2 Peter 1:21
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the prophecy came not in old time - That is, in any former time, by the will of man - by a man's own searching, conjecture, or calculation; but holy men of God - persons separated from the world, and devoted to God's service, spake, moved by the Holy Ghost. So far were they from inventing these prophetic declarations concerning Christ, or any future event, that they were φερομενοι, carried away, out of themselves and out of the whole region, as it were, of human knowledge and conjecture, by the Holy Ghost, who, without their knowing any thing of the matter, dictated to them what to speak, and what to write; and so far above their knowledge were the words of the prophecy, that they did not even know the intent of those words, but searched what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. See Pe1 1:11, Pe1 1:12, and the notes there. 1. As the writer of this epistle asserts that he was on the holy mount with Christ when he was transfigured, he must be either Peter, James, or John, for there was no other person present on that occasion except Moses and Elijah, in their glorious bodies. The epistle was never attributed to James nor John; but the uninterrupted current, where its Divine inspiration was granted, gave it to Peter alone. See the preface. 2. It is not unfrequent for the writers of the New Testament to draw a comparison between the Mosaic and Christian dispensations; and the comparison generally shows that, glorious as the former was, it had no glory in comparison of the glory that excelleth. St. Peter seems to touch here on the same point; the Mosaic dispensation, with all the light of prophecy by which it was illustrated, was only as a lamp shining in a dark place. There is a propriety and delicacy in this image that are not generally noticed: a lamp in the dark gives but a very small portion of light, and only to those who are very near to it; yet it always gives light enough to make itself visible, even at a great distance; though it enlightens not the space between it and the beholder, it is still literally the lamp shining in a dark place. Such was the Mosaic dispensation; it gave a little light to the Jews, but shone not to the Gentile world, any farther than to make itself visible. This is compared with the Gospel under the emblem of daybreak, and the rising of the sun. When the sun is even eighteen degrees below the horizon daybreak commences, as the rays of light begin then to diffuse themselves in our atmosphere, by which they are reflected upon the earth. By this means a whole hemisphere is enlightened, though but in a partial degree; yet this increasing every moment, as the sun approaches the horizon, prepares for the full manifestation of his resplendent orb: so the ministry of John Baptist, and the initiatory ministry of Christ himself, prepared the primitive believers for his full manifestation on the day of pentecost and afterwards. Here the sun rose in his strength, bringing light, heat, and life to all the inhabitants of the earth. So far, then, as a lantern carried in a dark night differs from and is inferior to the beneficial effects of daybreak, and the full light and heat of a meridian sun; so far was the Mosaic dispensation, in its beneficial effects, inferior to the Christian dispensation. 3. Perhaps there is scarcely any point of view in which we can consider prophecy which is so satisfactory and conclusive as that which is here stated; that is, far from inventing the subject of their own predictions, the ancient prophets did not even know the meaning of what themselves wrote. They were carried beyond themselves by the influence of the Divine Spirit, and after ages were alone to discover the object of the prophecy; and the fulfillment was to be the absolute proof that the prediction was of God, and that it was of no private invention - no discovery made by human sagacity and wisdom, but by the especial revelation of the all-wise God. This is sufficiently evident in all the prophecies which have been already fulfilled, and will be equally so in those yet to be fulfilled; the events will point out the prophecy, and the prophecy will be seen to be fulfilled in that event.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
