Canonical and Noncanonical Prophets

There were many prophets such as Nathan, Gad, Ahijah, and Iddo who were recognized prophets but whose books did not become part of the Bible.

Although we do not know why God permitted some prophets’ messages to be included in the Bible while others were left out, we do know that the noncanonical prophets who were not included in Scripture were equally inspired by God. The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts, including the gift of prophecy, will continue until the end of time. The Bible predicts that there will be postbiblical, noncanonical prophets “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith” (Eph. 4:12, 13, NKJV), and they will exist “ ‘before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord’ ” (Joel 2:31, NKJV).

After David committed adultery and murder, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him (2 Sam. 12:7–14). Although Nathan had not written a biblical book, David did not question Nathan’s authority, and that’s because the authority of the prophets’ writings is based on their inspiration, and not on whether or not they were included in the biblical canon. Nevertheless, all true noncanonical prophets, particularly prophets after the time of the Bible—and especially a modern prophet such as Ellen G. White—saw themselves as subject to biblical authority. Their messages had to be tested by the Bible and do not replace the Bible as a source for faith and doctrine.

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Additional Reading: Selected Quotes from Ellen G. White

The Israelites, having again separated themselves from God by idolatry, were grievously oppressed by these enemies. The property and even the lives of the people were in constant danger. Hence the villages and lonely dwellings were deserted, and the people congregated in the walled cities. The high roads were unoccupied, and the people went from place to place by unfrequented byways. At the places for drawing water, many were robbed and even murdered, and to add to their distress, the Israelites were unarmed. Among forty thousand men, not a sword or a spear could be found. . . .
Deborah celebrated the triumph of Israel in a most sublime and impassioned song. She ascribed to God all the glory of their deliverance, and bade the people praise Him for His wonderful works.—Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 259.

We may learn valuable lessons from the experience of the prophet Elisha. Elisha was chosen by the Lord as Elijah’s helper, and through test and trial he proved himself true to his trust. He was willing to be and do anything the Lord directed. He did not seek to shun the humblest service, but was as faithful in the performance of smaller duties as of larger responsibilities. He was always willing to serve in any position to which the Lord pointed him, however disagreeable it might be to his natural inclinations. And at every step he learned lessons of humility and service. . . .
“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” He did not ask for worldly honor, for a high place among the great men of the earth. That for which he craved was a double portion of the Spirit given to the one God was about to honor with translation. He knew that nothing but a double portion of the Spirit that had rested on Elijah could fit him to fill the place Elijah had filled, because Elijah had the experience and wisdom of age, which cannot by any method be imparted to the young. . . .
When the Lord in His providence sees fit to remove from His work those to whom He has given wisdom, He helps and strengthens their successors, if they will look to Him for aid and will walk in His ways. They may be even wiser than their predecessors; for they may profit by their experience and learn wisdom from their mistakes.—Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 265.