2 Peter 1:21
For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
For no prophecy
The Greek word for "prophecy" here is "προφητεία" (prophēteia), which refers to a divinely inspired utterance or revelation. In the biblical context, prophecy is not merely about predicting the future but is a message from God delivered through His chosen messengers. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of true prophecy, distinguishing it from human speculation or false prophecy. Historically, the role of prophets in Israel was crucial, as they were seen as God's mouthpieces, delivering His will and guidance to the people.

was ever brought about
The phrase "was ever brought about" underscores the divine initiative in the process of prophecy. The Greek verb "φέρω" (pherō) implies being brought forth or produced. This suggests that prophecy is not a product of human effort or creativity but is initiated and sustained by God. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God is sovereign and actively involved in revealing His purposes to humanity.

through human initiative
The Greek term "θέλημα" (thelēma) for "initiative" refers to will or desire. This phrase clarifies that prophecy does not originate from human will or desire. In the historical context of the early church, this was a critical assertion against false teachers who claimed divine authority without true inspiration. It reinforces the idea that genuine prophecy is not a result of human ambition or manipulation but is a divine act.

but men spoke from God
This phrase highlights the human element in the delivery of prophecy. The Greek word "ἄνθρωποι" (anthrōpoi) for "men" indicates that God uses human agents to communicate His messages. However, these men are not speaking on their own behalf but "from God," indicating divine authority and origin. Throughout biblical history, God has chosen specific individuals, such as Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, to convey His messages, demonstrating His willingness to work through human vessels.

as they were carried along
The Greek word "φερόμενοι" (pheromenoi) is a passive participle meaning "being carried" or "being moved." This imagery suggests that the prophets were not acting on their own initiative but were guided and empowered by an external force—the Holy Spirit. This concept is akin to a ship being carried by the wind, indicating that the prophets were under the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit, ensuring the accuracy and divine nature of their message.

by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, or "Πνεύματος Ἁγίου" (Pneumatos Hagiou) in Greek, is the third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the inspiration of Scripture. This phrase affirms the Holy Spirit's active involvement in the process of prophecy, ensuring that the messages delivered are truly from God. In the broader scriptural context, the Holy Spirit is seen as the source of wisdom, guidance, and revelation, empowering believers and ensuring the integrity of God's word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage believers in their faith and to warn against false teachings.

2. Prophets
The individuals who, throughout the Old Testament, received and communicated God's messages to His people. They were instrumental in revealing God's will and future plans.

3. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in inspiring the prophets and ensuring the divine origin of the Scriptures.

4. God
The ultimate source of all prophecy, who communicates His will and truth through chosen individuals.

5. Scripture
The sacred writings of Christianity, which include the prophecies and teachings inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Teaching Points
Divine Inspiration of Scripture
The Bible is not a product of human creativity or initiative. It is divinely inspired, with God as its ultimate author, ensuring its truth and authority.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential in the process of inspiration, guiding the prophets and ensuring that God's message is accurately conveyed.

Reliability of Prophecy
Since prophecy is from God, it is trustworthy and reliable. Believers can have confidence in the fulfillment of God's promises and the truth of His Word.

Guarding Against False Teachings
Understanding the divine origin of Scripture helps believers discern truth from falsehood, equipping them to stand firm against false teachings.

Active Engagement with Scripture
Believers are encouraged to actively engage with the Bible, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and apply its truths in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the divine inspiration of Scripture affect your view of the Bible's authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply the teachings of the Bible?

3. How can the reliability of biblical prophecy strengthen your faith in God's promises?

4. What steps can you take to guard against false teachings in light of the truth of Scripture?

5. How can you actively engage with the Bible in your daily life to grow in your relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:16-17
This passage emphasizes that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, reinforcing the divine origin of the Bible.

