ELEVEN PROPHETS

 


Image of Eleven prophets of God
Image of Eleven prophets of God

By Edward Matulanya

Explore the lives, teachings, and significance of prophets in the Roman Catholic Church. Learn about major prophets, their messages, trials, miracles, and how they prepared the way for Jesus Christ.


1. Definition of a Prophet in Roman Catholic Teaching

In Roman Catholic theology, a prophet is a person chosen and inspired by God to proclaim God’s word to His people, especially in situations of moral failure, injustice, or spiritual unfaithfulness. The prophetic role is not limited to foretelling future events but is primarily concerned with revealing God’s will and calling people to conversion (Catholic Church, 1997; Hahn, 2009). The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that God speaks through prophets to form His people and prepare them for salvation history, culminating in Jesus Christ (Catholic Church, 1997, paras. 64–65).

2. Nature and Role of Prophets in Catholic Theology

Prophets have various role in the Church depending on their nature.

2.1 Prophecy as Proclamation, Not Prediction

Although some prophetic messages contain references to future consequences, Catholic theology emphasizes that prophecy is fundamentally a proclamation of God’s truth for the present (Brown, 1997; Harrington, 2001). The prophets addressed concrete historical situations, calling people to repentance and renewed fidelity to God’s covenant.

2.2 Prophets as God’s Spokespersons

Prophets speak on behalf of God, often beginning their message with formulas such as “Thus says the Lord.” Their mission are such as calling people to repentance, condemning injustice and idolatry, defending the poor and vulnerable, and restoring authentic worship (Catholic Church, 1997, paras. 702–703; Pontifical Biblical Commission, 2001).

2.3 Prophecy and the People of God

The Church teaches that all baptized Christians share in Christ’s prophetic office. Through their words and actions, believers are called to witness to the Gospel in everyday life (Catholic Church, 1997, para. 785; Second Vatican Council, 1964). However, Catholic doctrine also holds that public revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle, meaning no later prophecy can add to or change the deposit of faith (Catholic Church, 1997, para. 66; Ratzinger, 2000).

3. History of the Prophets

Catholic teaching views prophecy as unfolding progressively throughout salvation history. God spoke through prophets “at many times and in various ways,” culminating in Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2; CCC, 1997). For example, Moses was mediator of the covenant (Exodus 19–20), Elijah was defender of monotheism (1 Kings 18), and Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel were classical prophets. Also, John the Baptist was final prophetic voice before Christ (Luke 1:76; Brown, 1997).

4. Prophets Were Chosen by God

The Church teaches that prophets are chosen by God’s grace, often despite personal weakness, to demonstrate divine initiative rather than human power (CCC, 1997; Hahn, 2015). For example, Moses doubted his abilities (Exodus 4:10). Jeremiah felt unworthy due to his youth (Jeremiah 1:6–8).

5. Categories of prophets

The Catholic tradition recognizes both the “Major Prophets” and the “Minor Prophets” of the Hebrew Scriptures. Eleven widely recognized prophets include:

1. Isaiah – Prophet of messianic hope.

2. Jeremiah – Prophet of the new covenant.

3. Ezekiel – Prophet of the exile and restoration.

4. Daniel – Visionary of God’s sovereignty.

5. Hosea – Spoke of God’s steadfast love.

6. Joel – Proclaimed the coming “Day of the Lord.”

7. Amos – Champion of social justice.

8. Obadiah – Warned of Edom’s downfall.

9. Jonah – Called Nineveh to repentance.

10. Micah – Foretold Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace.

11. Malachi – Last of the Old Testament prophets, announced the coming messenger.

These prophets are commemorated in Catholic liturgy through readings, feast days (some local), and inclusion in the Roman Martyrology, the official list of saints and blesseds.

6. Major Prophets 

In Catholic tradition, the term “Major (Great) Prophets” refers to those whose biblical books are longer and of central theological significance, not necessarily that they were “greater” in holiness.

Among the eleven prophets listed, the Great (Major) Prophets are:

1. Isaiah; Known for messianic prophecies and profound visions of God’s holiness.

2. Jeremiah; Preached the new covenant and warned of Jerusalem’s fall.

3. Ezekiel; Proclaimed God’s glory during the Babylonian exile and foretold Israel’s restoration.

4. Daniel; Noted for apocalyptic visions and steadfast faith under persecution.

These four are grouped as the Major Prophets in the Catholic canon because their books are substantially longer and more comprehensive in scope than those of the “Minor Prophets.”