came not in old time--rather, "was never at any time borne" (to us). by the will of man--alone. Jer 23:26, "prophets of the deceit of their own heart." Compare Pe2 3:5, "willingly." holy--One oldest manuscript has, "men FROM God": the emissaries from God. "Holy," if read, will mean because they had the Holy Spirit. moved--Greek, "borne" (along) as by a mighty wind: Act 2:2, "rushing (the same Greek) wind": rapt out of themselves: still not in fanatical excitement (Co1 14:32). The Hebrew "nabi," "prophet," meant an announcer or interpreter of God: he, as God's spokesman, interpreted not his own "private" will or thought, but God's "Man of the Spirit" (Hos 9:7, Margin). "Thou testifiedst by Thy Spirit in Thy prophets." "Seer," on the other hand, refers to the mode of receiving the communications from God, rather than to the utterance of them to others. "Spake" implies that, both in its original oral announcement, and now even when in writing, it has been always, and is, the living voice of God speaking to us through His inspired servants. Greek, "borne (along)" forms a beautiful antithesis to "was borne." They were passive, rather than active instruments. The Old Testament prophets primarily, but including also all the inspired penmen, whether of the New or Old Testament (Pe2 3:2). Next: 2 Peter Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the prophecy,.... The whole Scripture, all the prophetic writings; so the Jews call the Scriptures "the prophecy" (g), by way of eminence, and from the subject matter of the sacred word: came not in old time by the will of man; was not brought into the world at first, or in any period of time, as and when man would, according to his pleasure, and as he thought fit: neither Moses, nor David, nor Isaiah, nor Jeremiah, nor Ezekiel, nor Daniel, nor any other of the prophets, prophesied when they pleased, but when it was the will of God they should; they were stirred up to prophesy, not by any human impulse, but by a divine influence: with this agrees what R. Sangari says, "that the speech of the prophets, when the Holy Spirit clothed them, in all their words was directed by a divine influence, and the prophet could not speak in the choice of his own words,'' or according to his will: but holy men of God; such as he sanctified by his Spirit, and separated from the rest of men to such peculiar service; and whom he employed as public ministers of his word: for so this phrase "men", or "man of God", often signifies, Sa1 2:27. spake, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; who illuminated their minds, gave them a knowledge of divine things, and a foresight of future ones; dictated to them what they should say or write; and moved upon them strongly, and by a secret and powerful impulse stirred them up to deliver what they did, in the name and fear of God: which shows the authority of the Scriptures, that they are the word of God, and not of men; and as such should be attended to, and received with all affection and reverence; and that the Spirit is the best interpreter of them, who first dictated them; and that they are to be the rule of our faith and practice; nor are we to expect any other, until the second coming of Christ. (g) R. Eliahu in Adderet apud Trigland. de Sect Karaeorum, c. 10. p. 153. Next: 2 Peter Chapter 2
2 Peter 1:21
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
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
Major Ian Thomas - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas6.6K1:06:17MAT 6:33MAT 10:1MAT 16:20LUK 20:20LUK 24:47JHN 16:7JHN 16:132PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Luke and the transformative event that occurred in the early church when Jesus was resurrected. The preacher also discusses the concept of identifying oneself with Jesus' death in order to experience his life every day. He uses the analogy of a famous artist admiring his own mural to illustrate the idea that no one has a monopoly on God's work. The sermon concludes with the preacher mentioning his assistant, Mark, and how they met in a home for the deaf and dumb.
Jude #8 - Lessons and Conclusions
By Chuck Missler4.8K1:15:56Jude1CO 2:13HEB 4:7JAS 1:52PE 1:21JUD 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a three-dimensional image and its analogy to the word of God. He explains that a hologram, with its ability to be viewed from different angles, represents the depth and substance of the scriptures. The speaker also highlights how the Bible, when viewed in natural light, may appear as a collection of stories and ideas, but when illuminated by the laser of God's truth, it reveals its true meaning and resolution. He further emphasizes that the scriptures are diffused and distributed throughout the 66 books, just like a communication engineer would do to counter hostile jamming. The speaker concludes by mentioning his fascination with the concept of time and how it relates to the vastness of the universe as observed through a telescope.
Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K42:35GEN 1:2EZK 37:9EZK 47:3MAT 28:19JHN 3:3ACT 1:82PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that it is not a decision, but a mental flip that occurs when the Spirit of God comes upon someone. The preacher also highlights the role of God in forgiving us, Jesus Christ in redeeming us, and the Holy Spirit in regenerating us. He mentions a story about a man named Simeon who prayed for revival for over 60 years and was told he would not die until revival came. The preacher concludes by expressing his belief that a rebirth is coming for the church and that God will re-energize and give a new vision and authority to believers.
