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Book of 2 Peter - Chapter 1 - Verse 21

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.

Meaning

Throughout the Bible, it is made clear that the words spoken by the prophets were not simply their own thoughts or ideas, but a divine message directly from God. This verse emphasizes that prophecy did not come from the will of man, meaning that the prophets did not speak on their own accord or based on their own desires. Instead, they were holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the words of God. This highlights the inspiration and authority of scripture, as it was not constructed by human will, but rather by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The prophets acted as vessels through which God communicated His message to His people. The verse serves as a reminder that the words of the Bible are not simply human wisdom, but are divinely inspired and carry the authority and truth of God Himself. As readers engage with each verse, they are reminded of the sacred nature of the scriptures and the importance of listening to the voice of God through the words of the prophets.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the theological interpretation revolves around the belief that the prophecy mentioned did not originate from human will but rather from the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes the divine nature of Scripture, highlighting that it was inspired by God through His chosen vessels. The term "holy men of God" indicates individuals who were set apart by God for this specific purpose of delivering His message to the world. The phrase "moved by the Holy Ghost" suggests that these individuals were prompted and guided by the Holy Spirit in their communication of the divine message. This verse underscores the importance of understanding the Bible as more than just a human document, but as a revelation from God Himself, communicated through His chosen messengers. Through theological reflection and word studies, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the divine inspiration behind the prophecies and teachings found within Scripture.

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