH
12:11 f.: “as a maskil have I come to know thee, my God, through the spirit that thou hast given me, and by thy
Holy Spirit I have faithfully listened to thy marvellous secret counsel (sôdh).” Similarly, of the Teacher of
Righteousness, “to whom God made known all the mysteries (razey) of the words of his servants the prophets’
(1Qp Hab. 7:4 f.).
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

becomes more significant for the present essay when one observes the similarities between the
method of biblical interpretation at Qumran and that in Acts 13:I6-41.25 In Acts, however, the
interpreter is given the title “prophet” as well as “teacher”.

Both terms also are applied to Jesus. It is clear from Luke 7:39 f. that they are not mutually
exclusive: the one who is addressed as teacher may also be (the eschatological) prophet. Also,
Jesus’ teaching “in their synagogues”26 often must have included ipso facto a midrash or
exposition of Scripture.27 It is less clear, however, to what degree such teaching is the cause
of, or attached to, the conviction that Jesus is a prophet.

Two passages that bear upon this question are Mark 1:21 (cf. Lk 4:31)

[p.60]

and Mark 6:2 (cf. Lk. 4:16; Malt 13:54). In the former text Jesus’ exposition, in contrast to
that of the Jewish theologians, is characterized by ™xous…a Although some commentators
interpret ™xous…a as pointing to the prophetic character of Jesus’ teaching,28 this is not as
clear as one might wish. For the word is seldom if ever used elsewhere to describe a prophet’s
teaching29 although it may, in the New Testament, represent his personal rights in the
congregation or his miraculous powers.30 The prophetic character of Jesus’ exposition may
perhaps be inferred, however, from its connexion with his miraculous powers, which also are
described as a “teaching” (Mark I :27).31

In Mark 6:1-6 also both Jesus’ synagogue teaching and his miraculous powers are the cause of
the people’s astonishment. Nevertheless, there are two significant differences: his teaching is

25
Cf. E. E. Ellis, “Midrashic Features in the Speeches of Acts,” Hommage au Professeur B. Rigaux (Gembloux,
1970), pp. 306 f.
26
For example, Lk. 6:6; 13:10; Jn. 6:59; 18:20; cf. Mk.I:39 parr.In Matt. (4:23; 9:35) it is included in the
editorial summaries of Jesus’ ministry. Some of the “teaching in the temple” (ƒerÒn; Mk. 12:35), which is
primarily concerned with the exposition of Scripture, may have its historical setting in a synagogue in the temple
enclosure. On the existence and services of such a synagogue compare Elbogen, op. cit., p. 236; Krauss, op. cit.,
pp. 66-72, 95; and I. Levy, The Synagogue (London, 1963), pp. 15 ff. Cf. Yoma 7:1; Sotah 7:7. One of the
temple episodes, Mk. 12:1-12 parr. (= Isa. 5:1f. + parable + Ps. 118:22 + Dan. 2:34 f., 44 f.) has the form of an
ancient synagogue homily. Cf. SB 4, pp. 173 f.: In the oldest form (pre-second century) “the speaker more or less
reproduced the Scripture lesson or parts of it, thereby pointing to the exhortation, warning or consolation
included in this or that word in it. Or he illumined the Scripture lesson by means of a parable and strengthened
the words that he himself had added by a further Scripture text” (p. 173). For a different approach to Jesus’
teaching cf. M. Hengel, Nachfolge und Charisma (Berlin, 1968).
27
Cf. Lk. 4:16-28; Acts 13:14-43; Philo, Quod Omnis Probus Liber 81 f.; E. Schürer, A History of the Jewish
People (Edinburgh, c. 1890), 2, 2, pp. 54 f., 76, 82; Elbogen, op. cit., pp. 194 f.; SB 4, p. 171. A Greek
inscription in a first century Jerusalem synagogue states that it was built “for the reading of the law and the
teaching (didac») of the commandments” (E. L. Sukenik, Ancient Synagogues in Palestine and Greece [London,
1934], p. 70). lmdh (=did£skw) and its derivatives are used in the oldest rabbinic exegetical literature to couple
the text to its exposition (cf. W. Bacher, Die exegetische Terminologie der judischen Traditionsliteratur
[Darmstadt, 1965 (1899)], I, pp. 94 ff.).
28
V. Taylor, The Gospel according to St. Mark (London, 1959), pp. 173, 470; C. E. B. Cranfield, The Gospel
according to St. Mark (Cambridge, 1959), p. 74; J. Schniewind, Das Evangelium nach Markus (Göttingen, 1960
[1936]), p. 18.
29
Cf. C. K. Barrett, The Holy Spirit and the Gospel Tradition (London, 1947), p. 96; G. Friedrich, TDNT 6
(1959-1969), p. 843.
30
2 Thes. 3:9: Paul and Silas (cf. Didache 13); Rev. 11:6.
31
Cf. E. Schweizer, Dos Evangelium nach Markus (Göttingen, 1967), p. 27.
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

