The First Prophet in the Bible: A Theological Examination

The question of who the first prophet in the Bible was can be quite intriguing from a theological and historical perspective. While some may argue that Abel or Adam was the first, a closer look at biblical theology and its implications offers a compelling argument for Jesus Christ.

The Controversy: Abel, Adam, or even Jesus?

One common view is that Abel was the first prophet. This idea is supported by certain verses such as Luke 11:50-51, which mentions the blood of all the prophets from Abel to Zechariah. However, the concept of a prophet is broader, referring to someone through whom divine will and purpose are made known. Using this definition, Adam could also be considered the first prophet, as he was the first to receive God's instructions for humanity and convey them to Eve.

A Biblical Examination: Adam and Enoch

Adam, as the first human, was indeed a prophet. The instructions given to him in Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 3:1-3 outlined God's purpose for the earth and mankind. He conveyed these messages to Eve, who then passed them on to their descendants. Yet, the Bible also highlights that not all divine directives were consistent with faithfulness. Genesis 3:1-5 tells us that Adam listened to the first false prophet, promptly accepting the temptation to eat the forbidden fruit. He failed to recognize and protect this truth, much like the verse in Jeremiah 23:18 suggests:

“Who has paid attention to my word in order to hear it? Who has stood in the inner circle of Jehovah to see and hear my word?”

In this light, Adam did not meet the criteria for being a faithful prophet. The next prominent figure who did qualify was Enoch, whose faithfulness is recorded in Genesis 5:24.

Educational Perspective: The Role of Jesus

While the Old Testament Q Document lists Jesus as a significant figure, He is not explicitly mentioned as a prophet in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. However, from a Christian perspective, Jesus is recognized as both the first and last prophet. His role as the alpha and omega, Alpha and Omega (Greek meaning "beginning and the end") in the New Testament, is a significant theological point.

Additionally, Jesus is understood to be Revelation 22:13: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” This concept is also reflected in the idea of being co-eternal, co-substance, and co-God, which places Jesus in a unique position as both divine and human. Furthermore, Matthew 4:7 and John 1:14 emphasize that Jesus was 'God in the flesh.'

In Christian theology, Jesus is also a prophet in the traditional sense. Although He is not listed first in the KJV, He is considered a prophet due to His role in revealing divine will and purpose. Among Christians, regardless of denominational differences, Jesus is seen as a faithful prophet by definition, as He did not waver in faith and always adhered to the divine revelation. He is not only a faithful prophet but also a forerunner, preparing the way for other prophets and apostles to follow.

Conclusion: A Call to Learn

To gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and its teachings, there are many resources available. The website of Jehovah's Witnesses offers a dedicated section where readers can explore various teachings, including the role of prophets. This website also provides the Bible in numerous languages, along with engaging resources like discourses and videos that cater to readers of all ages. An online interactive course called 'Enjoy Life Forever' offers a unique and progressive method to learn and understand the Bible.

Through these resources, we can dive deeper into the rich theological discussions surrounding prophets and their role in guiding humanity towards spiritual fulfillment.