In previous blogs, we saw that the apostles knew that Christianity would enter a downward spiral because people would abandon the truth. They were therefore very aware of the importance of gathering the Scriptures and could not leave that to future generations.
The last letters of Peter and Paul, namely 2 Peter and 2 Timothy, are the letters in which the apostles most emphasize the fact that Christianity would soon deviate from the truth. They are also the letters that contain much important information regarding completing the Scriptures.
2 Peter 1
12 Therefore, I will continually remind you of these things, even though you know them and have been established in the present truth.
13 But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by a reminder…
In the first verses of 2 Peter 1, Peter points out the position of the believers he is writing to, to the promises of God, their calling, and their election. They would stand firm in this. As long as Peter was alive, he would continually remind his readers of this.
14 For I know that the putting off of my tabernacle is coming soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ also has made clear to me.
15 But I will make every effort that you may be reminded of these things at all times, even after my departure.
After Peter’s Death
Peter knew that he would soon die. The Lord had made this known to him (John 21:18-19). Peter would make every effort to ensure that his readers would be reminded of these things again and again, even after his death.
Later in this passage, Peter points to the prophetic word, Scripture, and its importance. Peter would strive to gather the Scriptures and complete them so that his readers could be reminded of his words even after his death.
16 For we have not followed fables devised in wisdom when we make known to you the power and presence (parousia) of our Lord Jesus Christ, but have become spectators of His majesty.
No myths
Peter indicates that they did not follow myths created by wisdom. Not words of human wisdom (1 Cor. 2:13), which, while sounding pious and wise, are powerless because they are not God’s word. No, Peter relayed the word of an eyewitness, based on what he had seen!
17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to him from the glorious glory: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
18 And we heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
The Transfiguration on the Mount
Peter is referring here to the Transfiguration on the mount, where he, James, and John received a vision of the future, of the glorified Messiah in his kingdom (Matt. 17:1-9). The word translated “presence” (Greek: parousia) in 2 Peter 1:16 is usually translated “(second) coming.” Peter and the others had been given a preview of His coming in glory!
19 And we have confirmed the prophetic word more fully, and you do well to pay attention to it (as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the light rises) in your hearts.
Confirmed
For ease of reading, the parenthesis is placed in parentheses. Peter speaks about himself and his fellow apostles and says: We have the prophetic word that has been confirmed. The prophetic word regarding Christ’s return has been confirmed to them, because they have received a foretaste from the Lord. What they knew from the prophets about the Messiah in His kingdom, they had seen in a vision at the Transfiguration on the mountain.
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture has any private interpretation.
21 For prophecy never came by the will of man, but men speak from God as carried by the Holy Spirit. Scripture
Peter points to Scripture (singular) and its great importance. He emphasizes that the prophetic word from verse 19 forms a single whole: Scripture. Although it consists of many writings, it bears one name—Scripture. There are several human authors, but only one primary author, and therefore Peter speaks in the singular.
In this passage, Peter makes it clear that he will endeavor to ensure that his readers can be reminded of these things even after his death. Immediately following this is 2 Peter 2, which warns against false prophets and teachers who would introduce destructive heresies (false doctrines). Amid such misleading influences, the believers needed a reliable benchmark. Scripture as a whole had to be compiled and completed by the apostles so that the ecclesia could have a firm standard—the inspired Word of God as a touchstone against every form of false doctrine.