Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho 7

What need, then, would anyone still have for a teacher, or from whom would anyone benefit, if the truth is not even found in these things?

Long before all these so-called philosophers, there were certain people—older, blessed, righteous, and beloved by God—who spoke by the divine Spirit and foretold the things that are to come, which are now happening; they are called prophets.

These alone both saw and spoke the truth to people, neither intimidated nor persuaded by anyone, not overcome by glory; they spoke only what they heard and what they saw, having been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Their writings still remain even now, and those who encounter them can benefit greatly—learning about beginnings and ends and what the philosopher ought to know—by believing them.

For they did not establish their words with proof at that time, since they were above all proof, being trustworthy witnesses of the truth; and the things that have come to pass and are coming to pass compel one to agree with the words spoken through them.

And indeed, even through the powers they performed, they were worthy of belief, since they glorified the Maker of all things, God and Father, and proclaimed the Christ from him, his Son—which the false prophets, filled with the deceitful and unclean spirit, neither did nor do; instead, they dare to perform certain powers to amaze people, and they glorify the spirits of deceit and demons.

But I pray for you above all that the gates of light may be opened; for these things are not visible or understandable to all, unless God gives understanding to someone, and his Christ.