(Guidelines) Inspiration Ii
By J. Vernon McGee3.1K01:43Biblical InspirationAuthority of ScripturePSA 119:105PRO 30:5ISA 40:8MAT 5:18JHN 10:35ROM 15:41TH 2:132TI 3:16HEB 4:122PE 1:21J. Vernon McGee emphasizes the concept of verbal plenary inspiration, asserting that every word of the Scriptures is divinely inspired and authoritative. He references early Church Fathers like Irenaeus and Augustine to support the belief that the Scriptures are perfect and cannot err. McGee encourages believers to recognize the Bible as the voice of God, which speaks directly to our hearts and lives. He also indicates the importance of understanding illumination and interpretation in relation to Scripture, aiming to clarify these concepts further in his sermon.
Go Hide Thyself - Elijah, God's Man
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K1:19:24ElijahPSA 84:10PSA 119:105JHN 4:141CO 15:57PHP 2:9HEB 10:12HEB 11:61PE 1:42PE 1:21REV 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal things rather than being consumed by the temporal. He expresses gratitude for the holy men of God who were inspired by the Holy Ghost to write the Bible. The preacher highlights the need for spiritual nourishment, stating that it cannot be bought but must come from God. He encourages the congregation to have faith and believe that it is possible to enter heaven and bring heaven into their own lives. The sermon also references hymns and quotes from Isaac Watts and Wesley, emphasizing the power and significance of God's word and the victory of Jesus over sin and the devil.
Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K37:14LAM 2:10MAT 6:33PHP 2:13COL 1:271PE 2:112PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson, who was once a powerful and mighty warrior, is now imprisoned and bound with chains. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's power came from the Spirit of the Lord being upon him. He also mentions the importance of seeking a second work of grace, beyond what one already has, in order to experience a deeper level of spiritual power. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to let God transform them into a new creation and to trust in His authority and power.
(Demonology) Lucifer the Leader
By Willie Mullan2.7K1:16:37DemonologyGEN 6:5EZK 28:122CO 11:22PE 1:21JUD 1:6REV 12:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of angels and their rebellion against God. He mentions that some angels were cast down to hell and reserved for judgment because they went too far in their rebellion. The preacher also talks about the creation of the earth and how it became without form and void due to the rebellion of a fallen angel named Christopher. He then references a passage in Genesis about a war between four kings and five kings, emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to use their mighty weapons to fight against the strongholds of Satan. The preacher concludes by acknowledging that there is much to learn about the soul and the spiritual battles we face.
We Shall All Be Changed
By J. Frank Norris2.5K29:53ISA 40:6JHN 1:111CO 15:511PE 3:212PE 1:211JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concept of change in the world and the challenges that people face, such as conflict, anxiety, fear, and poverty. He shares personal experiences of witnessing the pain and loss of others, including the burial of a baby and the death of young people. The preacher emphasizes the importance of finding joy and rejoicing in the midst of these difficulties, as believers are called the children of God. He also mentions that in the upcoming sermon, he will discuss the destiny of departed loved ones and the hope of eternal life.
Born Again by the Word
By Willie Mullan2.0K1:01:46Born AgainEPH 1:3EPH 1:71PE 1:101PE 1:222PE 1:112PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the teachings of Peter in just four verses. He emphasizes that Peter knew about various important doctrines such as connection, sanctification, regeneration, appropriation, examination, adoration, inspiration, and redemption. The preacher also highlights Peter's understanding of our obligation as redeemed individuals and the limitations of man. Additionally, Peter recognized the eternal nature of the word of God and the illumination of the gospel. The sermon encourages believers to study and get along with God, regardless of their background or education.
