Prophet vs. Apostle
A prophet speaks God's word to people, often foretelling the future or calling for repentance, and appears throughout both Testaments; an apostle is specifically one 'sent' by Jesus Christ himself as a witness of His resurrection, a role limited to the New Testament era.
Point by Point
Prophet
Apostle
Meaning of the term
'Prophet' (Hebrew nabi) means one who speaks on behalf of another - here, God.
'Apostle' (Greek apostolos) literally means 'one sent forth' or 'messenger.'
Qualification
Called by God to deliver His word, sometimes without formal commissioning (e.g. Amos).
In the strict sense, required having seen the risen Christ and been personally commissioned by Him (Acts 1:21-22).
Era
Prophets appear from Moses through the New Testament (Agabus, Anna).
The office of apostle, in its foundational sense, is tied to the twelve plus Paul.
Scripture References
Qualifications for an Apostle
Acts 1:21-2221 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Peter states that an apostle must have accompanied Jesus and witnessed His resurrection.
God Speaks Through His Prophets
Amos 3:77 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
The prophetic office is defined as God revealing His secrets to His servants the prophets.
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