19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 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. (2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV)
God authored the Scriptures
In these words the apostle presents another argument to prove the truth and reality of the gospel and suggests that this second proof is even stronger and more convincing than the former. It clearly shows that the doctrine of the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a made-up story or human invention, but the wise and wonderful counsel of the holy and gracious God. This was foretold by the prophets and writers of the Old Testament, who spoke and wrote under the influence and direction of the Spirit of God.
The scriptures of the Old Testament are called a more sure word of prophecy.
It is a prophetic declaration of the power and coming, the divinity and incarnation, of our Savior, found in the Old Testament. There it is foretold that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). His power to destroy the devil and his works, and his being born of a woman, are foretold. The divine name of God—Jehovah—as understood by some, points to his coming. The name of God in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM,” is also seen by many as pointing to God becoming incarnate for the salvation of his people.
The New Testament is the fulfillment of what the Old Testament prophesied. All the prophets and the law prophesied until John (Matthew 11:13), and the evangelists and apostles have written the history of what had been foretold. The fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New is a full demonstration of the truth of both. Read the Old Testament as a prophecy of Christ, and use the New Testament with gratitude as the best explanation of the Old.
The Old Testament is a more certain word of prophecy, especially to the Jews who received it as the word of God. Later prophets confirmed what had been said by earlier ones, and these prophecies were written by God’s command, preserved by his providence, and many were fulfilled. Therefore, they were more certain even than the apostle’s account of the voice from heaven. Moses and the prophets are more persuasive than miracles themselves (Luke 16:31). How firm should our faith be when we have such a solid word to rely on! All the prophecies of the Old Testament are even more certain to us, who now see their exact fulfillment recorded in the New Testament.
The apostle encourages us to study the scriptures. He tells us that we do well if we pay attention to them—that is, if we strive to understand their meaning and believe their truth. The word is the pattern into which we must be shaped (Romans 6:17), the framework of knowledge (Romans 2:20) by which we shape our beliefs, our words, and our lives. If we devote ourselves to God’s word this way, we do what pleases God and benefits ourselves. This is the respect due to the oracles of God.
To give proper attention to scripture, the apostle notes some things that are especially helpful.
First, we must regard and use scripture as a light that God has sent into the world to dispel its darkness. The word is a lamp for those who use it properly. It shows the way we ought to live and helps us understand the way to eternal life (Psalm 119:105).
Second, we must acknowledge our own ignorance. This world is full of error, and every person is naturally without the knowledge necessary to gain eternal life.
Third, if people are ever made wise unto salvation, it is because the light of God’s word shines into their hearts. Natural ideas about God aren’t enough for fallen humanity, who now know far less and need to know far more than Adam did when he was innocent.
Fourth, when the light of scripture enters a person’s darkened mind through the Holy Spirit, the spiritual day begins to dawn. This enlightenment is like the morning light that grows brighter until full day (Proverbs 4:18). It’s a growing knowledge, and those who are enlightened in this way never think they know enough until they are fully known. It is both our duty and our best interest to give attention to this light. All who love truth come to this light, but those who do evil avoid it (John 3:20–21).
The apostle adds that before we can benefit from scripture, we must recognize that all prophecy has divine origin. He not only states this, but proves it.
No prophecy of scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation or opinion—it is the revelation of God’s mind. This is the difference between God’s true prophets and the false ones. The true prophets didn’t speak on their own authority. As Moses said, “I have not done any of these things of my own accord” (Numbers 16:28). But false prophets speak the ideas of their own hearts, not the word of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16). The prophets and authors of scripture spoke and wrote what God intended to be revealed. Even if they were willing participants, it was because God willed for these truths to be spoken and written. Although scripture is not a product of human invention, every individual is still responsible to study and understand its meaning.
The truth that scripture is from God—not man—must be known and accepted by all who want to benefit from the sure word of prophecy. That the scriptures are God’s word is not just a belief but a form of spiritual knowledge. Just as you recognize a close friend by his unique qualities, so a true Christian recognizes God’s word by its divine marks. The believer senses a sweetness, power, and glory in it that can only come from God.
This conviction about scripture’s divine origin must come first before anyone can profit from it. We must be fully convinced that the Bible is inspired by God and reveals his true will. Only then will we turn our attention away from other writings and give ourselves to the Bible as the one certain, infallible rule of faith and life.
Since this is so essential, the apostle explains how the Old Testament scriptures came to be. Negatively, they did not come by human will. The contents of scripture are not human ideas, nor were they written because of any prophet’s personal preferences.
Positively, holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. These were men set apart by God for this sacred task. Even though people like Balaam or Caiaphas occasionally prophesied, they were not chosen to write scripture. All who did were godly men. These holy men were guided by the Holy Spirit as they delivered God’s message. The Spirit was the primary agent; the men were his instruments.
The Holy Spirit inspired and instructed them in what to say. He also stirred and empowered them to speak and write what he had given them. He helped them express it clearly and without error, so even the very words of scripture are to be regarded as the words of the Holy Spirit. All the clarity, simplicity, power, and beauty of scripture come from God himself. So trust what you read in the Bible, and hold it in reverence as a book written by holy men, inspired and led by the Holy Spirit.