7. Differences Between Prophets and Christ

While prophets speak God’s word, Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. He surpasses all prophets and completes divine revelation (John 1:14; Dei Verbum, 1965; CCC, 1997). For example, Moses delivered the Law; Christ fulfilled and perfected it (Matthew 5:17; Benedict XVI, 2007).

8. Life Lessons We Learn from the Prophets

Prophets exemplify obedience, perseverance, and trust in God under trial (Hahn, 2015). For example, Daniel’s fidelity under persecution (Daniel 6). Also, Jonah illustrates God’s universal mercy (Jonah 4:2).

9. How Prophets Changed the Course of History

Prophets shaped Israel’s moral conscience and prepared humanity for Christ, influencing religious, ethical, and social development (Pontifical Biblical Commission, 2001). For example, Moses formed Israel’s identity as God’s covenant people. John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ (Luke 3:2–6).

10. Moral and Spiritual Teachings of the Prophets

The prophets taught that authentic worship requires moral integrity and justice, not ritual alone (Isaiah 1:16–17; Hosea 6:6; CCC, 1997). For example, Isaiah condemned empty worship. Hosea emphasized steadfast love over sacrifice.

11. Prophets as Role Models for Humanity

Catholic teaching presents prophets as models of holiness and obedience, though still human and imperfect (CCC, 1997; Hahn, 2015). For example, Elijah trusted God during despair (1 Kings 19). Peter’s repentance highlights God’s mercy and transformation (Luke 22:61–62).

12. Stories of the Prophets and Their Trials

Prophetic suffering reflects faithfulness to God’s mission despite rejection (Brown et al., 1990). For example, Jeremiah’s imprisonment (Jeremiah 38). Elijah’s flight and divine encounter (1 Kings 19:11–13).

13. Miracles of the Prophets

In Catholic theology, miracles authenticate God’s message and invite faith, rather than serving as ends in themselves (CCC, 1997). For example, Elijah raised a widow’s son (1 Kings 17:22) and Elisha healed Naaman (2 Kings 5:14).

14. Challenges Faced by the Prophets

Prophets often faced opposition because they confronted injustice and called for moral reform (Benedict XVI, 2007). For example, John the Baptist’s imprisonment and execution (Mark 6:17–29).

15. Patience, Faith, and Courage in the Lives of Prophets

Prophets rely on God’s strength amid uncertainty and suffering (Habakkuk 3:17–19; Hahn, 2015). For example, Habakkuk trusted God despite hardship. Isaiah persevered despite rejection (Isaiah 6:9–13).

16. Prophets in Catholic Christianity and Judaism

The Catholic Church affirms the Jewish roots of prophecy and teaches continuity between the Old and New Testaments, fulfilled in Christ (Dei Verbum, 1965; CCC, 1997). For example, Abraham, Moses, and David are revered figures in both traditions, understood by Christians as fulfilled in Jesus.

17. The Final Revelation in Jesus Christ

Catholic doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is the definitive revelation of God, and no new public revelation is expected after Him (Hebrews 1:1–2; CCC, 1997; Dei Verbum, 1965). For example, Saints may speak prophetically but do not add to the deposit of faith.

Reference

Benedict XVI. (2007). Jesus of Nazareth. New York, NY: Doubleday.

Brown, R. E. (1997). An introduction to the Old Testament. Yale University Press.

Brown, R. E., Fitzmyer, J. A., & Murphy, R. E. (1990). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Dei Verbum. (1965). Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Vatican City: Second Vatican Council.

Hahn, S. (2009). A Catholic introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament. Ignatius Press.

Harrington, D. J. (2001). Invitation to the Old Testament. Eerdmans.

Pontifical Biblical Commission. (2001). The Jewish people and their sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible. Vatican Press.

Ratzinger, J. (2000). God and the world. Ignatius Press.

Second Vatican Council. (1964). Lumen gentium. Vatican Press.

Second Vatican Council. (1965). Dei verbum. Vatican Press.

The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. (1989). National Council of Churches.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Books of the Bible. USCCB. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible


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