Confidence in What God Said
Text: II Peter 1:16-21
We Are Eyewitnesses - II Peter 1:16-18
After leading to this point with several hints through word choices, Peter reminds his readers that they have not been following clever fables (I Timothy 1:4; Titus 1:14; I Corinthians 4:20). He lists out the evidence proving that Jesus is the Lord and Christ:
- The power that Jesus displayed in his miracles and teaching (Romans 1:4).
- His presence in the world, or Peter is talking about their teachings about Jesus’ second coming. It should be noted that the Greek word translated as “coming” most often is used in connection to Jesus’ second coming.
- His majesty (John 1:14).
- God the Father’s testimony
He and the other apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ majesty (I John 1:1-4). They witnessed Jesus receiving honor and glory from God the Father on the mountain when God said, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35). Peter states that it was an utterance from the Majestic Glory, a phrase that subtly refers back to Deuteronomy 33:26. These were not fables created by men.
Class discussion:
- When Peter speaks of Jesus’ coming, is he referring to Jesus coming to earth as referred to in the Gospels or Jesus’ second coming?
- Why does Peter refer to the mountain as holy? (See Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15)
The Prophetic Word Made Sure - II Peter 1:19
In addition to the apostle’s witness and the testimony of God, Peter mentions the fulfillment of prophecy makes a firm testimony (John 5:39, 45-47). These prophecies were like a lamp in a dark place. The light is noticeable and is able to guide people through the night. But then the day arrives and the lamp’s glory fades (II Corinthians 3:7-11; I Corinthians 13:9-11; I John 2:8).
The morning star is what we now call Venus. It is a bright light that is easily seen during the dawn in various seasons. Peter is alluding to something Solomon wrote. "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18). "The Morning Star" is one of Jesus' titles. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16). Therefore, Jesus is offering also himself, or better yet fellowship with the Lord (Revelation 2:26-28). Thus, Peter’s statement can also allude to the righteousness of Christ being seen in our lives because we have been changed by the Word.
Not for Private Interpretation - II Peter 1:20-21
Peter is stating that these prophetic words were confirmed through the miracles accompanying them being spoken (Hebrews 2:3-4). Prophets spoke by the inspiration of God (II Timothy 3:15-17). The Greek word for “inspired” means “God-breathed.” They are God's word (I Corinthians 2:10-13) and no man can place his private "spin" on what God said. This is something the Qur’an, the Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price cannot lay claim to. It is not for man to declare what God meant to say. It does not require that some man or organization of man decide what is acceptable or not. Prophets did not give their private views on what God told them. They spoke as God directed.
God commanded that Christians understand what He has had recorded. "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). This command could not be fulfilled if Christians were unable to understand what God said. Understanding the Scriptures is not the same as giving a private interpretation of what you think God meant to say.
Peter did not state that prophecy required an interpreter. The Bible does teach that speaking in other languages (speaking in tongues) did require an interpreter when the language spoken was not one known by the audience (I Corinthians 14:11-13, 27-28). However, Paul states that prophecy was superior to speaking in other languages because it did not need an interpreter. "I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification" (I Corinthians 14:7).
Nor is translating the Bible into another language considered to be a private interpretation. Suppose you want to read Alexander Dumas' The Three Muskateers. It was written in French, but you can't read French so do you reject all English translations of the text, saying "That's just his interpretation!"? You would be implying that the interpreter did not do a good job and that he gave his opinion instead of what the author actually wrote, just in a different language. A good translation is dependable because it is based on an original work that can be checked to verify that the translation was accurate.
In the same way, the Bible has been translated from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages. Good translations are not the interpreter's opinions. The interpreter is striving to convey the meaning found in the original language into a different language. In English, we have hundreds of translations. Even without knowing the original languages, we can compare the various translations and get a good feel for the message that is found in the original language.
