An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated

Verse 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. Verse 20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation: Verse 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.

Verse 19. We have also a more sure word of prophesie; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, untill the day dawne, and the day-starre arise in your hearts. Verse 20. Knowing this first, that no prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation: Verse 21. For the prophesie came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost.

The Analysis.

Peter had before proved the certainty of the Gospel by the testimony of the Apostles, who were eye-witnesses and ear-witnesses of it; now he proves the same certainty by the testimony of the word of prophecy; which he sets forth, 1. By the adjunct of stability, and that in comparison to the testimony of the Apostles, in respect whereof this word of prophecy is said to be more sure. 2. By the duty adjoined which is due unto this word of prophecy, namely, a religious heed and attention which should be given unto this word. Wch attention is declared, 1. By the end and use of this word of prophecy, which is by way of comparison set forth by the use of a light, 2. by the helping cause, 3. By the esteem ⟨p. 181⟩which we should have of the Prophecy of Scripture, verse 20, 21. namely, that it is by the instinct of the Holy Ghost▪ which is set forth by those Prophesies that are contrary thereunto, namely, such, as are of private interpretation, or by the will of man. By prophecy is meant, not the foretelling of those things, that depend upon any natural causes, (for so the Astrologers and Physicians can foretell many things, being skilful in the natural causes,) nor of those things that depend upon the will of any creature (for so those that know other mens counsel, may foretell many things, probably at least) but prophecy is a fore-telling of those things, that depend only upon the will of God, and can be known by God alone, and those to whom he hath revealed it. By the word of Prophecy is meant the Prophecy of holy Scripture, as it is expressly set down, verse 20. which is distinguished in this respect not only from false prophesies, but also from other true ones, which were never in the Canon of the Scripture.