2 Peter 1:20
Verse
Context
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
19We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.21For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Knowing this first - Considering this as a first principle, that no prophecy of the Scripture, whether that referred to above, or any other, is of any private interpretation - proceeds from the prophet's own knowledge or invention, or was the offspring of calculation or conjecture. The word επιλυσις signifies also impetus, impulse; and probably this is the best sense here; not by the mere private impulse of his own mind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Forasmuch as ye know this" (Pe1 1:18). first--the foremost consideration in studying the word of prophecy. Laying it down as a first principle never to be lost sight of. is--Greek, not the simple verb, to be, but to begin to be, "proves to be," "becometh." No prophecy is found to be the result of "private (the mere individual writer's uninspired) interpretation" (solution), and so origination. The Greek noun epilusis, does not mean in itself origination; but that which the sacred writer could not always fully interpret, though being the speaker or writer (as Pe1 1:10-12 implies), was plainly not of his own, but of God's disclosure, origination, and inspiration, as Peter proceeds to add, "But holy men . . . spake (and afterwards wrote) . . . moved by the Holy Ghost": a reason why ye should "give" all "heed" to it. The parallelism to Pe2 1:16 shows that "private interpretation," contrasted with "moved by the Holy Ghost," here answers to "fables devised by (human) wisdom," contrasted with "we were eye-witnesses of His majesty," as attested by the "voice from God." The words of the prophetical (and so of all) Scripture writers were not mere words of the individuals, and therefore to be interpreted by them, but of "the Holy Ghost" by whom they were "moved." "Private" is explained, Pe2 1:21, "by the will of man" (namely, the individual writer). In a secondary sense the text teaches also, as the word is the Holy Spirit's, it cannot be interpreted by its readers (any more than by its writers) by their mere private human powers, but by the teaching of the Holy Ghost (Joh 16:14). "He who is the author of Scripture is its supreme interpreter" [GERHARD]. ALFORD translates, "springs not out of human interpretation," that is, is not a prognostication made by a man knowing what he means when he utters it, but," &c. (Joh 11:49-52). Rightly: except that the verb is rather, doth become, or prove to be. It not being of private interpretation, you must "give heed" to it, looking for the Spirit's illumination "in your hearts" (compare Note, see on Pe2 1:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Knowing this first,.... Especially, and in the first place, this is to be known, observed, and considered; that no prophecy of the Scripture, that is contained in Scripture, be it what it will, is of any private interpretation: not that this is levelled against the right of private judgment of Scripture; or to be understood as if a private believer had not a right of reading, searching, examining, and judging, and interpreting the Scriptures himself, by virtue of the unction which teacheth all things; and who, as a spiritual man, judgeth all things; otherwise, why are such commended as doing well, by taking heed to prophecy, in the preceding verse, and this given as a reason to encourage them to it? the words may be rendered, "of one's own interpretation"; that is, such as a natural man forms of himself, by the mere force of natural parts and wisdom, without the assistance of the Spirit of God; and which is done without comparing spiritual things with spiritual; and which is not agreeably to the Scripture, to the analogy of faith, and mind of Christ; though rather this phrase should be rendered, "no prophecy of the Scripture is of a man's own impulse", invention, or composition; is not human, but purely divine: and this sense carries in it a reason why the sure word of prophecy, concerning the second coming of Christ, should be taken heed to, and made use of as a light, till he does come; because as no Scripture prophecy, so not that, is a contrivance of man's, his own project and device, and what his own spirit prompts and impels him to, but what is made by the dictates and impulse of the Spirit of God; for whatever may be said of human predictions, or the false prophecies of lying men, who deliver them out how and when they please, nothing of this kind can be said of any Scripture prophecy, nor of this concerning the second coming of Christ; and this sense the following words require.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:20-21 came from the prophet’s own understanding (or is a matter of one’s own interpretation): The point is probably that the prophets were not left on their own to interpret the visions that God gave them. God made the meaning clear to the prophets, so that they could prophesy clearly and reliably.
2 Peter 1:20
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
19We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.21For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Moved by the Holy Ghost
By Leonard Ravenhill4.0K1:28:00RevivalHoly SpiritHoly Ghost2PE 1:20Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being moved by the Holy Ghost, contrasting the spiritual fervor of early Christians with the complacency of modern evangelism. He recounts the powerful testimonies of individuals like Jackie Pullinger, who exemplify a life fully surrendered to God, serving the lost and marginalized without seeking personal gain. Ravenhill challenges the audience to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging them to abandon worldly distractions and embrace a life of radical faith and obedience. He warns that true revival requires sacrifice and a willingness to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, rather than merely seeking emotional experiences. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the foundational truths of the Gospel, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith authentically.