here described as sof…a, and Jesus compares or identifies his role with that of a prophet.32
The “wisdom” (sof…a) that is “given” to Jesus is recognized by his audience to be an
extraordinary pneumatic power; the question is whether it has a divine or demonic origin. In
an instructive essay on the concept of sof…a U. Wilckens writes that Mark uses his received
picture of Jesus as a Scripture teacher to present him as the archetype of Christian
charismatics.33 Whether such a broad inference may be drawn from this text or not, it is true
in any case that Jesus is so regarded in the primitive church.34 Furthermore, probably no
strong dichotomy should be made between the rabbinic “wisdom” of being learned in the
Scriptures — the ordained rabbi35 — and the “wisdom” of the knowledge of God’s mysteries
that is present in the prophets and teachers of Jewish apocalyptic, especially in Daniel and

[p.61]

Qumran.36 The context of the wisdom, that is, the biblical revelation, is the same. The
difference in the case of Jesus, however, is not just that he, an unordained person, manifests
the bearing and biblical knowledge of an ordained rabbi (so Daube). There is also a qualitative
distinction. Like the synagogue teaching of his later follower Stephen, no one “could with-
stand the wisdom and the spirit” with which Jesus expounded the Scriptures.37

While the limited amount of evidence does not allow certainty in the matter, it is probable that
not only the miracle-working context but also the manner of Jesus’ exposition of Scripture in
the synagogue contributed to the conviction that he was a prophet. And it could do so because
such exposition was regarded as the proper activity of a prophet. Very likely Luke, at least,
views the same kind of exposition of “prophets and teachers”, e.g., in Acts 13 also to be an
exercise of a prophetic gift.38 It is true that this conclusion depends in some measure on
Luke’s understanding of the relationship of “teacher” and “prophet” (see below). But it is
supported as well by the mention given to Judas and Silas in connexion with the Jerusalem
Decree.

32
Cf. Lk. 13:33. C. K. Barrett (op. cit., p. 97) objects to taking the proverbial expression, “a prophet is not
without honour except in his own country” (Mk. 6:4), as representing Jesus’ literal estimate of his ministry. But
even if Jesus is only referring to an (admittedly) common view of himself, “by not merely adopting the view but
also preparing to exemplify it, Jesus numbers himself among the prophets” (Friedrich, op. cit., p. 841; cf. pp. 843
f.). Of course, for both Jesus (cf. Lk. 7:26) and the Evangelist “prophet” is not a category exclusive of any other,
higher role. Cf. O. Cullmann, The Christology of the New Testament (Philadelphia, 1959), p. 44.
33
U. Wilckens, TWNT 7 (1964), p. 515; cf. P. Bonnard, L’évangile selon S. Matthieu (
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

E. Käsemann has noted the similarity of the words in the Decree, “it seemed good to the Holy
Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28), to the promulgation of eschatological law elsewhere in the New
Testament. He thinks that the latter is the work of Christian prophets, and that often “holy
Scripture provided the primitive Christian prophets with the stylistic form in which to clothe
their sentences of holy law”.39 Indeed, the formula lšgei kÚrioj in Acts 1:16-18 reflects
something more: the exposition of Christian prophets.40 In addition, the theme of the citation,
the inclusion of the Gentiles, is specifically the “mystery” that according to Paul “has now
been revealed to (Christ’s) holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”.41

[p.62]

This theme is, in turn, directly related to the “new temple”, a major motif in the lšgei kÚrioj
quotations.42 Taken together, these facts strongly suggest that the prophets Judas and Silas
were not chosen incidentally to accompany the Decree. Probably they were chosen because
they had already exercised an influential role in establishing (or proclaiming) the biblical
rationale upon which the provisions of the Decree were justified.43

The foregoing discussion enables us to return to the question raised earlier and to answer it
with some measure of confidence. The interpretation of Scripture was indeed regarded, under
certain conditions, as prophetic activity.44 And it is likely that Luke does so regard it, even in
such persons as Peter and Stephen who are not given the explicit appellation a prof»thj.

