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Daily Devotions

It Is Written

It Is Written 
Day 
Day 1

"Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Text: 2 Peter 1:21

AN IMPORTANT STARTING POINT

The Apostle Peter had a significant ministry as a leading apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. The following things may be credited to him.

1. His name was listed first among the apostles called by the Lord (Matthew 10:2).

2. His name was also listed first in the first New Testament Church (Acts 1:13-14).

3. He led the Apostolic band in the fledgling New Testament Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1:15).

4. He played a key role in speaking to the multitudes that had gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2).

5. Peter and John were the two outstanding leaders of the Jerusalem Church. Their names kept coming up in the ministry of the Church (Acts 3:1, 4:13).

PETER AS A DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

The early Church needed lots of strong and clear instruction from the Apostles. They played a significant role in laying the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). Peter played an important role in defending the church from false teachings. One of the most significant texts he wrote about the doctrine of the Scriptures may be found in this passage.

“Knowing this first,
that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,
for prophecy never came by the will of man,
but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:20-21

1. “No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation”

a) The key word is “Scripture”.
b) Prophecy formed a large part of the Old Testament.
c) Private interpretation
i) This may also be translated as “of private origin”.

ii) This is a vital truth to take note of.

2. “For prophecy never came by the will of man”

a) This is a solemn declaration.
b) It is impossible for a mere human being to make true prophetic statements.

3. “But holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”

a) The prophets were truly “holy men of God”.
b) The Spirit of God was actively involved in their lives and ministry.
c) He moved their hearts and minds as He guided their lives.

These truths must be firmly established as we seek to understand the statement, “It is written!” The Lord Jesus and the New Testament writers had this solid and sound understanding of the holy Scriptures.