Overcoming Satan's Lies
By Kay Arthur3.4K46:512PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people being more influenced by what they hear on TV than by their parents. This is attributed to the belief in a lie that was propagated by Betty Friedan in 1963, claiming that women were miserable and needed to take action. The speaker then discusses the importance of understanding the truth about sexuality, emphasizing that marriage is honorable and sexual immorality will be judged by God. Lastly, the speaker shares a personal story of transformation, highlighting the lie that one's destiny is set and cannot be changed, and encourages listeners to seek God for peace and transformation.
Pilgrims Problems No. 16 Private Interpretation
By Willie Mullan98952:58Private InterpretationMRK 4:33EPH 1:1EPH 6:42TI 3:152PE 1:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of using parables to convey the word of God. He emphasizes the need to study and understand the Bible, despite opposition from Rome, communists, and modernists. The preacher also discusses the different faculties of the mind, such as imagination and memory, and how they can be used to comprehend and apply the teachings of the Bible. He concludes by highlighting the significance of working diligently and obediently, as if working for Christ himself.
Sunday Lessons. the Principle of Selection
By J.H. Newman0DEU 32:7ROM 15:41CO 10:112TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:222PE 1:201JN 2:14REV 1:3J.H. Newman discusses the alterations in the Liturgy, particularly focusing on the selection of Sunday Lessons from the Old Testament and the New Testament. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles behind the Lessons and how they reflect God's dealings with His people collectively and individually. Newman highlights the analogy between the Jewish nation and baptized Christians, pointing out the warnings and lessons embedded in the historical portions of the Old Testament. He concludes by urging caution in changing the established Lessons and encourages a deeper appreciation for the intricate connections between the Old and New Scriptures.
Part 10: The Historical Context of Premillennialism
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 20:20LUK 1:32LUK 22:29ACT 1:6ROM 11:1ROM 11:291CO 15:232TI 3:162PE 1:20John F. Walvoord delves into the historical context and theological significance of modern premillennialism, highlighting the challenges faced by this doctrine throughout history. He emphasizes the importance of the infallibility of Scripture, literal interpretation, evangelicalism, opposition to ecclesiasticism, and the emphasis on prophetic studies within the framework of premillennialism. Walvoord traces the roots of premillennialism from the Old and New Testaments, through the early church, to its resurgence in modern times, portraying it as a system of Biblical interpretation that honors the Word of God and prepares believers for the second coming of Christ.
Karl Barth
By Ron Bailey0PRO 30:5JHN 14:61CO 1:182TI 3:162PE 1:20Ron Bailey delves into the complexities of Karl Barth's philosophical approach to theology, highlighting Barth's emphasis on dialectic as the only way to discuss God and his unique perspective on the Bible as a witness to God's truth rather than the actual revelation. Bailey explores Barth's influence on evangelical thought, his protest against the failures of 19th-century optimism, and his role in the development of Neo-orthodoxy as a reaction to liberal theology, ultimately questioning the evangelical stance on the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture.
The Bible or the Church (The Buddha of Christendom)
By Robert Anderson0PSA 119:105ISA 40:8JHN 5:39ACT 17:11ROM 15:42TI 3:16HEB 4:121PE 1:232PE 1:20Sir Robert Anderson delves into the urgent need to reexamine the supremacy of the Bible in the face of a national lapse towards superstition and rationalism. He questions the consequences of dethroning the Bible and emphasizes the importance of defending the Scriptures against narrow interpretations and the influence of rationalistic criticism. Anderson highlights the Reformers' aim to establish the Bible's supremacy and the struggle between the Bible and the Church's authority, shedding light on the apostasy and corruption within the Christian Church. He challenges the notion of the Church as the oracle of God and advocates for a return to the authenticity and divine authority of the Bible.
2 Peter 1:20
By John Gill0Interpretation of ScriptureDivine Inspiration2PE 1:20John Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding that no prophecy in Scripture is subject to private interpretation or human invention. He clarifies that while believers have the right to read and interpret Scripture, true understanding comes from the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than personal wisdom alone. Gill argues that the prophecies are divinely inspired and should be heeded as a light until Christ's return, contrasting them with human predictions that lack divine authority. This understanding encourages believers to rely on the Spirit for interpretation and to appreciate the divine origin of Scripture.
