I find that private interpretation of this scripture lacking :). 1. The verse stands on its own. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 2. It is then supported by a lengthy example that does not end in chapter one (chapter markings are to be avoided as delimiters of context and meaning).
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. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. and it continues well past that, making mincemeat of the modern doctrine of OSAS.
3. The point is that private interpretation spawns false heresy which leads believers to fall away and be lost. Yes, the Scripture did not come from man, but from God; the second verse I quoted verse establishes this premise, not to end there, but to point out the real danger is false teaching, which is fed by the practice of private interpretation where every man and his brother is his own pope and comes up with thousands of new denominations, sects, and cults teaching heresies that destroy souls.
Wouldn't "false heresy" equal Truth?
While 'the CHURCH' teaches goofy stuff about Mary that is supposed to help SAVE souls...
Yet I can easily say that is just your private interpretation thus why should I consider it?
That is not the point, and your private interpretation which is not even official exegesis, wrests texts to teach 2Pt. 1:20 is about interpretation of Scripture apart from an supreme infallible magisterium, when it is actually is setting forth Scripture as the standard , and makes you a false teacher!
The context of 1Pt. 1:20 is clearly that of Divinely inspired prophecy , which is not a result of mans interpretive wisdom, but instead such were found "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (1 Peter 1:11)
In contrast to the product of man's wisdom and false prophets and teachers, Peter tells us, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy," "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." (2 Peter 119,:21)
This sets forth Scripture as the supreme authority, not the assuredly infallible magisterium of Rome, which like false teachers, takes the danger of individual private interpretation to the corporate level, claiming to be teaching Divinely revealed truths but which are not taught in Scripture. Such as perpetual papal infallibility (which is the epitome of individual interpretation) and that of the magisterium when speaking in accordance with her infallibly defined formula, with the veracity of which resting upon that premise.
But the teaches of which yet can require varying degree of interpretation, even as to what level each teaching falls under, and thus what level of assent is required. Which basically ends up meaning implicit assent should be given to all. Which is cultic, not Christian.
You may not realize this, but you just reinforced the concept of sola Scriptura. It is precisely because the Scriptures are from God and not from man that we CAN know truth from error. Just as those whom God used to pen the words they were inspired to write did not write their OWN thoughts and ideas, so those whom God gifts to the body of Christ to teach, edify and lead do not do so from their OWN thoughts and ideas. It is STILL the Holy Spirit directing whether through the inspiration of writing Scripture or interpreting Scripture.
Doesn't it seem unlikely that, two-thousand years removed from the physical presence and direct teachings of the Apostles, we STILL believe the same things they taught to those first believers if there was no Holy Spirit directing us STILL? How he does that is THROUGH the Scriptures - God's word, in which is power to transform even the most stubborn and intransigent heart. Of course, nobody really imagines that a full understanding of everything Scripture teaches us comes automatically or suddenly. Paul advised Timothy to STUDY the Scriptures so that he might be able to be an effective teacher. It is a life-long process of learning, experiencing and absorbing the depths of the richness we have been given in Scripture. I've been at it for over forty-five years and still stand amazed as layer upon layer of truth unfolds. I don't doubt at all that this book is NOT a product of human minds - no matter how brilliant they may have been.
God gave us this sacred writing so that we could know the truth - Scripture is the word of truth - and those who take up the mantle of teachers of the word MUST be held, and hold themselves, to what this word says plainly and clearly. Irenaeus said: