Trusting the One Who Gave the Prophecy
2 Peter 1:12–21 (KJV)
In a world full of uncertainty, few things offer the clarity and confidence that prophecy does, not because it predicts the future, but because it reveals the heart and purpose of God. In 2 Peter 1:12–21, the apostle Peter reminds the church of the reliability of prophecy, not only as a divine message but as a testimony of the One who gave it.
Let’s explore what Peter says and how it shapes our understanding of prophecy today.
What Is Prophecy?
The word prophecy in the Bible refers to a message from God, spoken through men by the Holy Ghost. It is not merely “future-telling.” True prophecy declares what God has said, whether it pertains to the past, present, or future. As Peter says in 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.”
That is the key: prophecy originates with God, not man. It is divine truth delivered through human vessels, empowered by the Spirit of God.
The Confidence Peter Offers
Peter knows he is nearing the end of his life. In verses 13–14, he says:
“Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.”
Jesus had foretold Peter’s death (see John 21:18–19), and Peter is now facing that moment with peace and clarity. Why? Because he is confident not just in the message, but in the One who gave it. Peter is not clinging to empty hope. He is standing on prophecy that has already proven true.
Eyewitness to Majesty
Peter then reminds his readers that he, along with James and John, was present at the Mount of Transfiguration:
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables… but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (v. 16)
“And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” (v. 18)
They didn’t imagine the glory of Christ, they saw it. They didn’t invent the voice from heaven, they heard it. This event, recorded in Matthew 17, confirmed that Jesus is not only the Messiah, but the beloved Son of the Father. Peter saw Jesus glorified. He heard God speak. So when he talks about prophecy, he’s not repeating stories, he’s reporting truth.
A More Sure Word
Even after all that Peter saw and heard, he directs us to something even more certain:
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…” (v. 19)
The “more sure word” is the written Scripture. It’s not just about what Peter experienced, it’s about what God has preserved. Prophecy, confirmed by God’s acts and God’s Word, is a light shining in a dark place.
But here’s the most important part: the prophecy is not open to private interpretation (v. 20). That means we don’t get to twist God’s Word to fit our ideas. The meaning belongs to the One who gave the prophecy, God Himself.
Trust the Giver of the Word
Peter’s greatest concern is not that we become experts in decoding prophecy. His concern is that we trust in the God who gave it. He wants us to remember that:
- Prophecy is God-breathed.
- It points us to Jesus.
- Its fulfillment is in God’s hands.
- Its meaning rests in God’s mind.
Peter didn’t need to understand every detail of what Jesus said about his death. He simply trusted the One who said it. And that’s what we’re called to do.
Conclusion: Confidence in Christ
Prophecy is a light. But the source of the light is God Himself. As verse 19 says:
“…until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
That “day star” is Christ. The more we trust Him, the clearer prophecy becomes—not just as a roadmap for the future, but as a reminder that God is faithful, His Word is true, and His promises never fail.
We do well to pay attention to prophecy, not to predict the headlines, but to know the heart of the One who speaks from heaven.
So read the Word. Believe the promises. And trust the Giver of the prophecy. For He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jeremy Kamer Ministries 