2 Peter 1:20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.I have read some bible commentators that say these verses prove that the interpretation of Scriptures is to be left up to the church leaders.
Any commentator or leader who says that needs to study more. Having reminded his readers of the miraculous witnesses to him personally of Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, Peter wrote that these events confirmed all Bible prophecy of Jesus:'So then, we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation- because prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.' 2 Pe 1:19-2:1So, if anything, Peter is saying that Scripture, like a light shining in a dark place, needs no interpretation- it just needs taking seriously.
But Calluna, the real problem I have here is the growing number of christian cults that teach that only the leadership can tell the meaning of the Word. In the group I would put Catholic, JW, and LDS which are not small denominations. I see this as a way for them to gather power to themselves and control over their followers.
But reading your response where you say that the Scriptures "needs no interpretation- it just needs taking seriously," I wonder if you believe that a non-believer could set down and read the Bible come to faith and salvation without the help of the Spirit?
But the Spirit works through the Bible. He wrote it! He speaks through it to those who reject Christ. People have indeed read the Bible and come to faith and salvation through doing only that. Indeed, ultimately, every convert since the Reformation has come to faith by that means.But Peter was of course writing to fellow believers.
Calluna,I have to disagree with you on this one point. Understanding of the Scriptures is only for those who are called by God and taught by God. Christ did not mean for His words to be understood by everyone.John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. ...... 65 And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."
That does not say that any person cannot come to Jesus. It certainly does not say that any person cannot understand the Bible, cannot be convicted of sin, either through reading it, or through hearing an evangelist or testimony. The gospel message a small child can understand.Jesus here was dealing with a particular problem. He was known as an ordinary man- “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” So Jesus replied that he really was from the Father, and it was the real heavenly Father whom he represented, and by whom he was supported. This passage is about Jesus, not about who is elect, and who is not.
Matthew 13
If you'll excuse me, I do find red lettering, and capitals too, rather difficult to read. But I recognise the passage, so I'll get by. Why did Jesus speak to people who could not accept him?
Sorry about the red type, if it is hard for you to read I'll uses another color when posting to you.
As to answering your question, the answer is obvious in the Isaiah quote. Read vs 14 again.
For the same reason that Christ sent for the colt in Matt 21.
Does it not seem difficult to accept that, over three years, Jesus spoke to thousands, performed miracles, healed the sick and warned of the teaching of Pharisees, just in order to show that the people for whom he did all these things were entirely reprobate? That he did all these things for just eleven men? We are told that Jesus was amazed by the faith of a centurion, that a woman loved him so much as to pour precious perfume on his feet, that the faith of those who came for healing had saved them. We read that he loved faithful Lazarus, Martha and Mary, that in Nazareth he performed few miracles because of lack of faith- which means that, elsewhere, there was faith. We read that the gospel was to go out of Israel to all people, everywhere, because God commands all people, everywhere, to repent and turn to him.So when Jesus referred to hard hearts and deaf ears, quoting Isaiah, he must have been referring to a majority, not to the whole. That explanation was sufficient for the disciples, to explain why they were given the plain truth, because they had been chosen for their faith. Parables were needed to sort the wheat from the chaff- even those who refused Jesus could understand them, but they were not blatantly confronted with the truth by parables. The wheat, the elect, like the true Israelite Nathanael, like loyal Joseph of Arimathea, were given the plain truth, after they had responded favourably to parables and miracles. This is because God grants grace to those who welcome the gospel, and hardens those who react adversely to it.
Parables were needed to sort the wheat from the chaff- even those who refused Jesus could understand them, but they were not blatantly confronted with the truth by parables.
First I never said anything about only eleven men.
Now Peter had been with Christ from the get-go, and we know that others knew that Jesus was the Christ, so you can conclude that all those others who had come to the same conclusion as Peter were also led and taught by the Father.
There is no question that Christ was adamant that the knowledge of His truth had to taught by the Father not by man.
Many have heard the gospel but few have been taught by God.
How many disciples was Jesus talking to? Twelve, including Judas? If he was talking to additional disciples who had not been selected by him, then their presence shows that the interpretation of Isaiah that excludes all but those specially selected is incorrect.
Of course. Anyone can be given that revelation. Indeed, many are given it, and oppose Christ.
True- because it's not the issue.
Bible reference?
AuthorTopic: Divine Inspiration (Read 836 times)