In this text we discover the occasion and purpose for Peter’s second letter. Nearing the end of his time on earth, he aims to ground his readers further in the truth. As a result, they will remember his teaching long after he is gone, and they will be able to resist and refute the false teachers arising among them.
2 Pet 1:12-15 Truth Recalled – 2 Pet 1:16-18 Truth Revealed – 2 Pet 1:19-21 Truth Recorded
1:12-15 Truth Recalled
Because of what I just told you.
The grave importance of living godly lives.
Even though you know it.
Firmly established in the truth. Not novices.
Phil 3:1; 1 Jn 2:21; Jude 5
As long as I am still with you.
Urgency. While you can, redeem the time. Eph 5:16 (5:1-21).
Because I will soon depart.
Jn 21:18-19. Once we admit that we are dying, we know how to live.
2 Cor 5:1-10. The tent – our temporary housing. Cf. 1 Cor 15.
So that you will always remember it.
1:16-18 Truth Revealed
Matt 17; Mark 9; Luke 9. The Transfiguration.
Ac 1:8 “You will be my witnesses …” Cf. Lk 24:48. Listen to Peter:
Ac 2:24 “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”
Ac 2:32 “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.”
Ac 3:15 “… whom God raised from the dead, … we are witnesses.”
Ac 4:20 “for we cannot stop speaking … what we have seen and heard.”
Ac 10:40 “God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.”
Jn 1:14, 18; 20:24-29 (Thomas); 1 Jn 1:1-3.
1:19-21 Truth Recorded
The entire OT: as sure as sure can be! Cf. 1 Pet 1:10-12.
Peter’s testimony confirms the already-sure Word of God.
Jn 5:33-47 Witness of John, miracles, Father, and Scripture.
Jn 8:16-18 Testimony of two is valid. Jesus and the Father.
Heb 2:1-4 Spoken by the Lord, confirmed by hearers, with miracles.
Scripture: already verified. Trustworthy without our seeing miracles.
Until the Day dawns. Second coming. Darkness gives way to light!
Morning Star: Christ at his return. Luke 1:78; Eph 5:14; Rev 22:16.
Prophets: not their own interpretation, but the Word of God! 1 Th 2:13.
“Carried along” – as a sailing ship moved by the wind. Ac 27:17
Under the Spirit’s influence, not on their own “steam.”
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