Holy Scripture and the Authority of the Church
By J.H. Newman0PRO 30:5ACT 17:111TI 3:152TI 3:162PE 1:20J.H. Newman delves into the significance of Holy Scripture and the Church in teaching revealed truth, emphasizing that Scripture contains all necessary articles of faith and the Church has authority in controversies of faith, yet must not contradict Scripture. The Canon of Scripture is affirmed to be those books that the Church Catholic has never doubted, distinguishing them from the Apocrypha which, though not canonical, are still read for edification. The sermon also explores the relationship between the Church and Scripture, highlighting that the Church derives its faith entirely from Scripture and is tasked with harmoniously interpreting it.
Anabaptists and the Bible
By John Christian Wenger0MAT 5:10JHN 13:1ROM 15:41CO 5:11EPH 6:17COL 3:162TI 3:16HEB 4:121PE 3:152PE 1:20John Christian Wenger delves into the foundational Christian doctrines upheld by the original Anabaptists of Switzerland, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the Apostles' Creed and core beliefs such as the deity of Jesus Christ, the new birth, and the return of Christ. The doctrinal differences between the Swiss Brethren and Zwingli revolved around issues like infant baptism, liberty of conscience, and the role of Christians in society, leading to persecution and martyrdom for the Anabaptists. The Anabaptists' devotion to the Scriptures is highlighted through their meticulous study, memorization, and unwavering commitment to the Word of God, even in the face of persecution and death.
Epistle 111
By George Fox0Abiding in ChristPlainness of SpeechEXO 22:18DEU 18:10PSA 1:4ECC 5:2ISA 61:3MIC 4:4LUK 3:23JHN 1:9ROM 13:31CO 1:12CO 2:162CO 3:122CO 5:11COL 4:62TH 1:82TH 2:71TI 6:16TIT 2:122PE 1:201JN 1:7JUD 1:4George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and rooted in the grace of God, contrasting this with the consequences of ungodliness and deceit. Fox encourages the faithful to dwell in the light, which leads to purity in speech and unity among believers, ultimately producing righteousness. He reminds them that true ministry and prophecy come not from human will but from God, urging them to abide in Christ as branches of the true vine. The sermon calls for a life of integrity and sincerity, free from hypocrisy and flattery.
Part 3: Amillenniallism in the Ancient Church
By John F. Walvoord0DAN 7:13MAT 20:20LUK 22:29JHN 14:2ACT 1:61CO 15:232TI 2:152PE 1:202PE 3:8John F. Walvoord delves into the historical background of amillennialism and premillennialism, highlighting the revival of interest in millennial theology due to the decline of postmillennialism and the rise of premillennialism in recent years. The arguments surrounding the millennium have been characterized by a fresh study of ancient church literature, vigorous attacks on premillennialism, and a renewed investigation of millennialism in the early church. The sermon explores the lack of concrete evidence for amillennialism in the first and second centuries, with only disputed testimonies and a shift towards allegorical interpretations in the third century leading to the rise of amillennialism.
The Psychic Discoveries in the Last Days
By Jessie Penn-Lewis01CO 14:3EPH 4:111TH 5:202PE 1:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising prophetic utterances, which involves treating messages of prophecy with contempt or disregarding them as worthless. The command to not despise prophetic utterances is directed to the entire church, urging believers to value and respect the messages brought by prophets or preachers. The prophetic gift is explained as the declaration of God's will, aimed at edifying, exhorting, and comforting believers. The preacher warns against underestimating the wisdom found in prophetic utterances, highlighting the significance of listening attentively to God's message for spiritual growth and guidance.
The Closing of the Ante-Nicene Period
By J.B. Galloway02CO 11:3EPH 6:121TH 5:211TI 6:122TI 3:16HEB 12:141PE 1:162PE 1:201JN 1:51JN 4:1J.B. Galloway preaches on the early struggles of the Christian Church against paganism and Judaism, leading to the formulation of doctrines like the deity of Christ at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. The sermon highlights the transition from persecution to worldliness, false teachings, and corruption, eventually leading to the Protestant Reformation. It also touches on the controversies around the canon of the New Testament and the distinction between inspired scriptures and apocryphal writings.
The Church I Found and How I Found It!
By Robert H. Boll0MAT 7:24MAT 23:8ROM 14:41CO 1:10GAL 5:1EPH 4:3COL 3:162TI 3:162PE 1:20Robert H. Boll shares his journey of becoming a Christian, emphasizing the struggle of surrendering deeply ingrained beliefs and teachings to embrace a simple, personal relationship with God. Through encounters with certain Christians and the study of scripture, he was led to understand the importance of personal responsibility before God and the need to rely solely on the word of God for guidance. Boll highlights the freedom and individual accountability of a Christian, rejecting the authority of human creeds and emphasizing unity based on the whole counsel of God.