Witnesses Against You
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K33:42NEH 5:7ISA 55:7MAT 6:33MAT 10:28MRK 16:16ACT 16:312PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful scene of a blood-washed host, a group of believers who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. He emphasizes that these believers would not extend any sympathy or support to an unconverted person who remains an enemy of God. The preacher then offers the enlisting money, symbolizing the invitation to receive Christ and become a servant and soldier of the cross. He declares that true religion brings joy and triumph in life and even in the face of death. The sermon concludes with a warning to those who continue to oppose God, as they will face the judgment and the assembly of saints, angels, and God Himself will be against them.
Christ Magnified - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K09:33ISA 55:8MAT 24:35ACT 1:8ROM 8:9ROM 8:111CO 2:9EPH 2:42TI 3:16HEB 4:122PE 1:21This sermon emphasizes the power and work of the Holy Spirit in transforming lives and empowering believers. It delves into the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the impact of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples, and the enduring nature of God's Word despite opposition. The message challenges listeners to recognize the limitless possibilities of God's grace and the transformative work He can do in individuals who surrender to Him.
The Crisis of Desperation
By Paris Reidhead1.4K37:49DesperationMAT 5:17MAT 11:28MAT 23:13MRK 12:37JHN 4:24JHN 6:212PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus sending his disciples out into a storm on a boat. The preacher emphasizes that God allowed the storm to happen in order to teach the disciples a lesson about relying on Him. The disciples initially tried to row and bail out water on their own, but eventually realized that they needed to trust in God's sufficiency. The preacher also mentions the story of the little boy who had food with him but didn't eat it because he was completely focused on Jesus. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to trust in God's provision and to not fear the challenges of tomorrow.
Inspiration of the Scriptures
By William MacDonald1.2K28:09ScripturesMAT 7:9GAL 3:162PE 1:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of accepting the Bible as the Word of God. He shares the story of Billy Graham, who experienced a transformation in his preaching when he fully embraced the authority of the Bible. The speaker emphasizes that arguing people into the kingdom of God is not effective, but encouraging them to read the Bible can lead them to encounter the living materials within it. The sermon concludes by highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers into the image of Christ, referencing 2 Corinthians 3:18.
(Easter Convention 2008) Prayer in the New Testament - Part 3
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K1:26:30PrayerMAT 7:7ACT 20:35HEB 4:16JAS 1:221PE 5:72PE 1:21In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of spending time with a group of people who have a deep hunger for the word of God. He describes a four-year-old boy named Joshua who was deeply moved by the preaching and said that God broke his heart. The speaker also mentions a family with sixteen children who all sit attentively for hours, listening to the word of God being preached. He shares a story of two young girls who regularly listen to the Bible on cassette and have developed a hunger for God's word. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of having a hunger for God's word and the impact it can have on our lives.
(South West Baptist Church 2008) the Holy Spirit
By Gerhard Du Toit1.0K45:04Holy SpiritACT 1:1ROM 15:4EPH 6:172TI 2:152TI 3:162PE 1:21In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about his broken watch in Australia, suggesting that time seems to pass faster in this country. He then mentions three things he wants to discuss. The first is the concept of personality, explaining that God has created humans with a body, soul, and spirit. The second point is about the importance of renewing our minds, emphasizing the need for transformation. Lastly, the speaker mentions a key verse in the book of Acts that opens up the exploration of the 28 chapters. The sermon focuses on the significance of the mind and the process of renewing it through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Eternal Spirit the Spirit's Work in Inspiration
By Willie Mullan83456:30Eternal SpiritGEN 1:1ROM 4:252PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing Romans chapter 4 and how Christ was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our justification. He then talks about the teaching of Rome and how it suggests that we must suffer for our sins. The preacher also mentions the world powers and how Hitler was believed to conquer the world, but the preacher gave a lecture on why Hitler couldn't win the war. Lastly, the preacher talks about the importance of believing in the word of God and how academic qualifications do not give life.