II
The persons in Acts named profÁtai exercise a rather widespread ministry and they do so in
a varied fashion — singly or in groups, traveling or in settled congregations. The content of
their activity also is varied — prediction (Acts 11:28; 20:23, 25, 29 f.; 21:11), specific
direction of the community in its decisions (Acts 13:1 f.; 15:27) and teaching by exhortation
and biblical exposition.45 Yet, as was noted at the outset, persons who are not termed
“prophets” exercise some of the same functions. This fact raises two questions that must be
answered if the role of the prophet in Acts is to be placed in clearer perspective. First, in view
of the breadth of the prophetic function, why is the term relatively so restricted? Furthermore,
39
E. Käsemann, “Sentences of Holy Law in the New Testament”, New Testament Questions of Today (London,
1969), p. 77; cf. pp. 74, 76 ff. The content and style of the Decree itself are admittedly quite different from
Käsemann’s “Sentences of Holy Law”.
40
Like the texts that Käsemann adduces, the lšgei kÚrioj quotations also sometimes include the theme of jus
talionis (Rom. 12:19; 14:11; 1 Cor. 14:21; Heb. 10:30). And they form a distinct class of quotations that are most
likely the product of Christian prophets. Cf. E. E. Ellis, Paul’s Use of the Old Testament (Edinburgh, 1957), pp.
107-12, 146 f.; Lindblom, Gesichte, p. 188. It is also worth noting that Acts 15:14, 15 ff. follows a recognizable
midrashic style, Current Event ? Scripture (cf. Ellis, “Speeches”, pp. 308 f.; B. Gerhardsson, Memory and
Manuscript [Uppsala, 1961], pp. 252, 260) and that traces of a midrashic literary form are evident elsewhere in
James’ speech (Acts 15:14-21; cf. J. W. Bowker, NTS 14 [1967-68], 107 ff.).
41
Eph. 3:3-5; cf. Rom. 16:25. Note the use of gnwr…zw and (in Acts) gnwstÒj.
42
Eph. 2:20; cf. Acts 7:48 ff.; 2 Cor. 6:16 ff. On Heb. 8:8-12 cf. Ellis, Testament, p. 108.
43
Similarly, Lindblom, Gesichte, p. 185 n. Significant also is the fact that the Decree is termed a par£klhsij
(see above, pp. 57 f.).
44
Cf. B. G. Selwyn, The First Epistle of St. Peter (London, 1946), p. 134: “In the case of Christian prophets ...
the searching of the Scriptures ... was an important part of their task...”
45
Lindblom, Gesichte, pp. 180-88.
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

what is the relationship of the prophet to other designated ministries in Acts, specifically the
apostle, the teacher, and the elder?

Long ago H. B. Swete distinguished between those in the primitive Church who on occasion
prophesied and a relatively small number who were known as oƒ profÁtai, “forming a
charismatic order to which a recognized position was given in the Church”.46 In a recent
studyJ. Lindblom reaches a similar conclusion, apparently independently, and enumerates as
such “berufsmassige Propheten” Agabus and his companions (Acts 11:27 f.), the Antioch
circle (Acts 13:1 ff.), Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32), and the daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9).47
This kind of distinction, which is supported by several texts in Paul and in Revelation, may be
the best

[p.63]

explanation of the matter.48 E. Schweizer rightly cautions against making a sharp distinction
in the earliest period between official or “ordained” and unordained ministries, and the caveat
applies to Luke’s own time as well.49 Nevertheless, a special recognition and authoritative
status appear to be conferred upon the persons of those who have manifested certain charisms
in a prominent and/or continuing manner.50