Spiritual Fruit
By Denis Lyle01CO 13:8EPH 2:202PE 1:20JUD 1:3REV 22:18Denis Lyle addresses the issue of whether the Bible is enough or if more is needed, focusing on the dangers of seeking extra-biblical revelations and the undermining of the authority of Scripture. He highlights examples of individuals like Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagin, and various cults who claim to receive special revelations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Bible as the complete and final revelation from God. Lyle asserts that special revelations were continual in the past but are now unnecessary as the Bible is complete, efficacious, and authoritative, warning against the dangers of seeking new revelations that can lead to error and fanaticism.
Revision of the Dutch Confession & Heidelberg Catechism
By James Arminius0PRO 2:6ACT 17:11EPH 4:14COL 2:81TH 5:212TI 3:162PE 1:201JN 4:1James Arminius discusses the need for examination and revision of the Confession of the Dutch Churches and the Heidelberg Catechism, emphasizing the importance of aligning human writings with the word of God to ensure accuracy and avoid errors. He presents seven key inquiries to be made during this examination, including checking for doctrinal accuracy, necessity for salvation, and maintaining peace and unity within the Church. Arminius also addresses concerns about potential controversies and the fear of disturbing established doctrines, highlighting the significance of scrutinizing teachings to uphold truth and promote unity.
Mending the Bible
By T. De Witt Talmage0PSA 119:160PRO 30:5ISA 40:8MAT 24:35JHN 10:35ROM 15:42TI 3:16HEB 4:122PE 1:20REV 22:19T. DeWitt Talmage preaches against the dangerous act of altering the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing the risks and consequences of tampering with God's Word. He condemns the hypocrisy of ministers who attack the Bible while still benefiting from their positions within the church, urging them to be honest with their beliefs or leave. Talmage defends the miraculous nature of the Bible, highlighting its divine preservation throughout history and the impossibility of adding or subtracting from its sacred text. He calls for unity among believers to protect the integrity of the Bible against the criticisms and attacks of infidels and skeptics.
Daniel in the Critic's Den
By Robert Anderson0EZR 6:2ISA 1:18JER 29:10DAN 5:302PE 1:20Robert Anderson delivers a sermon on the book of Daniel, addressing the controversy surrounding its authenticity and historical accuracy. He refutes the claims made by critics, highlighting the importance of considering historical context, the influence of the Great Synagogue, and the evolution of language over time. Anderson emphasizes the need for a fair and thorough examination of evidence before discrediting the Bible based on linguistic arguments.
The Book of Revelation - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0DAN 9:24MAT 24:42PE 1:20REV 1:3Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the significance of the Book of Revelation as the capstone of the Bible, emphasizing its necessity for the completion of God's revelation. He refutes attempts to eliminate Revelation from the New Testament, highlighting the historical evidence supporting John as the author. Gaebelein explains the three main divisions of Revelation: the Patmos vision, the messages to the seven churches representing the Church on earth, and the future events after the Church's removal. He stresses the importance of understanding the Old Testament prophecies to interpret Revelation correctly and reveals the key divisions and interpretations of the book for a comprehensive understanding.
The Duty of Searching the Scriptures. (John 5:39)
By George Whitefield0JOS 1:8PSA 19:7PSA 119:11PSA 119:105PRO 2:4JHN 5:392TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:222PE 1:20George Whitefield preaches on the importance of searching the Scriptures, emphasizing that many errors in the church stem from ignorance of God's Word. He highlights how Jesus, despite being God, used the Scriptures as His guide and rule, and how the Scriptures point to the necessity of our fall in Adam and the redemption in Christ. Whitefield urges believers to diligently search the Scriptures, showing that they are the grand charter of our salvation and the revelation of God's covenant with humanity in Christ.
Part 1: The Millennial Issue in Modern Theology
By John F. Walvoord0EXO 32:9NUM 14:11JHN 14:31CO 15:521TH 4:162TI 3:162PE 1:20REV 20:2REV 20:4John F. Walvoord delves into the contemporary discussion of the millennial issue in theology, highlighting the impact of recent events on scholarly thinking in philosophy, science, and theology, particularly in eschatology. The sermon explores the current trends in millennial literature, the resurgence of amillennialism, and the convergence of three main streams of theology leading to amillennialism becoming the majority view in the church. It also addresses the importance of the millennial doctrine in shaping Biblical interpretation and theology, emphasizing the significance of premillennialism as a system of interpretation that impacts the entire Bible and the present purpose of God.
