The context of this gift of prophecy fits the ancient concept of a prophet better than it does the modern perspective in which there is only one prophet at a time who is also president of the Church. In the ancient world, there might be more than one, such as when Lehi was called to prophesy in Jerusalem at the same time as Jeremiah. Even in the New Testament world, the “Didaché” tells us that many were considered prophets who were not part of the church’s official hierarchy. The “Didaché,” a church manual written in Greek just after A.D. 100, contained instructions for how to receive messengers of Christianity as they passed through the community. Some were truly God’s messengers. Others were simply charlatans. The “Didaché” gave the community some rules for discerning true prophets from false. (In the following passage, the Greek word “apostle,” simply means “one who is sent.” It does not connote being a member of the Quorum of the Twelve.)
But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there’s a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others’ sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Reference: The content of this verse mirrors that of 1 Corinthians 12:10.