Except for the twelve apostles (Acts 1:22, 6:2, 6) Luke shows little interest in defining the
ministries that he names. Even in that case it is “the twelve” whose ministry is (partly)
explained by apostleship, not apostleship by the twelve. This is clear from the fact that Luke
can also call them “disciples” and name other persons apostles.51 The latter instance presents a
further complexity in that “the apostles Barnabas and Paul” are previously named “prophets
and teachers”. Thus, the triad of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:28 are clustered around and
apparently applied to the same persons in Acts.52 Also, in Acts 20:17, 28 the editorial “elders”
is equivalent to the term “bishops” in the speech of Paul that follows (cf. Phil. 1:1). In part the
ambiguous nature of the specified ministries in Acts is traceable to the differing terminology
in Luke’s sources, terminology that he is unconcerned to conform to a consistent pattern. But

46
H. B. Swete, The Holy Spirit in the New Testament (London, 1910), p. 377.
47
Lindblom, Gesichte, p. 179; see above, p. 56.
48
There is an apparently recognized group of prophets (in Corinth) whom God “appointed (r…qhmi) in the
Church” (1 Cor. 12:28; cf. 14:29 ff.; Acts 20:28) and who “have prophecy” (1 Cor. 13:2). Similarly, Rev. 22:9.
49
Schweizer, Church Order, pp. 102f., 184-87 (5i, 7m, 22efg). See below, p.66.
50
For example, in the case of apostleship cf. 1 Cor. 9:1 ff.; 12:28 f.; 15:9; 2 Cor. 1:1; 12:11 f.; Gal. 1:1, 17 ff.
Further, H. Greeven, “Propheten, Lehrer, Vorsteher bei Paulus,” ZNTW 44 (1952-53), 1-43 “by profÁtai (1
Cor. 14:29) specific, known persons appear to be meant...” (pp. 4 f.); teaching also is designated not just as an
activity (Rom. 12:7) but also with reference to specific persons (pp. 16 f.). [See R. Schnackenburg’s essay in the
present volume, pp. 287-303. Edd.]
51
Lk. 9:12, 16 (22:14, 30, 39); Acts 14:4, 14; 15:6, 13 (?James); cf. Acts 1:25 f.; Gal 1:19; Lk. 11:49. Otherwise,
Gerhardsson, op. cit., p. 220.
52
M. Goguel (The Primitive Church [London, 1964 (1947)], p. 111) shows that the triad of gifts in 1 Cor. 12:28
are embodied in Paul. A fourth-century work, which may reflect a much earlier textual tradition of Acts 13:1 ff,
identifies, Barnabas and Paul as “prophets and teachers”, the others as “prophets”. The text is given in Bruce,
Acts, p. 253; cf. T. Zahn, Introduction to the New Testament (Grand Rapids, 1953 [1909]), 3, p. 28. On the basis
of te instead of ka… before Manaen and Saul (Acts 13:1) W. M. Ramsay (Saint Paul the Traveller [London,
1896], p. 65) concluded that they were teachers and the others were prophets. But this is a slight basis for
distinguishing the functions (so Haenchen, op. cit., p. 338). Probably both titles apply to all. Cf. Fascher, op. cit.,
p. 185; Zahn, op. cit., I, p. 116; Schweizer, Church Order, pp. 72, 183 (5k, 22c). Otherwise, Lindblom, Gesichte,
p. 176 n.
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

the lack of concern itself suggests that for Luke no less than for his traditions there is a certain
ambiguity and fluidity in the designation of ministries. On the one hand, the Spirit is itself the
gift and to be “full of the Spirit” implies the empowerment to manifest a variety of gifts (Acts
2:33; 6:3, 8 ff.). On the other hand, certain persons may be so identified with a specific gift as
to be recognized and set apart in the community on that basis. For Paul also certain persons
are set apart in terms of a specific charism (1 Cor. 12:28).53 At the same time one person may
manifest a multiplicity of charisms (1

[p.64]

Cor. 12:31; 14:1; 2 Tim. 1:11), and (some) charisms and charismatics may be grouped in an
undifferentiated manner as pneumatik£ and pneumatiko… (1 Cor. 14:1, 37; 3:1).

