Meaning of 2 Peter 1:20

This verse from 2 Peter 1:20 asserts a fundamental principle regarding the origin and interpretation of prophetic Scripture: it is not a product of human ingenuity or personal opinion, but rather divine revelation. Peter is addressing a potential danger within the early Christian community – the temptation to reinterpret or dilute the authoritative prophetic messages based on subjective understanding or the prevailing philosophies of their day. He emphasizes that the prophets, in their pronouncements, were not acting as independent thinkers or commentators, but as conduits for God's message. This divine origin inherently grants the prophecy a unique authority and immutability, distinguishing it from mere human speculation.

Context and Background

Peter is writing his second epistle, likely near the end of his life, to warn believers against false teachers who were distorting the faith and denying Christ's return (2 Peter 2-3). He has just spoken about the divine power that has given believers "everything needed for life and godliness" through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ (1:3). This includes the "very great and precious promises" that are found in Scripture. In this context, Peter is safeguarding the integrity of these promises and the prophetic word that underpins them, asserting their divine authority against any who would seek to undermine it through human reasoning. The backdrop is a community facing internal challenges from deceptive individuals and external pressures from a world that did not understand their faith.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the divine inspiration of Scripture. Peter explicitly states that prophecy did not originate from the "will of man" but from God. This underscores the supernatural origin of biblical prophecy, meaning it is God's message conveyed through human agents. A secondary but crucial theme is the infallibility of prophetic interpretation. By stating that prophecy did not come from a prophet's "own interpretation," Peter implies that the true meaning of prophecy is not subject to private, individual understanding. Instead, its interpretation is also guided by divine wisdom and the unfolding of God's plan.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of 2 Peter 1:20 is profound. It establishes the authority of God's Word as the ultimate guide for faith and life. Believers are called to receive Scripture not as a collection of human opinions, but as a divinely authored revelation. This calls for humility and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding. The application for believers is to approach Scripture with reverence, seeking to grasp God's intended meaning rather than imposing their own preconceived notions. It encourages a disciplined study of the Bible, recognizing that its truths are not always immediately obvious but are revealed through careful attention and prayerful consideration, often in light of other Scripture.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a cornerstone in understanding the nature of biblical authority. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets consistently prefaced their messages with phrases like "Thus says the Lord" (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4, Ezekiel 1:3), indicating their role as messengers of God. The New Testament continues this emphasis, with Jesus himself affirming the authority of the Old Testament Scriptures (e.g., Matthew 5:17-18). The concept of divine inspiration is also affirmed in other Pauline epistles, such as 2 Timothy 3:16, which states that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Peter 1:20 thus reinforces a consistent biblical worldview regarding the divine origin and authority of God's prophetic word.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this verse is that of a royal decree. A king's decree is not the product of the messenger's personal thoughts or opinions; it is an expression of the king's will and authority. The messenger's role is to faithfully deliver the message as it was given. Similarly, prophets were messengers of God's will and word, not originators of their own ideas. Another analogy is a blueprint for a complex building. The architect (God) provides the detailed plans. The builders (prophets) execute those plans, but the design and intent are not their own. Misinterpreting the blueprint would lead to a flawed structure, just as misinterpreting prophecy can lead to doctrinal error.

Relation to Other Verses

• 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This verse directly supports Peter's assertion by stating the divine origin of all Scripture, not just prophecy.
• 1 Corinthians 2:10-13: Paul explains that the "Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God" and that "we have received the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us... These things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things." This highlights the role of the Spirit in both conveying and understanding divine revelation.
• Jeremiah 23:28-29: "Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what is straw compared to grain? declares the Lord. Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" This passage contrasts true prophecy from God with mere human dreams and emphasizes the power and authority of God's word.
• John 12:49: Jesus states, "For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me about what to say and how to speak." This demonstrates that even Jesus, in his earthly ministry, was obedient to the Father's divine instruction, mirroring the prophetic pattern.