Topical Bible: Prophecy is not of Private Interpretation

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The concept that "prophecy is not of private interpretation" is rooted in the biblical understanding of the nature and purpose of prophecy. This principle is primarily derived from 2 Peter 1:20-21, which states: "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" .

Divine Origin of Prophecy

Prophecy, according to the Bible, is a divine communication from God to humanity. It is not the result of human insight or imagination but is delivered through individuals chosen by God, known as prophets. These prophets were inspired by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the message conveyed was God's intended revelation. The divine origin of prophecy underscores its authority and reliability, distinguishing it from human speculation or interpretation.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the delivery and understanding of prophecy. As 2 Peter 1:21 indicates, the prophets were "carried along by the Holy Spirit," signifying that the Spirit guided them in conveying God's message accurately. This divine guidance ensures that the prophecy is not subject to personal biases or interpretations of the prophet but remains a faithful transmission of God's will.

Community and Interpretation

The assertion that prophecy is not of private interpretation also emphasizes the communal aspect of understanding Scripture. In the early Christian community, the interpretation of prophecy was not left to individual discretion but was discerned within the context of the church, guided by the Holy Spirit. This communal discernment helps prevent misinterpretations and ensures that the prophetic message aligns with the broader teachings of Scripture.

Guarding Against False Prophets

The principle also serves as a safeguard against false prophets and misleading teachings. Throughout biblical history, there have been instances of individuals claiming to speak for God without divine authorization. By affirming that prophecy is not of private interpretation, the Bible warns against accepting any prophetic message that does not align with the established revelation of God as confirmed by the community of believers and the Holy Spirit.

Application in the Church

In contemporary Christian practice, this principle continues to be relevant. The interpretation of prophetic passages in Scripture is approached with humility and a reliance on the Holy Spirit, often involving prayer, study, and consultation with other believers. This approach helps maintain the integrity of biblical interpretation and ensures that the prophetic message remains true to its divine origin.

In summary, the concept that prophecy is not of private interpretation highlights the divine origin, communal discernment, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding and applying prophetic messages. It serves as a reminder of the authority of Scripture and the need for careful and faithful interpretation within the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Meanings and Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures
... X. As "the Scriptures are not of private or peculiar ... Scriptures, which, in those
sacred writings, comes under the denomination of "prophecy," may proceed ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation ix on the meanings.htm

Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... by his Apostle Peter "that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation";
that is, of the prophet's own disclosure. "For prophecy came not of old ...
/.../vi assumptions concerning the book.htm

History of the Interpretation.
... was, at all times, not the private opinion of a ... they derived from this passage, was
not sufficiently strong ... in their impudence, assert that this prophecy has a ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/history of the interpretation.htm

V. ...
... And this 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 ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v 2.htm

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
... of the scripture is of any private interpretation." Some people say ... for the priests
and doctors, but not for the ... church." But Peter says: "The prophecy came not ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/that gospel sermon on the.htm

Steadfast unto the End
... and the daystar arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the
Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 52 steadfast unto the.htm

Bereans.
... In proof of this, they not only urge the words of the apostle, that no prophecy
is of any private interpretation, but they insist that the whole of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/bereans.htm

The Second Epistle General of Peter
... another warrant in the prophecies of the Old Testament, and asserts that prophecy
is not a matter for a man's own private unaided interpretation, inasmuch as ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxii the second epistle.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... by the Author of Scripture to be types: Prophecy with sometimes ... while thou art urging
thine own private opinion, we ... And thou canst not explain away one syllable ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

The Kingdom of God.
... No prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. Prophets, apostles"how much
more our Lord Himself"do not merely indulge in presages; they lay down ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon ix the kingdom of.htm