Adam was the First Prophet

Adam was a prophet, first one that we know.
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow.
Adam served the Lord by following his ways.
We are his descendants in the latter days.

- Words and music: Duane E. Hiatt, b. 1937. © 1989 IRI
We can learn about prophets easily through our own religious texts. There are also a wealth of historical texts and references in other religions that can help us understand important figures in more depth. I've included information from several sources for a simple but well rounded understanding of the prophet's life. I encourage everyone with deeper knowledge or less common resources to add comments, but ask that you please include references for further research.

Adam's biography is truly unique. To call him "one of a kind" is more than just complimentary. A typical biography might begin with a description of the subjects childhood and upbringing. The scriptures don't specifically say that Adam was created as an adult, but he must have started life in a body physically developed enough not to need the care of a parent.

Adam was physically created by God more directly than the rest of us were. He wasn't formed in a mother's womb, but from the "dust of the ground." He lived in a beautiful garden called Eden and worked closely with God at the beginning. Adam had the privilege and responsibility of naming all the cattle, and the fowl of the air, and every beast of the field.

God knew it was not good for Adam to be alone and he created Eve as a help meet and companion. God married them and they lived together in Eden. Early in their marriage, they broke one of the few laws in Eden. They ate fruit from the one and only tree they were not allowed to. Adam and Eve both gained great knowledge from their action, but they were also cast out of Eden and sent back to the place Adam was created.

Things were a lot harder outside of Eden. Plants didn't grow so easily, and took a lot of work. They had to worry about food, clothing, shelter, and all the other mundane necessities. It was a big change from the easy life of Eden. They had many children together, the most famous being Cain and Abel. Cain grew into a jealous man that killed his own brother and was banished.

After losing their first two children Adam and Eve started having children again. They started with Seth and continued on to have more daughters and sons. Adam lived nine hundred thirty years, leading his descendants and teaching them the ways of the Lord. Before his death, he called his righteous posterity together in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. He blessed them one last time, then the Lord appeared to bless Adam as well. He was given great honor and comfort. Then, he prophesied, predicting future events of his decedents.

After his death, Adam went on to have a role of importance in the Lords plans and a place of respect. He is referred to throughout the scriptures. He is sometimes called "Ancient of Days" or "Michael" in various books of scriptures. Each author used the name that conveyed their meanings and messages best. To learn more about Adam, you can visit the supporting links attached to this article.