The end of prophecy?

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

- Ephesians 2:19-20

Who are the prophets in Ephesians?

Our gut reaction (appealing to experience?) is that they are the Old Testament prophets who prophesied about the Christ. What you've most likely been taught (appealing to tradition?) is that your gut is right. My firm conviction is that you are wrong and they are New Testament prophets.

Let me tell you why. Ephesians 3:4-6:

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The apostles and prophets upon which the church is built (Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone) are those to whom the mystery of Christ has been revealed. Namely, that the gospel is for the Gentiles who are fellow heirs through the gospel. This is, that which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations. The prophets that predicted the Christ did not have a fully formed view of how their prophecies all fit together. 1 Peter 1:10-11;

Concerning this salvation, the prophets that prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and enquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and his subsequent glories.

There are certainly times when the New Testament uses 'prophets' to speak of the Old Testament prophets. It is even used as shorthand to describe the entire Old Testament such as 2 Peter 3:2

you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets.

Yet it remains my conviction that Ephesians is speaking of New Testament prophets. This is an important piece in the puzzle to understanding the Spirit and prophecy which I shall tease out over the next few days.

It would fit so much better into our theological framework if they weren't. Wouldn't it be great if John was the last prophet...

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet... Truly, I say to you, among those born of women of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

-Matthew 11:9,11

or even that the prophets ceased with Jesus.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.

- Heb 1:1-2

But prophets continue past Jesus.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

-Ephesians 4:11

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger...

- Acts 13:1

And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

- Acts 15:32

It is clear prophecy continues after Jesus. It is similarly clear they have a significant role in the early church. But what should we make of this?

[For beginning this line of thought, I am indebted to the internationally renowned scholars M.B. Field and T.A. Gowing]