Hebrews 1:1-2
These verses highlight how God spoke through the prophets in the past and now speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ, showing the continuity and fulfillment of prophecy.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Peter's first epistle also discusses how the prophets searched and inquired about the salvation that was to come, indicating their reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding.
God's Voice in the BibleJ.R. Thomson 2 Peter 1:21
Putting in MindU.R. Thomas 2 Peter 1:12-21
Threefold Testimony to the Truth of ChristianityU.R. Thomas 2 Peter 1:16-21
Certainty About Christ the Result of Giving Heed to the Divine WordC. New 2 Peter 1:19-21
Christmas, or the Two Risings of the Day-StarHomilist2 Peter 1:19-21
Scripture Light the Most Sure LightW. Bridge, M. A.2 Peter 1:19-21
The Dawn of DayJ. Vaughan, M. A.2 Peter 1:19-21
The Rising of the Day-StarJ. Vaughan, M. A.2 Peter 1:19-21
The Word of God a Light Shining in a Dark PlaceE. Cooper, M. A.2 Peter 1:19-21
Unfulfilled Prophecy a Light Provided for the Church of ChristC. J. Goodhart, M. A.2 Peter 1:19-21
An Inspired Definition of InspirationDean Vaughan.2 Peter 1:20-21
On the Indiscreet Application of Scriptural ProphecyG. D'Oyly, D. D.2 Peter 1:20-21
The BibleA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.2 Peter 1:20-21
The Inspiration, Conscription, and Exposition of ScriptureThos. Adams.2 Peter 1:20-21
The Plenary Inspiration of the ScripturesN. Emmons, D. D.2 Peter 1:20-21
People
Peter, Simeon, Simon
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Act, Along, Borne, Carried, Ghost, Holy, Human, Impelled, Impulse, Moved, Origin, Power, Prophecy, Prophets, Spake, Spirit, Spoke, Uttered
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Peter 1:21

     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching
     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     5548   speech, divine
     5630   work, divine and human
     7734   leaders, spiritual
     8028   faith, body of beliefs

2 Peter 1:17-21

     1403   God, revelation

2 Peter 1:19-21

     8470   respect, for God

2 Peter 1:20-21

     1427   prophecy

Library
Like Precious Faith
'... Them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.'--2 Peter i. 1. Peter seems to have had a liking for that word 'precious.' It is not a very descriptive one; it does not give much light as to the quality of the things to which it is applied; but it is a suggestion of one-idea value. It is interesting to notice the objects to which, in his two letters--for I take this to be his letter--he applies it. He speaks of the trial of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy
'... His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.'--2 Peter i. 3. 'I knew thee,' said the idle servant in our Lord's parable, 'that thou wert an austere man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou hadst not strewed. I was afraid, and went and hid my talent in the earth.' Our Lord would teach us all with that pregnant word the great truth that if once a man gets it into
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Partakers of the Divine Nature
'He hath given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.'--2 Peter i. 4. 'Partakers of the Divine nature.' These are bold words, and may be so understood as to excite the wildest and most presumptuous dreams. But bold as they are, and startling as they may sound to some of us, they are only putting into other language the teaching of which the whole New Testament is full,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Power of Diligence
'Giving all diligence, add to your faith ...'--2 Peter i. 5. It seems to me very like Peter that there should be so much in this letter about the very commonplace and familiar excellence of diligence. He over and over again exhorts to it as the one means to the attainment of all Christian graces, and of all the blessedness of the Christian life. We do not expect fine-spun counsels from a teacher whose natural bent is, like his, but plain, sturdy, common sense, directed to the highest matter, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Going Out and Going In
'An entrance ... my decease.'--2 Peter i. 11, 15. I do not like, and do not often indulge in, the practice of taking fragments of Scripture for a text, but I venture to isolate these two words, because they correspond to one another, and when thus isolated and connected, bring out very prominently two aspects of one thing. In the original the correspondence is even closer, for the words, literally rendered, are 'a going in' and 'a going out.' The same event is looked at from two sides. On the one
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Faith and Life
Now, it will be clear to all, that in the four verses before us, our apostle has most excellently set forth the necessity of these two things--twice over he insists upon the faith, and twice over upon holiness of life. We will take the first occasion first. I. Observe, in the first place, what he says concerning the character and the origin of faith, and then concerning the character and origin of spiritual life. "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Particular Election
When Mr. Whitfield was once applied to to use his influence at a general election, he returned answer to his lordship who requested him, that he knew very little about general elections, but that if his lordship took his advice he would make his own particular "calling and election sure;" which was a very proper remark. I would not, however, say to any persons here present, despise the privilege which you have as citizens. Far be it from me to do it. When we become Christians we do not leave off
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

