What does 2 Peter 1:20 mean?

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

Explanation

2 Peter 1:20 emphasizes the communal and divinely guided nature of biblical prophecy, asserting that the messages found in Scripture are not the result of individual interpretation or personal insight. This speaks to the belief that the prophets who wrote down Scripture were moved by the Holy Spirit (as stated in 2 Peter 1:21), which means the prophecies did not originate from the prophets themselves but from God. The implication is that the true meaning of Scripture is not subject to personal whims but should be understood within the broader context of God’s revealed truth.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle of Peter is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Peter and is dated to roughly 64-68 AD. This was a time when the early Christian church was facing various challenges, including false teachings and heresies. The letter addresses the certainty of Christ’s return and the reliability of the prophetic word, urging believers to hold fast to the trustworthy message amid the rise of false prophets and teachers.

Theological Insights

This verse contributes to the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture, suggesting that the meaning of biblical prophecy is accessible but not to be interpreted in isolation. It contrasts the private interpretations, which might lead to heresies, with the necessity of interpreting Scripture within the context of the whole Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The main theological insight is the divine origin of prophecy, which also supports the doctrine of inspiration—that the Scriptures are breathed out by God and thus authoritative in matters of faith and conduct.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse encourages believers to engage with Scripture within the framework of their faith community and to seek collective wisdom. It also counsels against individualistic or idiosyncratic interpretations that diverge from orthodoxy. Moreover, it implies the importance of humility when approaching biblical texts, understanding that the ultimate authority comes from God, not personal insight or intellect.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
1 Peter 1:10-11: “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:”
2 Peter 1:21: “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.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of 2 Peter 1:20 that merit attention are “προφητεία” (propheteia), meaning “prophecy,” and “ἰδίας” (idias), meaning “private” or “one’s own.” The phrase “ἰδίας ἐπιλύσεως” (idias epiluseos) could also be translated as “private interpretation” or “personal unraveling,” highlighting that prophecy is not open to subjective, personal decoding but must be understood as part of God’s unified message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, prophecies were often associated with oracles and were seen as cryptic messages requiring specialized interpretation by religious figures or priests. Early Christian insistence on the divine origin of prophecy and its accessibility diverges from the practices where only a select few were considered capable of understanding divine messages. Christianity democratized understanding of Scripture, albeit within communal and traditional boundaries, compared to the secretive nature of some ancient religious prophecy interpretations.

Scientific Perspectives

The modern scientific approach generally does not accommodate supernatural insights into scriptural texts. While historical-critical methods are used to understand the context of biblical writings, the divine inspiration and authority of prophecy, as stated in this verse, are outside the purview of scientific analysis. The interpretation of ancient texts typically focuses on linguistic and cultural aspects rather than theological claims.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree that 2 Peter 1:20 underscores the communal and divine aspects of interpreting Scripture. John Calvin interpreted this verse as a warning against those who presume to interpret the Bible without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Modern biblical scholars might focus on the anti-heretical context of the epistle, seeing this verse as an attempt to establish a unified orthodoxy. There’s also a shared understanding among many experts that this verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the intended message and not distorting the words of the prophets to fit individual agendas or doctrines.