2 Peter 1:20 20knowing this above all, that every prophecy of Scripture did not come from someone’s own interpretation.
In the next two verses, Peter gives the reason why the readers should listen to Scripture. Above all should focus their attention upon what Peter is about to write. The basic point of this verse is that the prophecies of Scripture were not invented by any human. Peter may be criticizing the false prophets who were only teaching their opinions. The unstated implication is that any prophecy not found in Scripture is invented by human imagination, which is precisely what false prophets and teachers had done (2:1-3). This letter serves as a wakeup to the readers to look carefully at the source of what they were being taught. The opponents were doing what this verse warns against.
A close study of Scripture shows a human aspect to it, with a diversity of writing styles and language. The situations and times in which they prophesied were different. If the writers only recorded God’s dictation, we would expect the language to be the same. Some places of Scripture give the direct words of God, as indicated by phrases like “thus says the Lord.” In other places, we have more of the prophets’ ideas and interpretations of the message God had impressed upon them. It is unclear how much the human component influenced the words we have in the Bible. Peter’s point is not about individual words but the ideas, the interpretation or explanation of God’s will and plan. God empowered and directed the prophets to speak the ideas as God desired.
The prophecies in Scripture were not invented by the prophets or writers but came from God. Peter is telling the readers that they can trust what the prophets said about Jesus Christ. Trust should lead to faith and action. Peter urges his readers to believe in these words and use them to grow their faith.