Topical Bible: Prophecy: Came not by the Will of Man

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The concept that prophecy does not originate from human will is a foundational tenet in understanding the nature of biblical prophecy. This principle is primarily derived from 2 Peter 1:21, which states, "For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" . This verse underscores the divine origin and authority of prophetic messages, distinguishing them from human speculation or invention.

Divine Inspiration and Authority

The assertion that prophecy is not a product of human will emphasizes the role of divine inspiration. Prophets in the biblical tradition are depicted as instruments through whom God communicates His will and purposes. The Holy Spirit's involvement ensures that the messages conveyed are not tainted by human error or personal agendas. This divine inspiration is what grants prophetic words their authority and reliability, setting them apart from other forms of communication.

Old Testament Prophets

Throughout the Old Testament, prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel serve as conduits for God's messages to His people. Their prophecies often include calls to repentance, warnings of impending judgment, and promises of future restoration. The consistent theme across these prophetic books is that the messages delivered are not the result of the prophets' own desires or thoughts but are revelations from God. For instance, Jeremiah 1:9 records God's assurance to Jeremiah: "Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: 'Behold, I have put My words in your mouth'" .

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ further affirms the divine origin of prophecy. The Gospel writers frequently highlight how Jesus' actions and experiences fulfill specific prophecies, reinforcing the idea that these were not humanly orchestrated events but divinely ordained. Matthew 1:22-23, for example, notes the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the virgin birth: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel'" .

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit's role in prophecy is crucial, as it is the Spirit who "carries along" the prophets, ensuring the accuracy and divine origin of their messages. This concept is echoed in the broader biblical narrative, where the Holy Spirit is depicted as the source of wisdom, revelation, and guidance. The Spirit's involvement guarantees that prophecy transcends human limitations and reflects God's perfect will.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the understanding that prophecy does not come by human will has significant implications. It calls for a reverence for the prophetic word as divinely authoritative and trustworthy. It also encourages discernment, as believers are urged to test the spirits and ensure that any claimed prophetic message aligns with the truth of Scripture and the character of God. The apostle Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good" .

In summary, the biblical teaching that prophecy does not originate from human will but from God through the Holy Spirit is a cornerstone of the Christian understanding of divine revelation. It affirms the authority, reliability, and sacredness of the prophetic messages found in Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Doctrine of the Resurrection the Body Will Rise Again. ...
... Jewish Perversions of Prophecy Exposed and Confuted. ... if he had indeed any descent
at all, came not down like a shower, because he descended not from heaven ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter ix the doctrine of the.htm

Steadfast unto the End
... interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.". ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 52 steadfast unto the.htm

The Last Word of Prophecy
... would not let Him do what He came for, He ... blessing, are clearly set forth in this
prophecy, which first promises purging from sin, so that not only the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the last word of prophecy.htm

A vindication of the Prophecy in Isa. vii. 14 against the ...
... Book III Chapter XXI."A vindication of the prophecy in Isa ... that a stone, cut out
without hands, came into this ... that His advent in human nature was not by the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi a vindication of the.htm

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
... all well enough for the priests and doctors, but not for the rank and file of the
church." But Peter says: "The prophecy came not by the will of man, but holy ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/that gospel sermon on the.htm

Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... "For prophecy came not of old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake
as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20, 21.) It is, therefore ...
/.../vi assumptions concerning the book.htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Giving of the Scriptures
... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." No part of it was of human origination,
"for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man" (2:Pet.1:21). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/3 the absolute godhood of.htm

Not Nullified by Prophecy.
... we say about future events being foretold, we do not say it as if they came about
by ... to their several value, He foretells by the Spirit of prophecy that He ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xliv not nullified by prophecy.htm

The Son of Man
... the world"as, for instance, 'The Son of Man came to give ... there is an evident allusion
to that prophecy, and to ... by One who knows all our frame, not only with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the son of man.htm

V. ...
... ye should know first of all, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private
interpretation; for prophecy came not aforetime by the will of man, but holy ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v 2.htm