In this context it is not always easy to distinguish the role of the prophet from that of other
ministries. Seeking to do so, G. Friedrich concludes that “teachers expound Scripture, cherish
the tradition about Jesus and explain the fundamentals of the catechism, the prophets... speak
to the congregation on the basis of revelations...”54 While this distinction may be true as far as
it goes, it does not give sufficient weight to the teaching role of the early Christian prophet.
Predictive prophecy, of course, presents no problem. But as the above discussion has shown,
there is no clear division in Judaism or the primitive church between the teaching of a prophet
and of a teacher. Likewise, the false prophets in the church teach (1 Jn. 2:22, 26 f.; 4:1 ff.),
and the false teachers in the church correspond to the false prophets of the Old Covenant (2
Pet. 2:1). As H. Greeven rightly recognizes, both the prophet and the teacher expound the
Scriptures and the sayings of the Lord, and in this area the transition from teaching to
prophecy is “gewiss fliessend”.55 For Paul prophecy apparently is a formal term embracing
various kinds of inspired teaching.56 The teaching of the prophet apparently overlaps that of
the teacher and can be distinguished from it only by the manner in which it is given or by the
recognized status as “prophet” of the one who is teaching. In Acts also various kinds of
teaching are present in the activities of the prophets. Probably the same relationship between
the prophet and the teacher is assumed. But one cannot speak with assurance, especially since
did£skaloj occurs only in Acts 13:1.

There also is an overlapping of the roles of apostle and prophet. Indeed, E. C. Selwyn argued
that “apostles” were “prophets on circuit” in contrast to “prophets in session”.57 That is, an
apostle is simply a prophet who is sent (¢postšllw) as a missionary. In support he cites
Didache 11:3-5.

But concerning the apostles and prophets (tîn ¢postÒlwn kaˆ profhtîn) do according
to the ordinance of the gospel. Every apostle who comes to you receive as the Lord... But
if he remains three days he is a false prophet.

53
See above.
54
Friedrich, op. cit., 6, p. 854; cf. Gal. 1:12.
55
Greeven, op. cit., p. 29; cf. Fascher, op. cit., p. 185.
56
Goguel, op. cit., p. 265. Neither profhte…a nor didaskal…a occurs in Luke-Acts; in Acts did£skaloj
appears only at 13:1.
57
Cf. E. C. Selwyn, The Christian Prophets (London, 1900), pp. 24 f.; Saint Luke the Prophet (London, 1900),
pp. 35, 27-32. So also, Fascher, op. cit., p. 180. Selwyn’s works contain considerable information and some good
insights, but they are marred by an erratic style and by unsupported and extravagant assertions.
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

The usage is remarkable, and it is one possible explanation why Barnabas and Paul on tour are
called apostles (Acts 14:4, 14) but are named prophets only while resident in Antioch (Acts
13:1). However, it is more likely that

[p.65]

the shift in terminology reflects Luke’s use of a different tradition. In any case the explanation
hardly accords with the use of the terms elsewhere in Acts where “apostles” reside in
Jerusalem and “prophets” travel.

To pose the question differently, is there any activity ‘ascribed to the Christian prophet that is
not also true of those named apostle? Apparently there is none. The example of the apostle
Peter, mentioned above, illustrates that every activity of the prophet — including prediction,
exhortation and biblical exposition — can also be ascribed by Luke to the apostle.58 On the
other hand, unlike the prophets the apostles do “many wonders and signs” (2:43), witness to
the resurrection of Jesus (1:22; 13:31; cf. 26:16), exercise an authority in the congregations,
and impart the Holy Spirit (8:15 ff.; cf. 19:6). It may be significant that it is in connexion with
one of these activities, miracle-working, that Barnabas and Paul are named apostles.59
Likewise, in the Pauline literature the mark of an apostle includes “signs and wonders and
mighty works” (2 Cor. 12:12; cf. 1 Cor. 9:1). In summary, the ministries of the apostle and the
prophet in Acts may be compared to two concentric circles, in which the circle of the
prophet’s activity is somewhat smaller.

Christian “elders” (presbÚteroi) appear in Acts as a leadership group in the congregations of

Jerusalem (11:30; 21:18), Galatia (14:23), and Ephesus (20:17). Their function is “to
shepherd” ( (2:49 1e2s2pef92a of teour .--l/i84tsctegeig.2 bpoima…neophets -19 12 Tf 0
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

century, however, persons who also had been trained as scribes were preferred when
community or synagogue leaders were chosen. That is, one who was selected to be elder was
likely to be a theologian.62 For the early Christian community this would correspond to a
charismatic person, e.g., a teacher, even though he may have been titled presbÚteroj (in con-
formity with the Jewish custom) or ™p…skopoj within the organizational structure.

