2 Peter 1:12-21 Prophecy and Authority
From Commontary
Back to 2 Peter
Contents |
Summary of passage
(Only a paragraph or two)
Text and Translation
Click here for the passage in the ESV:
Click here for the passage in Greek:
Original Context & Exegesis
A. Passage Boundaries (why are these verses grouped together in this chapter or pericope?)
B. Exegesis of passage as a whole (or verse-by-verse, if helpful).
1:12-15 Peter said that he was going to keep reminding them of these things even though they knew them and were well established and that he would keep doing it as long as he was alive (v13) for he realized that he may not have much time (v14). This is what he wanted to be remembered for (v.15). We should do the same for others. Our constant mentioning of the things of God helps other believers to keep Him in the forefront of their minds. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" Proverbs 27:17 ASV. Also of note is his use twice of the word “tabernacle” or “tent” in reference to his body. Tents are not permanent housing and he was ready to “pull up the stakes” as it were and move on to Christ’s presence. There isn’t a hint of fear as he speaks of his death, just a dogged determination to keep reinforcing the faith of these believers until that time comes.
1:16 "we did not follow cunningly devised fables" i.e. fictional tales made to sound wise. Interesting how today that is exactly what people think Christianity is – a fictional tale made to sound wise. Either this text is predictive or the Devil hasn't changed his tactics much in nearly 2000 years – my vote is for the latter. Peter here shows the antidote to this poisonous lie – “we were eyewitnesses". Their eyewitness accounts then of who He was and ours today of what He's done are the most effective answers to those who think that we are believing a myth.
1:17-18 Here is God the Father's testimony as to who Jesus was.
1:19 Here Peter says that they had checked Jesus out against prophecy also and proven Him to be true. These prophesies are like lights, making the unclear clear and fully explaining the things about Christ which were mysteries during His time on Earth and leading people to faith in Him.
1:20 No prophesy is open to private interpretation. We must study Scripture carefully to exegete, that is draw out the meaning of the text, rather than isogete, or read our own beliefs into the text. This is far too prevalent today and getting worse all of the time. We are approved by our studying (2 Tim 2:15)
1:21 Interesting that Peter says that NO prophesy came by the will of man. This means that all of these people seeking to speak a prophetic "word of God" really aren't. True prophesy comes from God at a time that He chooses and to a person that He chooses and is ALWAYS 100% CORRECT. (Jeremiah 14:15, 29:9)
C. Literary Features--What genre is it? What literary devices (e.g, metaphor) does it use?
D. Connections to the rest of book—what purpose does this pericope serve in the bigger picture of the book?
E. Connections to the rest of Scripture--How is it referenced or alluded to elsewhere?
Jesus Christ: The Redemptive-Historical Context
A. Where is Christ and the Gospel present in this passage?
B. How does this passage point to Christ or depend on Christ? How does Christ fulfill this passage? How was it fulfilled already? How will it be fulfilled?
C. What does this passage tell us about God’s plan of redemption in Christ?
Current Context
A. What does this tell us about ourselves, our world, and the human condition?
B. What are some modern parallels to the original situation?
C. What is the call/command/invitation of this passage?
D. How does Christ & the Gospel in this passage enable us to see, think, and live differently?
Links/References/Bibliography
A. Representative sermons on the passage
B. Examples and Illustrations
C. Commentaries on this book
D. Articles on this book or passage
Back to 2 Peter
