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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2Pe_1:19-21
19So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
2Pe_1:19 "the prophetic word" This refers to either (1) OT texts (i.e., 2Pe_1:17) or (2) NT Apostolic witness (cf. 2Pe_1:12; 1Jn_1:1-5).
▣ "made more sure" God's OT revelation is confirmed in the NT revelation. The OT is surely crucial to a full understanding of the NT (cf. Mar_1:1-3).
This whole paragraph is related to the delayed Second Coming, which some began to doubt. Peter wants to assure his readers by
1. his own experience of the new age (i.e., Jesus' transfiguration)
2. the fulfillment of prophecy in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus
The new day had arrived and will be consummated (i.e., as a lamp shining, as Venus rising). See. F. F. Bruce, answers to Questions, p. 130.
▣ "a lamp shining in a dark place" This is an allusion to Psa_119:105 and possibly Pro_6:23. God has provided fallen humanity all the information they need to respond to Him by faith (i.e., revelation, inspiration, and illumination). God's self-revelation through the OT and supremely through Christ, which is recorded and explained by NT authors, is fully adequate (although not exhaustive). This revelation (OT and NT) is like a light shining in the darkness of human and angelic sin and rebellion. But one day the far better brighter light (i.e., a face-to-face encounter with Christ) will illuminate every believer's heart and mind. The goal of revelation is not information, but salvation (i.e., restored, intimate fellowship).
The false teachers claimed to have a special revelation from deity, but Peter affirms that Jesus is God's full and complete self-revelation.
▣ "the morning star" This is literally "light bearer" or "daystar" (cf. Rev_2:28; Rev_22:16). From this Greek term we get the English word "phosphorus." This aspect of a light shining has several OT connotations.
1. It is related to the Hebrew term helel, translated "morning star" (Lucifer in Latin, cf. Isa_14:12), usually referring to the planet Venus.
2. It relates to the coming Messiah in Num_24:17 (i.e., "a star shall come forth from Jacob") and Mal_4:2 (i.e., "The sun of righteousness will rise").
3. It relates to resurrected saints in Dan_12:3 (i.e., "will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven").
4. It relates to the royal incarnated Messiah in Rev_22:16 (i.e., "the offspring of David the bright morning star").
▣ "rises in your hearts" In context this refers to the existential encounter with God brought about by His own self-revelation in Scripture (OT), Jesus (incarnation), and Apostolic writings (NT). At some point fallen humans have an "aha" moment of understanding. God's truth breaks into our consciousness. This process of understanding and conviction is guided by the Holy Spirit (cf. Joh_6:44; Joh_6:65).
Christianity begins as an individual's encounter and faith response to God in Christ. It issues in a corporate experience of family love and family service (cf. 1Co_12:7). See hyperlink at Mar_2:6.
2Pe_1:20 "Scripture" This is one of several verses in the NT that speak of God's self-revelation in OT and NT writings (i.e., Scripture).
1. Mat_5:17-19
2. 1Co_2:9-13
3. 1Th_2:13
4. 2Ti_3:16
5. 1Pe_1:23-25
6. 2Pe_1:20-21
7. 2Pe_3:15-16
The essence of all of these is that Scripture is from God and of God, not human in origin. God inspired the writers (cf. 2Pe_1:20-21) and their writings (cf. 2Ti_3:16).
▣ "a matter of one's own interpretation" This phrase surely expresses the existing tension caused by the false teachers in the churches. It is possible that they were quoting Scripture and then putting their own spin on it (which is also common today).
In context it is difficult to know whether this phrase refers to (1) the OT writers or (2) the contemporary false teachers. If the first option, it speaks to the theological concept of inspiration (cf. 2Ti_3:16). The following verse seems to confirm this interpretation. If the second option, it speaks of the theological concept of illumination (i.e., that the Spirit guides believers in interpreting the Bible).
It must be stated that the evangelical concept of "the priesthood of the believer " is usually understood as the Spirit-given ability to interpret the Bible for oneself. However, biblically, the phrase refers to the church as the agent of accomplishing the Great Commission, cf. 1Pe_2:5; 1Pe_2:9; Rev_1:6. Notice in the OT (cf. Exo_19:6) and the NT the phrase "the priesthood of believers" is plural (i.e., corporate), not individual.
2Pe_1:21 "men moved by the Holy Spirit" This is literally "carried," which is a present passive participle. This adds emphasis to the truth that the Bible is God's message, not a human message! It is true that the Bible is in human words, but humans were uniquely guided by the Spirit. The Bible is not exhaustive truth, for no human can comprehend that level of reality, but it is trustworthy, adequate truth about God, about sin, about salvation, about godly living, and about eternity.
The exact method of inspiration varies.
1. theophanies
2. Urim and Thummin/lots
3. dreams
4. visions
5. trances
6. angels
7. symbolic acts
8. special events and interpretations
The questions remain (1) does God give the content and the human author the form or (2) does God give both?
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