The Faithful Promiser
THE FAITHFUL PROMISER. By the Author of "THE WORDS OF JESUS," "THE MORNING AND NIGHT WATCHES," ETC. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises."--2 Pet. i. 4. NEW YORK: STANFORD & DELISSER, No. 508, BROADWAY. 1858.
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect. Matthew 5:48.
In the 43rd verse, the Savior says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward
Charles G. Finney—Lectures to Professing Christians

The Author to the Reader.
CHRISTIAN READER,--After the foregoing address, I need not put thee to much more trouble: only I shall say, that he must needs be a great stranger in our Israel, or sadly smitten with that epidemic plague of indifferency, which hath infected many of this generation, to a benumbing of them, and rendering them insensible and unconcerned in the matters of God, and of their own souls, and sunk deep in the gulf of dreadful inconsideration, who seeth not, or taketh no notice of, nor is troubled at the
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers.
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Mystical Union with Immanuel.
"Christ in you the hope of glory." --Col. i. 27. The union of believers with Christ their Head is not effected by instilling a divine-human life-tincture into the soul. There is no divine-human life. There is a most holy Person, who unites in Himself the divine and the human life; but both natures continue unmixed, unblended, each retaining its own properties. And since there is no divine-human life in Jesus, He can not instil it into us. We do heartily acknowledge that there is a certain conformity
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Its Basis
In our last chapter we contemplated the problem which is presented in the justifying or pronouncing righteous one who is a flagrant violater of the Law of God. Some may have been surprised at the introduction of such a term as "problem": as there are many in the ranks of the ungodly who feel that the world owes them a living, so there are not a few Pharisees in Christendom who suppose it is due them that at death their Creator should take them to Heaven. But different far is it with one who has been
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

The Beatific vision.
Reason, revelation, and the experience of six thousand years unite their voices in proclaiming that perfect happiness cannot be found in this world. It certainly cannot be found in creatures; for they were not clothed with the power to give it. It cannot be found even in the practice of virtue; for God has, in His wisdom, decreed that virtue should merit, but never enjoy perfect happiness in this world. He has solemnly pledged himself to give "eternal life" to all who love and serve him here on earth.
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." There is a great marriage spoken of, Eph. v. that hath a great mystery in it, which the apostle propoundeth as the sample and archetype of all marriages or rather as the substance, of which all conjunctions and relations among the creatures are but the shadows. It is that marriage between Christ and his church, for which, it would appear, this world was builded, to be
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, which concerneth the change of our nature and frame, and is called vivification, or quickening of the new man of grace; which is called the new man, as having all its several members and parts, as well as the old man; and called new, because posterior to the other; and after regeneration is upon the growing hand, this duty of growing in grace, as it is called, 2 Pet. iii. &c. is variously expressed and held forth to us in Scripture;
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
1. The divine authority of the Pentateuch having been established, it is not necessary to dwell at length on the historical books which follow. The events which they record are a natural and necessary sequel to the establishment of the theocracy, as given in the five books of Moses. The Pentateuch is occupied mainly with the founding of the theocracy; the following historical books describe the settlement of the Israelitish nation under this theocracy in the promised land, and its practical operation
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to the riches of His mercy has at least preserved this one sacrament in His Church uninjured and uncontaminated by the devices of men, and has made it free to all nations and to men of every class. He has not suffered it to be overwhelmed with the foul and impious monstrosities of avarice and superstition; doubtless having this purpose, that He would have little children, incapable of avarice and superstition, to be initiated into
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Faith
What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for our sin? Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. I begin with the first, faith in Jesus Christ. Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.' Rom 3: 25. The great privilege in the text is, to have Christ for a propitiation; which is not only to free us from God's wrath, but to
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Approval of the Spirit
TEXT: "Yea, saith the Spirit."--Rev. 14:31. The world has had many notable galleries of art in which we have been enabled to study the beautiful landscape, to consider deeds of heroism which have made the past illustrious, in which we have also read the stories of saintly lives; but surpassing all these is the gallery of art in which we find the text. Humanly speaking John is the artist while he is an exile on the Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. The words he uses and the figures he presents
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

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