Gospel of John (Study 23 of 24, Chap 11 Cont)
By G.W. North15053:59Christian LifeJHN 1:1JHN 5:19JHN 5:30JHN 5:39JHN 11:32JHN 11:352PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, which is considered one of the greatest miracles performed by Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper meaning behind this story and how it relates to our own lives. He highlights the significance of our position in God and encourages the audience to seek a true understanding of the scriptures, not just a superficial knowledge. The preacher also warns against the subtleties of the enemy and the need to be vigilant in our faith.
The Inspiration of the Bible, and Its Requirements
By B.A. Cundiff0PSA 1:5PSA 9:17PRO 14:32ISA 3:10JHN 17:21ACT 17:301TH 4:32TI 3:16HEB 13:122PE 1:21B.A. Cundiff discusses the inspiration behind the Bible, arguing that it could not have been written by wicked men due to its condemnation of wickedness, nor by good men without divine inspiration as claimed by the writers. He emphasizes the importance of believing in the Bible as an inspired book, linking it to the doctrine of entire sanctification as evidenced by various scriptures that speak of sanctification through Jesus' blood and the Holy Spirit. Cundiff challenges listeners to consider whether they believe in the Bible's teaching on sanctification and the requirement for all to be sanctified, urging them to seek sanctification through faith and prayer.
Luke 1:1-4. the Preface to Luke.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 119:105LUK 1:1JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:10COL 4:14HEB 4:122PE 1:21Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the preface written by the holy Evangelist Luke before his account of the Lord Jesus Christ, addressing the intended recipient, Theophilus, a nobleman who had been instructed in religion but desired a more perfect understanding of the Lord's history. Luke, known as 'the beloved physician,' was likely a converted heathen who had the honor of writing a part of the holy Word of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Despite not being an eyewitness to the events, Luke's Gospel is recognized as inspired by God and has been cherished by Christians throughout history for its valuable insights into the life of Jesus.
The Holy Sprit and the Old Testament
By Denis Lyle0GEN 1:2JOB 33:4EZK 37:9JHN 3:6JHN 14:262TI 3:162PE 1:21Denis Lyle preaches about the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit has always been active on earth, even before Pentecost. He explains how the Spirit of God was involved in creation, giving universal, physical, and spiritual life. Lyle also delves into the inspiration of Scripture by the Holy Spirit, highlighting the importance of understanding that the Bible is God-breathed and how the Spirit enables believers to comprehend its truths. Furthermore, he discusses how the Holy Spirit controlled various individuals in the Old Testament, empowering statesmen, spokesmen, skilled men, sinful men, and strong men for specific tasks.
The Duties of Parents
By J.C. Ryle0DEU 32:42SA 23:2PSA 19:7MAT 12:36JHN 14:6JHN 17:172TI 3:16HEB 3:72PE 1:211JN 5:7In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of divine inspiration of the Scriptures, emphasizing that every word of Scripture is God-breathed, not originating from human will but from the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing the Bible as the voice of God to humanity, emphasizing its trustworthiness and authority. Various theologians and biblical figures are quoted to support the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture, stressing that the Bible is the ultimate guide to divine truth and must be revered and obeyed.
Understanding the Bible
By Anton Bosch01SA 3:10PSA 119:18PSA 119:100MAT 7:7JHN 16:132CO 3:18GAL 2:22TI 3:16JAS 1:51PE 2:22PE 1:21Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from error in interpreting the Bible. He highlights the need to seek wisdom from God, be in a right relationship with the Lord, be open to changing views, and turn to the Bible first before seeking other sources. Bosch stresses the significance of studying the Scriptures with a specific goal of allowing God to speak to us personally.
