2 Peter 1:12-21
Q.1. Why was Peter eager to share the truth with his readers? How did he know his days of ministry were numbered? – (2 Pet.1:12-15)
As did Jesus, Peter understood the value of repetition. Though his readers already knew, and were established in the truth, the putting of the truth consistently into action was and is a life-long process. Therefore, Peter would repeat the fundamentals, so that even after he was gone, these readers would have access to the Truth. Peter was also aware that his days of ministry were numbered – knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me (2 Pet.1:14 c.f. Jn.21:18-19; Dt.32:48-52).
Q.2. On what basis did Peter claim authority for his version of the truth? What unique experience did Peter have that confirmed the Sonship of Jesus? – (2 Pet.1:16-18)
Peter was without doubt an impressive speaker. Three thousand souls were saved after his preaching on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). However, his authority was not based on clever stories. Rather, he had been an eyewitness of all the events surrounding the life and death of Jesus (2 Pet.1:16). He was even able to claim his participation in the event on the Mount of Transfiguration – 17 For when He received honour and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”– 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain (2 Pet.1:17-18). Only the inner circle of Peter, James and John had been invited to see the true nature of Jesus shine through in the presence of the patriarch Moses, and prophet Elijah (Mk.9:2-8). Peter knew what he was writing about.
Q.3. From where did Peter gain his confidence? What safety is there in submitting to the Scriptures and the church? Who is the Author of the Bible? – (2 Pet.1:19-21 c.f. Is.34:16; 2 Tim.3:16-17; Heb.13:7 & 17)
As much as Peter could claim eyewitness status, and an experience that few had been privy to, he relied on none of these. Rather he drew his reader’s attention to the Scriptures – So we have the prophetic word made more certain, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts (2 Pet.1:19). Nevertheless, Peter added some warnings: (i) There is a danger of private and spurious interpretations – But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation (2 Pet.1:20). God has given us the safeguard of the church, to help us to not stray into heresy. (Eph.2:20; 4:11-16; Heb.13:17). He has also ensured that true doctrine is repeated in the Bible more than once (c.f. Is.34:16). (ii) There is a danger of reducing the Scriptures to mere human writings – for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Pet.1:21). Those who fail to see the hand of God in the inspiration and preservation of the Scriptures greatly demean God and will not benefit from its instruction (2 Tim.2:15; 3:16-17). Many theologians cross this line and move from the orthodox Christian faith as documented in the creeds. (1 Cor.8:1; 2 Pet.2:1). They then never move beyond knowledge ABOUT God, to a true knowledge OF God … a true relationship with the Lord (2 Pet.1:8-9).