What is the meaning of 2 Peter 1:20? Above all The opening phrase signals urgency and supreme importance. Peter is about to state something that should eclipse competing opinions or theories. • Similar weight is found when Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). • Proverbs 4:7 reminds, “Wisdom is supreme; acquire wisdom.” Peter’s “above all” alerts us that what follows is foundational for trusting the Bible. You must understand Peter insists on settled conviction, not casual curiosity. Disciples are to know, not guess, how God speaks. • The Bereans show the same diligence, examining “the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). • Paul urges, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:17). Our confidence in prophecy rests on clear understanding, grounded in Scripture’s own testimony. No prophecy of Scripture Peter narrows the focus to every Spirit-breathed prophetic word, encompassing the whole canon. • “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), so every book carries prophetic authority. • Hebrews 1:1 affirms that “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” From Genesis to Revelation, prophecy is divine disclosure, never mere human reflection. Comes from one’s own interpretation Prophecy did not originate in a prophet’s private musings, nor may readers treat it as clay for personal reshaping. • Peter continues, “For no prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). • Jeremiah testifies, “The LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said, ‘I have put My words in your mouth’” (Jeremiah 1:9). • Paul explains, “We speak…words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 2:13). Practical implications: • Submit to Scripture’s plain meaning rather than forcing it to fit culture or preference. • Compare passage with passage; let clearer texts illuminate harder ones. • Trust the Holy Spirit to guide, since He authored the text (John 16:13). summary Peter’s message is straightforward: Scripture’s prophecies are God’s words, not private ideas. Because they originate with the Holy Spirit, believers must approach them with reverence, seeking the Spirit’s guidance and allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. |
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