Office of the Prophet is Distinctly Different from a Teacher

Are Teachers Also Prophets?

Short Answer:
Not all teachers are prophets, but some prophets may also be teachers.

Here’s a deeper explanation based on the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White (Spirit of Prophecy):

🔹 1. Difference Between Teacher and Prophet in the Bible

Ephesians 4:11 (KJV):

“And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

This verse shows that teachers and prophets are distinct gifts or roles in the church. While both communicate truth, their purposes differ:

• Prophet – Receives direct revelation from God (through visions, dreams, or divine messages).

• Teacher – Explains and expounds on truth already revealed by God, especially those given through prophets.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV):

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers...”

Again, the order and distinction are clearly stated.

🔹 2. Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen G. White) on Teachers and Prophets

Ellen G. White writes:

“The teacher may have other talents, but he is to concentrate his energies on the work of teaching. He is to be a laborer together with God, educating the minds of the youth, and training them for usefulness and service.”
— Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, p. 495

This shows that the role of the teacher is to instruct, train, and prepare others—not necessarily to receive direct revelation from God like a prophet.

However, she also wrote:

“The Lord has His appointed messengers, who will give the call. There are teachers and prophets among us...”
— Letter 86, 1906

This indicates that God can give both gifts (prophet and teacher) to the same person, but they remain distinct roles.

🔹 3. Biblical Examples

• Moses – Both prophet and teacher (Deuteronomy 18:15; 4:1–2)

• Jesus – Called a Teacher (John 3:2) and also recognized as a Prophet (Luke 24:19)

• Paul – Teacher of the Gentiles (2 Timothy 1:11), but also received prophetic visions and revelations (Acts 22)

These examples show that while a prophet can also teach, prophecy is a separate gift from teaching.

🔹 Conclusion:

Teachers are not automatically prophets, but both are vital gifts of the Spirit for the edification of the church.

• A prophet delivers new light or divine revelations.

• A teacher explains and spreads the light already given.

THREE LEVELS OF PROPHETIC Calling

God purpose for His church is to demonstrate His character to the world with power from generation to generation. This could only be possible through the fulfillment of prophetic declaration which will be manifested among believers.

1. The Faith Level – Every believer operates on this level. This is all about edifying, building up, and encouraging others. Apostle Paul says, “For you call all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged .” 1 Cor. 14:31 - As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8); as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. {DA 60.2}

2. The Gift Level – The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers in different proportions, these are for encouraging, comforting and strengthening the church. This is more than just the faith level – it is a gift given specifically with the purpose from the Spirit of God. 1 Cor. 12:4-11

3. The Office Level – A prophet bestowed with authority to speak for God to the people in different ages. A function given by Jesus for a person to operate in for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. Eph. 4:11-13; Eph. 2:20