How do we know that Jonah was a real prophet?

Jonah is affirmed as a historical figure and prophet, specifically cited in 2 Kings 14:25, which acknowledges his role in delivering God's message during the reign of King Jeroboam. This verification underlines that his experiences were not merely allegorical but constituted a real divine commission that unfolded as described, including his attempt to evade God's directive. The New Testament also references Jonah, particularly in Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12:40, indicating that Christ viewed Jonah as a genuine prophet whose mission signifies the greater reality of God's salvation plan. Therefore, his real-life example serves an essential role in understanding God's gospel unfolding across both Testaments.