Second Epistle of Peter
ORIGIN OF PROPHECY
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)
As this verse reads in the Authorized Version, one might think it refers to the reader's right to interpret the meaning of the Old Testament prophecies. From this verse, one church teaches that the average Christian is unable to understand the Bible and so should make no attempt to interpret it – even reading it is discouraged. This verse and the next cannot be separated; the first teaches the negative side, the second teaches the positive side of the same truth. In other words, it is a matter of the origin of prophecy rather than its interpretation. Perhaps one could translate the whole portion this way; "knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is anyone's own unfolding of things, for the prophecy came not in old times by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved of the Holy Spirit."
"Knowing this first"
When Peter says, "Knowing this first," we should be impressed with this fact: the inspiration of the Scriptures is one of the primary and most important truths for a
Christian. He applies it to the Old Testament Scriptures, but we can safely say this is true of both Old and New. Without inspiration we bog down into hopeless bedlam. Some question the truthfulness of some parts of the Word today and as a result they are hopelessly at sea. If some parts are not trustworthy, how can one be sure which parts are? This leaves one with absolutely no foundation on which to stand. It is like undermining a beautiful building and soon the whole thing crashes. Let us plant our feet firmly on this primal truth: the whole Bible is the Word of God.
"private interpretation"
The word "private" would perhaps be better translated "one's own" or "personal." The word "interpretation" has been variously understood and interpreted. It is literally "unloose" or "unfold." So we could read, "No prophecy of the scripture is of one's own unloosing." One can readily see how this could be translated both in connection with reader or the prophet. What Peter is trying to say is that no prophecy of Scripture is the prophet's own mind or opinion of a matter, but that it is a message he has received through the Spirit of God. These prophecies were not of human origination, but expressions of the mind of God. In Numbers 16:28 we read, "And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord bath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind."
This is exactly the thought of our verse, i.e., the prophets did not prophesy of their own mind. Jeremiah says of false prophets, "They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord" (23:16). All prophecy, yea all Scripture, is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16).
Our preceding verse indicates that it is a good thing to make a careful study of prophecy. However, we must be very cautious as to our interpretation. Let us always approach them with a sense that they are not merely man's words, but revelations from the Lord Himself. This will lead to careful study rather than neglect of it. As we study it, let us seek help from the Author, the Holy Spirit. He will not lead us astray. Let us not jump to conclusions from isolated texts, but learn to compare Scripture with Scripture. One portion is sure to throw light on another. For instance, if we would learn truth about the second coming of Christ, then we must carefully read all the portions we can find in the Word of God which deal with it and so it is with all truths we study in the Word of God. Do not expect to understand everything about prophecy. The prophets themselves did not always understand their own prophecies (Dan. 12:8; etc.).
Some have jumped to conclusions concerning prophecy and time always proves them wrong. Especially is there danger regarding setting dates for the Lord's return.
Some seem to see various Bible prophecies fulfilled in almost every important event that happens in the world. We need to be cautious in doing this or we may have to take back our words. Younger preachers often make mistakes along this line which suggests the necessity of caution. When teaching prophecy it is wise not to be too dogmatic. If there is any question about a matter it is wise to say, "It seems to me that this is the truth of the matter," or some such expression, rather than to say, "this is it."
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:21 (KJV)
This verse is a continuation of the last verse – of the thought. The first part puts the matter in a negative sense, while the last part a positive. Old Testament prophecy did not come by the will of man, but "Men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit" (R.V.).
"prophecy came not...by the will of man"
Peter repeats that Old Testament prophecies were not the result of religious meditations. Man's promptings or suggestions had nothing to do with it. This is true not only of Old Testament prophets, but of the whole Bible.
"holy men of God"
Many of the Old Testament prophets were called "men of God." Moses was so designated many times (Deut. 33:1; Josh. 14:6), as was Elijah (1 Kin. 17:18), Elisha (2 Kin. 4:7), and David (2 Chron. 8:14). All the penmen for the Lord could be thus designated. They were not only "men of God," but "holy men of God." Not that they were sinless and never erred, but they were men of good character set apart by God for a special purpose. They were men especially commissioned and used of the Lord to speak forth and write His mind. The word "men" is emphatic. It is well to remember that although the Bible is God's book, He used men to write it. Paul says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (2 Cor. 4:7).
What a wonderful thing to be called a "man of God." It is something every servant of the Lord should covet for himself. What do Christians think of us? Do they look upon us as men of God? More important, do the unsaved in the world look upon us as such? How about our neighbors? Let us seek to walk in this scene so that all may see something of Christ in us. He was truly a Man of God. Of course, He was God manifest in the flesh.
"spake as they were moved"
The expression "spake as they were moved" gives some hint regarding the method of inspiration. They were not self-moved, but moved by the Spirit – as a sail boat is moved by the wind. "Moved" could be translated "driven." The prophets were driven to speak and write by an irresistible force – the Spirit of God. They could do nothing else but speak and write those things which He would have them do. David says, "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue" (2 Sam. 23:2). Zacharias says, "As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets" (Luke 1:70).