Part 5: Amillennialism as a Method of Interpretation
By John F. Walvoord0PRO 3:51CO 14:33EPH 4:142TI 2:152PE 1:20John F. Walvoord delves into the theological debate between amillennialism and premillennialism, focusing on the differing methods of interpreting Scripture. The crux of the issue lies in the 'grammatical-historical' literal interpretation favored by premillenarians versus the spiritualizing method used by amillenarians. The popularity of amillennialism is attributed to its flexibility, allowing interpreters to align Scripture with their own theological systems. However, the lack of unity and consistency within amillennialism poses significant challenges to its credibility. Despite its historical adoption by Reformers and notable scholars, amillennialism faces scrutiny for its failure to address the core problems of its own system.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Knowing this first - Considering this as a first principle, that no prophecy of the Scripture, whether that referred to above, or any other, is of any private interpretation - proceeds from the prophet's own knowledge or invention, or was the offspring of calculation or conjecture. The word επιλυσις signifies also impetus, impulse; and probably this is the best sense here; not by the mere private impulse of his own mind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Forasmuch as ye know this" (Pe1 1:18). first--the foremost consideration in studying the word of prophecy. Laying it down as a first principle never to be lost sight of. is--Greek, not the simple verb, to be, but to begin to be, "proves to be," "becometh." No prophecy is found to be the result of "private (the mere individual writer's uninspired) interpretation" (solution), and so origination. The Greek noun epilusis, does not mean in itself origination; but that which the sacred writer could not always fully interpret, though being the speaker or writer (as Pe1 1:10-12 implies), was plainly not of his own, but of God's disclosure, origination, and inspiration, as Peter proceeds to add, "But holy men . . . spake (and afterwards wrote) . . . moved by the Holy Ghost": a reason why ye should "give" all "heed" to it. The parallelism to Pe2 1:16 shows that "private interpretation," contrasted with "moved by the Holy Ghost," here answers to "fables devised by (human) wisdom," contrasted with "we were eye-witnesses of His majesty," as attested by the "voice from God." The words of the prophetical (and so of all) Scripture writers were not mere words of the individuals, and therefore to be interpreted by them, but of "the Holy Ghost" by whom they were "moved." "Private" is explained, Pe2 1:21, "by the will of man" (namely, the individual writer). In a secondary sense the text teaches also, as the word is the Holy Spirit's, it cannot be interpreted by its readers (any more than by its writers) by their mere private human powers, but by the teaching of the Holy Ghost (Joh 16:14). "He who is the author of Scripture is its supreme interpreter" [GERHARD]. ALFORD translates, "springs not out of human interpretation," that is, is not a prognostication made by a man knowing what he means when he utters it, but," &c. (Joh 11:49-52). Rightly: except that the verb is rather, doth become, or prove to be. It not being of private interpretation, you must "give heed" to it, looking for the Spirit's illumination "in your hearts" (compare Note, see on Pe2 1:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Knowing this first,.... Especially, and in the first place, this is to be known, observed, and considered; that no prophecy of the Scripture, that is contained in Scripture, be it what it will, is of any private interpretation: not that this is levelled against the right of private judgment of Scripture; or to be understood as if a private believer had not a right of reading, searching, examining, and judging, and interpreting the Scriptures himself, by virtue of the unction which teacheth all things; and who, as a spiritual man, judgeth all things; otherwise, why are such commended as doing well, by taking heed to prophecy, in the preceding verse, and this given as a reason to encourage them to it? the words may be rendered, "of one's own interpretation"; that is, such as a natural man forms of himself, by the mere force of natural parts and wisdom, without the assistance of the Spirit of God; and which is done without comparing spiritual things with spiritual; and which is not agreeably to the Scripture, to the analogy of faith, and mind of Christ; though rather this phrase should be rendered, "no prophecy of the Scripture is of a man's own impulse", invention, or composition; is not human, but purely divine: and this sense carries in it a reason why the sure word of prophecy, concerning the second coming of Christ, should be taken heed to, and made use of as a light, till he does come; because as no Scripture prophecy, so not that, is a contrivance of man's, his own project and device, and what his own spirit prompts and impels him to, but what is made by the dictates and impulse of the Spirit of God; for whatever may be said of human predictions, or the false prophecies of lying men, who deliver them out how and when they please, nothing of this kind can be said of any Scripture prophecy, nor of this concerning the second coming of Christ; and this sense the following words require.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:20-21 came from the prophet’s own understanding (or is a matter of one’s own interpretation): The point is probably that the prophets were not left on their own to interpret the visions that God gave them. God made the meaning clear to the prophets, so that they could prophesy clearly and reliably.