Importance and Benefits of Bible Study
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Spiritual GrowthBible StudyACT 17:11ROM 10:172PE 1:21Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound importance and benefits of Bible study, likening it to a precious book that offers eternal life and heavenly riches. He encourages believers to diligently read and meditate on the Scriptures, as they provide faith, correction, instruction, and a deeper understanding of God's love. Brengle highlights that the Bible is accessible to all, regardless of education, and that spiritual experiences enhance comprehension of its truths. He urges the faithful to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding difficult passages and to make daily reading a priority for spiritual nourishment. Ultimately, he asserts that knowing the Bible is essential for knowing Jesus and living a fruitful Christian life.
The Effect of Pentecost
By Joseph Parker0ACT 2:141CO 2:41CO 2:13EPH 1:17COL 3:162TI 2:152TI 3:161PE 3:152PE 1:21Joseph Parker preaches about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit using Peter as a portrait of the effect of the outpouring of the Spirit on the entire church. He highlights Peter's heroic eloquence, profound insight into Scripture, strong grasp of prophecy, and powerful defense of Christian doctrine and truth when inspired by the Spirit. Parker emphasizes the importance of being unanswerably argumentative in faith and using Peter as a standard to measure our spiritual growth and understanding of the Bible.
God's Great Masterpiece
By Selwyn Hughes0PSA 119:105PRO 30:5JHN 10:352TI 3:162PE 1:21Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the unbreakable nature of Scripture in John 10:35, affirming his belief in the supervisal inspiration of the Bible. He explains that God guided the writers of Scripture to ensure accuracy and truth, protecting them from error and deceit. Hughes compares the divine authorship of the Bible to the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral, where various workers contributed but the ultimate masterpiece belonged to Sir Christopher Wren. Ultimately, Hughes asserts that while humans like Moses, David, and Paul physically wrote the Bible, it is truly God's Word.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the prophecy came not in old time - That is, in any former time, by the will of man - by a man's own searching, conjecture, or calculation; but holy men of God - persons separated from the world, and devoted to God's service, spake, moved by the Holy Ghost. So far were they from inventing these prophetic declarations concerning Christ, or any future event, that they were φερομενοι, carried away, out of themselves and out of the whole region, as it were, of human knowledge and conjecture, by the Holy Ghost, who, without their knowing any thing of the matter, dictated to them what to speak, and what to write; and so far above their knowledge were the words of the prophecy, that they did not even know the intent of those words, but searched what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. See Pe1 1:11, Pe1 1:12, and the notes there. 1. As the writer of this epistle asserts that he was on the holy mount with Christ when he was transfigured, he must be either Peter, James, or John, for there was no other person present on that occasion except Moses and Elijah, in their glorious bodies. The epistle was never attributed to James nor John; but the uninterrupted current, where its Divine inspiration was granted, gave it to Peter alone. See the preface. 2. It is not unfrequent for the writers of the New Testament to draw a comparison between the Mosaic and Christian dispensations; and the comparison generally shows that, glorious as the former was, it had no glory in comparison of the glory that excelleth. St. Peter seems to touch here on the same point; the Mosaic dispensation, with all the light of prophecy by which it was illustrated, was only as a lamp shining in a dark place. There is a propriety and delicacy in this image that are not generally noticed: a lamp in the dark gives but a very small portion of light, and only to those who are very near to it; yet it always gives light enough to make itself visible, even at a great distance; though it enlightens not the space between it and the beholder, it is still literally the lamp shining in a dark place. Such was the Mosaic dispensation; it gave a little light to the Jews, but shone not to the Gentile world, any farther than to make itself visible. This is compared with the Gospel under the emblem of daybreak, and the rising of the sun. When the sun is even eighteen degrees below the horizon daybreak commences, as the rays of light begin then to diffuse themselves in our atmosphere, by which they are reflected upon the earth. By this means a whole hemisphere is enlightened, though but in a partial degree; yet this increasing every moment, as the sun approaches the horizon, prepares for the full manifestation of his resplendent orb: so the ministry of John Baptist, and the initiatory ministry of Christ himself, prepared the primitive believers for his full manifestation on the day of pentecost and afterwards. Here the sun rose in his strength, bringing light, heat, and life to all the inhabitants of the earth. So far, then, as a lantern carried in a dark night differs from and is inferior to the beneficial effects of daybreak, and the full light and heat of a meridian sun; so far was the Mosaic dispensation, in its beneficial effects, inferior to the Christian dispensation. 