"moved by the Holy Ghost"
The prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit. They were under His direct power and influence. The Spirit was the author, man the instrument. The exact method used is not definitely known. We can see not only their character in their writings, but also the influence of the Spirit. In other words, the words of Scripture are words of the Spirit. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16).
As "men of God", we can also be moved by the Spirit of God. Not the same way the prophets and others were led to write the Scriptures. But if we lean upon the Lord, obeying His commandments as best we can, always seeking His help and guidance, He will lead, guide, and manifest His power in and through us and we will be a great blessing to saint and sinner. We plainly see this at Pentecost and throughout Acts and the epistles. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14). Every true Christian in this dispensation is exhorted to be filled (Eph. 5:18); indwelt by the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).
Many New Testament Scriptures testify that the Old Testament Scriptures were given by the Holy Spirit. In Mark 12:36, we hear the Lord Jesus say, "For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool." In Acts 28:25, we read, "Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers" (Also Acts 1:16; 3:18). We have similar language three times in Hebrews (3:7; 9:8; 10:15). "The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest" (Heb. 9:8).
The prophets and Old Testament Scriptures testify that they were inspired by the Lord. We often hear the prophets say, "Thus saith the Lord" or similar statements. In connection with Moses, 51 times we read, "Then the Lord said unto Moses" and 72 times, "The Lord spake unto Moses." In 1 Peter 1:10-12, we read that much which the prophets wrote was not for themselves at all, but for future generations.
The story is told of a preacher who said, "The Bible contains the Word of God, but not all of it was inspired by Him. When Paul writes to Timothy 'Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake' (1 Tim. 5:23), that was Paul's advice to Timothy, but was not inspired by God." However, we believe such statements to be inspired by the Lord. Grape juice and wine often make a useable tonic for some forms of stomach trouble. Some might say, "Why did not Paul suggest grape juice rather than wine?" We must remember that in those days they had no way of keeping grape juice from quickly fermenting. Since the Bible not only contains the Word of God but is the Word of God, it is the only safe ground on which to stand.
Sometimes we hear something like this: "O yes, the Bible is an inspired book, but so are many other books." And then we are told of some great poet or author whose writings they believe also to be inspired. There are no books inspired in the same way as was the Bible. None others have the Holy Spirit for their author.
This inspired volume of God is a wonderful book. All classes of people love it and use it, although others dislike and abuse it. Children love its touching stories. Mothers read it and are helped in the managing of their children and homes. Soldiers often carry it with them. In times past, it was not uncommon for statesmen to quote from it to hopefully embellish a speech. That is rarely, if ever, done today. Instead, politicians seem bent on working toward minimizing public viewing and use of Holy Scripture. Older people find that time is not heavy on their hands when pouring over its pages. It is comfort to the oppressed and sick; the dying often use it as their pillow. It has brought rest, peace, joy and salvation to millions. There is no other book in the world which even begins to compare with God's Holy Word. It is inspired of God.
This precious book has found its way into all languages, nations and places. Although fierce enemies have determined to destroy it, still, it continues down the ages unchanged. While everything else blossoms for a time and then fades away, the Bible continues to spread farther and farther, influencing hearts and minds for good in yet more dark and distant lands. It never becomes out of date; it always is abreast of the times. Man, with his ever increasing knowledge, never surpasses the Bible. The majesty of its style and language has astounded the most learned. While it is a book primarily for the heart and life, yet matters of geography and science are stated with great accuracy. Apart from it we would be utterly in the dark about the most fundamental things of life. Many of these things only God could reveal to man.
The principal theme of the prophets, actually of all Scripture is the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 7:14 predicts that He was to be born of a virgin. Micah 5:2, that Bethlehem would be the place of His birth. Many details of His crucifixion can be found in the prophets. For instance, in Psalm 22:16, "They pierced my hands and my feet." Verse 17 tells how not a bone of His was broken and verse 18 how they divided His garments and cast lots for His cloak. Psalm 69 is also a remarkable Psalm of the cross. In verse 21 we read, "In my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Isaiah 53 over and over tells of the purpose of the cross. Verse 9 tells of the two thieves and also of the rich man, Joseph of Arimathea, who laid the Lord in his own new tomb. Zechariah has much to say of Christ, His person and work. In 13:6 they ask Him, "What are these wounds in thine hands?" Then in 12:10, "They shall look upon me whom they have pierced."
We could go on to tell of the offerings and the hundreds of things and characters which in one way or another typify Christ and His work, such as the Passover lamb, etc. As we noticed previously all the prophets speak of His glories, especially as the coming reigning King. How the Spirit of God delighted to exalt the Lord Jesus. Note carefully Luke 24:44,
"All things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me" (also Luke 24:24-27). These fulfilled prophecies concerning our Lord Jesus Christ prove conclusively that He was the divine Son of God. They also prove that the Bible is the divine Word of God.
