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.
Read it in contextThe Reliability of the Apostolic Witness and Prophetic Word
Start reading at 2 Peter 1:16 (2 Peter 1:16 to 2 Peter 1:21).
This section establishes the divine origin and authority of the prophetic word, building on the apostles' eyewitness testimony to Christ's glory.
1:16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
1:17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
1:18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
1:19We 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:
1:20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
1:21For 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Simon Peter is the named author and the traditional identification. The letter's authorship was disputed in antiquity and remains debated; the self-identification should not be confused with unanimous historical agreement. Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Peter 1:1–3:18): The writer, identifying himself as Simon Peter, addresses believers who have received like precious faith, warning about false teachers and scoffers and urging growth and readiness. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Those who have obtained like precious faith, whom the writer also addresses as recipients of a previous letter. The greeting gives no city or province. Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this verse is the divine origin and inspiration of prophecy. It asserts that prophecy does not come from human will but from holy men of God speaking as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
What is God revealing? God is revealing that His prophetic word is divinely inspired and authoritative, not a product of human invention. The Holy Spirit is the true source, moving men to speak God's message.
What is the literary style? This verse is part of an epistle (letter) and functions as a declarative statement explaining the nature of prophecy, reinforcing its divine authority within an argumentative section.
When
When was it written? This letter was written between approximately A.D. 65 and 68.
When does the event take place? The verse describes the historical process of prophecy's origin, stating it "came not in old time." This refers to the period when prophets spoke God's word, particularly in the Old Testament era. The writing of this letter itself occurs shortly before Peter's death.
Where
Where did it happen? The verse describes a general principle of prophecy's origin, which occurred in various places throughout history as God moved His prophets.
Where was the author located? The author, Peter, was located in Rome when he wrote this letter.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Reliability of the Apostolic Witness and Prophetic Word (2 Peter 1:16 to 2 Peter 1:21).
Start reading at 2 Peter 1:16. This section establishes the divine origin and authority of the prophetic word, building on the apostles' eyewitness testimony to Christ's glory.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes Peter's argument for the reliability of the prophetic word (2 Peter 1:16-21). After establishing the apostles' eyewitness testimony to Christ's majesty, Peter asserts the "more sure word of prophecy" and explains that its divine origin, through the Holy Ghost, makes it trustworthy and not subject to private interpretation. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The prophecy mentioned here ultimately points to Christ, as He is the central theme of all Scripture. Old Testament prophecies foretold His coming, life, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit, who moved the prophets, is also the Spirit of Christ. Thus, the divine inspiration of prophecy ensures that the message concerning Christ is true and authoritative. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This verse affirms the divine authority and trustworthiness of the Bible. Believers today can rely on Scripture as God's inspired word, not merely human opinions. It encourages diligent study and obedience to the Bible, knowing that its message is from God Himself, guided by the Holy Spirit. interpretation
Cited: 2 Peter 1:1, 2 Peter 1:14, 2 Peter 1:16-21, 2 Peter 1:17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, 2 Peter 1:21, Luke 24:27, John 5:39, 1 Peter 1:11
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Simon Peter and refers to a former letter and to the transfiguration. 2 Peter 1:12 Peter 1:162 Peter 3:1
Early traditionTradition names Peter, though this letter was accepted more slowly than the first.
What is debatedThis is the most disputed New Testament letter on authorship grounds, ancient and modern.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Peter 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The writer identifies himself as Simon Peter and addresses those who have obtained like precious faith. He urges growth, warns about false teachers, and answers scoffing about the Lord's coming without authorizing neglect or date-setting.
Connection to the wholeGod's provision and promises are joined to adding the qualities of faithful life, with explicit exhortation to diligence rather than presumption.
Connection to the wholePeter explains his urgency and points to the witnessed majesty of Christ and the prophetic word rather than invented stories.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Peter
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The writer identifies himself as Simon Peter and addresses those who have obtained like precious faith. He urges growth, warns about false teachers, and answers scoffing about the Lord's coming without authorizing neglect or date-setting.