Prophet

=== Traditional definitions ===
[[File:Schnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel in Bildern 1860 139.png|thumb|right|The Vision of Isaiah is depicted in this 1860 woodcut by [[Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld]].]]

In [[Christianity]], a prophet (or seer) is one inspired by God through the [[Holy Spirit (Christianity)|Holy Spirit]] to deliver a message. This includes the prophets of ancient Israel as well as those who function(ed) as prophets in the Church. Concerning the latter concept, some [[Christian denominations]] limit a prophet's message to words intended only for the entire church congregation, excluding personal messages not intended for the body of believers; but in the [[Bible]] on a number of occasions prophets were called to deliver personal messages.<ref>{{Bibleverse||Matthew|14:1–7|9}}, {{Bibleverse|2|Kings|3:11|9}}</ref> The reception of a message is termed [[revelation]] and the delivery of the message is termed prophecy.

The term "prophet" applies to those who receive public or [[private revelation]]. Public revelation, in Catholicism, is part of the [[Deposit of faith]], the revelation of which was completed by Jesus; whereas private revelation does not add to the Deposit. The term "deposit of faith" refers to the entirety of Jesus Christ's revelation, and is passed to successive generations in two different forms, sacred scripture (the Bible) and sacred tradition.

The Bible applies the appellation '[[false prophet]]' to anyone who preaches a Gospel contrary to that delivered to the apostles and recorded in Sacred Scripture.<ref name="Nei2019">{{cite book |last1=Nei |first1=Briana |title=Revealed in Ephesians: The Mystery of Who I Am in Christ |date=25 January 2019 |publisher=WestBow Press |isbn=978-1-9736-4773-7 |language=English |quote=Anyone who contradicts scripture, preaches another gospel or denies the divinity of Christ is a false prophet. Paul said, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you ...}}</ref> One [[Old Testament]] text in [[Book of Deuteronomy|Deuteronomy]]<ref>{{Bibleverse||Deuteronomy|18:21–22|9}}</ref> contains a warning against those who prophesy events which do not come to pass and says they should be put to death. Elsewhere a false prophet may be someone who is purposely trying to deceive, is delusional, under the influence of [[Satan]] or is speaking from his own spirit.<ref>{{Bibleverse||Ezekiel|13:3|9}}, "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!"</ref>

==== Catholicism ====
Six of the [[Twelve Minor Prophets|Minor Prophets]] are commemorated in December. Each encouraged people to return to God, to repent of past sins, and to recognize God's presence even in their difficulties.<ref>[https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/12/01/advent-and-the-jewish-prophets/ Beutner, Dawn. "Advent and the Jewish Prophets", ''The Catholic World Report'', December 1, 2021]</ref>

"Jesus Christ is the one whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and established as priest, prophet, and king. The whole People of God participates in these three offices of Christ and bears the responsibilities for mission and service that flow from them."<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, §783</ref> The laity act prophetically when they speak the truth, and live the Gospel by example before their families, neighbors, and co-workers.<ref>CCC, 905</ref> The Old Testament prophets defended the poor and powerless "and inspire Catholic Social Teaching on the preferential option for the poor, workers’ rights, and justice and peace."<ref>[https://www.usccb.org/offices/new-american-bible/roots-catholic-social-teaching-found-old-testament-prophets Colecchi, D.Min., Stephen M., "Roots of Catholic Social Teaching Found in the Old Testament Prophets", USCCB]</ref>