This view of the matter accords with a number of New Testament texts. (i) As they do in
Judaism, the elders in Acts 15 and Acts 20 function as guardians of the tradition, although the
similarity is qualified by the role of the Spirit among the Christians.63 (2) The Christian elder
may exercise a specific ministry of teaching (I Tim. 5:17; 2, 3 Jn. 1).64 However, the same
kind of ministry may be exercised without reference to any name or title.65 Although in Acts
the elder is a part of the organized expression of the church, he is very likely selected on the
basis of certain spiritual gifts.66 And his ministry itself is doubtless viewed as a manifestation
of a charism. Therefore, the role of the prophet may overlap that of the elder as it does that of
the apostle and the teacher, especially in certain teaching functions. But unlike the prophet the
apostle (in Jerusalem at least) and the elder or ‘shepherd’ are incorporated into the
organizational structure.

III
At a number of places in Acts the early Christian mission is viewed as a continuation of Jesus’
mission and as a contest between conflicting spirit-powers. The former is expressed most
clearly as the immediate action of the exalted Lord himself (Acts 1:1 (“began”); 9:5; 10:13;
16:7; 22:18; 23:11). The contest is explicit in the encounter of Peter with Simon Magus (8:9-
24) and the encounter of Paul with the false prophet Barjesus (13: 6ff.)

[p.67]

and the medium in Philippi (16:16). The same kind of conflict may be inferred from the
episode of the Jewish exorcists (19:13-20). The role of the Christian prophet is related to both
of these Lukan themes. The prophet is the Lord’s instrument, one among several means by
which Jesus leads his church. As one who makes known (gnwstÒj) the meaning of the

62
Jeremias, op. cit., pp. 236 f. The Sadducees obtained their scribes from within this lay nobility, i.e., the
“elders”, who thus functioned as interpreters and guardians of the tradition (p.231).
63
Cf. also, I Pet. 5:1f.; Schweizer, Church Order, p. 200 (241).
64
Concerning 2, 3 John cf. Bornkamm, op. cit., 6, p. 671. The elder also may be expected to exercise gifts of
healing (Jam. 5:14). According to Didache 15 the bishops and deacons “also perform the service of the prophets
and teachers”. “Bishop” (™p…skopoj) is here equivalent to presbÚteroj.
65
Cf. 1 Cor. 16:16; 1 Thes. 5:12 with 1 Tim. 5:17.
66
Cf. Acts 6:3; Schweizer, Church Order, p. 184 (22e). The absence of the term in Paul (outside the Pastorals) is
remarkable and its use possibly “represents a later assimilation to Jewish forms” (ibid., p. 200). But in view of
the early necessity of structure (Acts 6) and the Church’s identification of itself as the true Israel it is more likely
that in some Jewish—Christian communities the term was used in an official way from the beginning. Cf. B.
Reicke, “The Constitution of the Primitive Church,” The Scrolls and the New Testament (New York, 1957), pp.
143-56. A comparison of Acts 1:20b, 25 ™p…skop», ¢postol») with Acts 20:17, 28 (presbÚteroj, ™p…skopoj)
suggests that for Luke the apostle may be a special kind of elder just as the Twelve are a special kind of apostle
(cf. 1 Tim. 3:1; see above, p. 65). This would place Acts 15 in a different light and clarify both its relation to
Acts 11:30; 21:18 and the readings of Codex Bezae at Acts 15:5, 12, 41 (“elders.”).
E. Earle Ellis, "The Role of the Christian Prophet in Acts," W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin, eds.,
Apostolic History and the Gospel. Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Bruce. Exeter: The
Paternoster Press, 1970. Hbk. ISBN: 085364098X. pp.55-67.

Scriptures, exhorts and strengthens the congregation, and instructs the coinmunity by
revelations of the future, the Christian prophet manifests in the power of the Spirit the
character of his Lord, who is the Prophet of the end-time (3:22).

© 1970 The Paternoster Press. Reproduced by kind permission of the publisher.

Converted to PDF by Robert I Bradshaw in February 2005.

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