This evidently implies that they had been preachers before they went to Antioch. What was the precise nature of the office of a prophet in the Christian church, it is not easy to ascertain. Possibly it may imply that they were teachers of unusual or remarkable ability.

Confirmed them. Strengthened them; that is, by their instructions and exhortations. See Barnes "Ac 14:22".

{*} "prophets" "teachers" {a} "confirmed them" Ac 14:22