Deep Dive

II Peter 1:21

A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →

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.

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 21

came not in old time--rather, "was never at any time borne" (to us). by the will of man--alone. Jer 23:26, "prophets of the deceit of their own heart." Compare Pe2 3:5, "willingly." holy--One oldest manuscript has, "men FROM God": the emissaries from God. "Holy," if read, will mean because they had the Holy Spirit. moved--Greek, "borne" (along) as by a mighty wind: Act 2:2, "rushing (the same Greek) wind": rapt out of themselves: still not in fanatical excitement (Co1 14:32). The Hebrew "nabi," "prophet," meant an announcer or interpreter of God: he, as God's spokesman, interpreted not his own "private" will or thought, but God's "Man of the Spirit" (Hos 9:7, Margin). "Thou testifiedst by Thy Spirit in Thy prophets." "Seer," on the other hand, refers to the mode of receiving the communications from God, rather than to the utterance of them to others. "Spake" implies that, both in its original oral announcement, and now even when in writing, it has been always, and is, the living voice of God speaking to us through His inspired servants. Greek, "borne (along)" forms a beautiful antithesis to "was borne." They were passive, rather than active instruments. The Old Testament prophets primarily, but including also all the inspired penmen, whether of the New or Old Testament (Pe2 3:2). Next: 2 Peter Chapter 2

Open source ↗
Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 21

In this chapter we have, I. An introduction, or preface, making way for, and leading to, what is principally designed by the apostle (Pe2 1:1-4). II. An exhortation to advance and improve in all Christian graces (Pe2 1:5-7). III. To enforce this exhortation, and engage them seriously and heartily to comply with it, he adds, 1. A representation of the very great advantage which will thereby accrue to them (Pe2 1:8-11). 2. A promise of the best assistance the apostle was able to give to facilitate and forward this good work (Pe2 1:12-15). 3. A declaration of the certain truth and divine origin of the gospel of Christ, in the grace whereof they were exhorted to increase and persevere.

Open source ↗

Your reflection