“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
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 1:20–21 (KJV)
The divine source of prophecy
The apostle Peter begins with a firm instruction: “Knowing this first.” This is foundational truth. Biblical prophecy does not rise from human thought, opinion, or imagination. Scripture is not the product of private insight or personal meaning assigned by the reader. It comes from God Himself.
Prophecy did not begin in the mind of man. It did not develop through culture, philosophy, or political desire. The Word of God has a single divine source, and that source is the will of God revealed by the Holy Ghost.
Not of private interpretation
Peter directly confronts a danger that remains with us today—the temptation to interpret Scripture according to personal preference. When prophecy is treated as private interpretation, truth becomes fragmented. Doctrine becomes unstable. Authority shifts from God’s Word to human reasoning.
Biblical prophecy interprets itself through the whole counsel of Scripture. One passage confirms another. The Spirit who inspired the Word is the same Spirit who illuminates it. Any interpretation that contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture is not from God, no matter how persuasive it sounds.
This truth guards the Church from false prophecy, speculative teachings, and man-centered doctrine.
Moved by the Holy Ghost
Peter declares how prophecy came: “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” These men were not perfect, but they were set apart. God used their voices, their language, and their time, yet the message remained His.
The phrase “moved by the Holy Ghost” speaks of divine direction and authority. The Spirit carried them, guided them, and ensured the truth of what was written. Scripture is therefore trustworthy, unchanging, and authoritative in every generation.
This also explains why prophecy remains relevant today. Because it is God-breathed, it speaks beyond the moment in which it was written.
Prophecy and the last days
In the last days, prophecy is often twisted to fit current events or personal agendas. Peter’s warning is especially vital for our time. End-time prophecy is not a playground for speculation. It is a revelation meant to call the Church to faithfulness, holiness, and watchfulness.
True prophetic understanding leads believers to Christ, not confusion. It exalts God’s sovereignty, confirms His promises, and prepares His people for what is coming. When prophecy is rightly handled, it strengthens hope and anchors faith in the unchanging Word of God.
Conclusion
2 Peter 1:20–21 establishes a clear rule: Scripture belongs to God, not man. Prophecy did not originate with human will, and it cannot be reshaped by human desire. It is the revealed Word of God, spoken through holy men, carried by the Holy Ghost, and preserved for every generation.
The Church must return to this truth. When prophecy is received humbly, interpreted faithfully, and proclaimed boldly, it becomes a light in a dark world—pointing always to the glory, authority, and coming kingdom of Jesus Christ.