There are a few prophetesses mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Isaiah 8:3). Similar to prophets, we should understand that their work, during the time of the old covenant, was to serve as lawyers.1 They were meant to testify where people broke the terms of the covenant, reminding people of God’s coming judgment and encouraging repentance. Luke’s reference to Anna as a prophet however seems to align her more closely with Simeon rather than the prophets who served before the coming of Christ. Presumably we are meant to understand that the Holy Spirit was also upon Anna (as he was with Simeon), and that her presence at the temple was also a result of his work. In this case, the fact that Anna is a prophetess serves to confirm that she is a reliable witness.2
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,