2 Peter 1:20
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”
Context:It’s important to understand the context of a verse to grasp its meaning fully. The Apostle Peter wrote this letter, commonly known as 2 Peter, as a farewell message to the believers before his imminent death (2 Peter 1:14). The purpose of the letter was to encourage and exhort the readers to grow in their faith, knowledge, and virtues while countering false teachers who were spreading destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1-3).
Understanding “no prophecy of the scripture”:Peter starts by emphasizing the origin and nature of the prophecies found in Scripture. He is referring to the prophetic writings of the Old Testament and possibly acknowledging the authority of the New Testament writings as well. The Bible contains numerous prophecies given by God through His prophets.
“Is of any private interpretation”:This phrase implies that the interpretation of Scripture should not be based on personal opinions or subjective understanding. The word “private” can also be translated as “one’s own” or “an individual’s.” In other words, Peter is saying that the prophecies of Scripture do not originate from human ideas or imaginations.
Correct interpretation:Peter’s intention is to highlight that the interpretation of Scripture should not be left to personal speculation or private judgment. Instead, the understanding of prophecy should be guided by the Holy Spirit and the consistent teaching of God’s Word as a whole.
The role of the Holy Spirit:Throughout the Bible, we see that the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13). When studying Scripture, it is essential to seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand the intended meaning of the inspired Word of God.
Consistency and harmony of Scripture:Peter’s statement emphasizes that prophecies in Scripture should not be isolated or taken out of context to support personal agendas or doctrines. Instead, prophecies should be interpreted in light of the entire body of Scripture. God’s Word is consistent and harmonious, and one part of Scripture should not contradict another. Thus, a proper interpretation involves studying the entirety of God’s Word to ensure alignment and coherence.
Seeking guidance from teachers and scholars:While personal interpretation is cautioned against, it doesn’t mean that we cannot seek guidance from trusted teachers and scholars who have studied the Scriptures and have a solid understanding of biblical principles and interpretation. The Church has a rich history of theologians and scholars who have contributed to biblical understanding and doctrine.