3. Perhaps there is scarcely any point of view in which we can consider prophecy which is so satisfactory and conclusive as that which is here stated; that is, far from inventing the subject of their own predictions, the ancient prophets did not even know the meaning of what themselves wrote. They were carried beyond themselves by the influence of the Divine Spirit, and after ages were alone to discover the object of the prophecy; and the fulfillment was to be the absolute proof that the prediction was of God, and that it was of no private invention - no discovery made by human sagacity and wisdom, but by the especial revelation of the all-wise God. This is sufficiently evident in all the prophecies which have been already fulfilled, and will be equally so in those yet to be fulfilled; the events will point out the prophecy, and the prophecy will be seen to be fulfilled in that event.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
came not in old time--rather, "was never at any time borne" (to us). by the will of man--alone. Jer 23:26, "prophets of the deceit of their own heart." Compare Pe2 3:5, "willingly." holy--One oldest manuscript has, "men FROM God": the emissaries from God. "Holy," if read, will mean because they had the Holy Spirit. moved--Greek, "borne" (along) as by a mighty wind: Act 2:2, "rushing (the same Greek) wind": rapt out of themselves: still not in fanatical excitement (Co1 14:32). The Hebrew "nabi," "prophet," meant an announcer or interpreter of God: he, as God's spokesman, interpreted not his own "private" will or thought, but God's "Man of the Spirit" (Hos 9:7, Margin). "Thou testifiedst by Thy Spirit in Thy prophets." "Seer," on the other hand, refers to the mode of receiving the communications from God, rather than to the utterance of them to others. "Spake" implies that, both in its original oral announcement, and now even when in writing, it has been always, and is, the living voice of God speaking to us through His inspired servants. Greek, "borne (along)" forms a beautiful antithesis to "was borne." They were passive, rather than active instruments. The Old Testament prophets primarily, but including also all the inspired penmen, whether of the New or Old Testament (Pe2 3:2). Next: 2 Peter Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the prophecy,.... The whole Scripture, all the prophetic writings; so the Jews call the Scriptures "the prophecy" (g), by way of eminence, and from the subject matter of the sacred word: came not in old time by the will of man; was not brought into the world at first, or in any period of time, as and when man would, according to his pleasure, and as he thought fit: neither Moses, nor David, nor Isaiah, nor Jeremiah, nor Ezekiel, nor Daniel, nor any other of the prophets, prophesied when they pleased, but when it was the will of God they should; they were stirred up to prophesy, not by any human impulse, but by a divine influence: with this agrees what R. Sangari says, "that the speech of the prophets, when the Holy Spirit clothed them, in all their words was directed by a divine influence, and the prophet could not speak in the choice of his own words,'' or according to his will: but holy men of God; such as he sanctified by his Spirit, and separated from the rest of men to such peculiar service; and whom he employed as public ministers of his word: for so this phrase "men", or "man of God", often signifies, Sa1 2:27. spake, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; who illuminated their minds, gave them a knowledge of divine things, and a foresight of future ones; dictated to them what they should say or write; and moved upon them strongly, and by a secret and powerful impulse stirred them up to deliver what they did, in the name and fear of God: which shows the authority of the Scriptures, that they are the word of God, and not of men; and as such should be attended to, and received with all affection and reverence; and that the Spirit is the best interpreter of them, who first dictated them; and that they are to be the rule of our faith and practice; nor are we to expect any other, until the second coming of Christ. (g) R. Eliahu in Adderet apud Trigland. de Sect Karaeorum, c. 10. p. 153. Next: 2 Peter Chapter 2