Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It's a really interesting and important verse from the book of 2 Peter. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how God’s message – his plan for us – was revealed to people before we were born, but through a special, divine influence. It's saying that God used a group of people called "holy men of God" to communicate the good news of salvation (being saved from our sins and into eternal life) to us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man…” This means that the prophecy – which is essentially a message or plan – didn't come from someone choosing what to say. It wasn’t written down by humans. It was something God decided to reveal. “…but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.” This is the crucial part. "Holy men of God" refers to a group of people – specifically, the apostles (the leaders of the early church) – who were deeply devoted to God and believed in his word. The word “spoke” means they communicated or shared something. “Moved by the Holy Ghost” means that this communication wasn’t happening on their own volition; it was guided and empowered by the divine power of God. Think of it like a spirit, or a guiding force, directing them to share what God wants. So, putting it all together: The verse says that God revealed his message – about salvation – through these people in the past, but they did so with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s a powerful statement about how God communicates with us and brings good news to our lives. Why is this important? This passage shows us that God doesn't just tell us what to do; He actively works in our lives, using people as messengers. It emphasizes that faith isn’t something we earn or understand on our own, but it comes from God through these individuals. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you a real-life example of how this verse applies? Answer a specific question about the verse?