2.PETER.

2.PETER. L.H.Brough.

           

2 Peter Chapter 1.

           

Verses 12-21.  He writes that his intention is to remind them of these things. "These things," must refer to the instructions of the previous verses, though we should avoid using the phrase in a too restricted sense, for the previous verses provide a central core of truth.  He told them of God's provision and resources and that availing themselves of these promises they must supply those necessary qualities in the Christian character that would give them an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom.

           

Peter speaks of the need of reminding them - arousing their memories.  He would put them in remembrance.  This always is an important function of the Christian ministry.  We need to be continually reminded of the things we know, lest they become just things we know and not such things as we live and practice.  It is easy to know things and fall short of the doing of them.

           

Those to whom Peter wrote were in peril, not only of failing to do known truth, but letting slip the truths they knew.  They were in danger of slipping away from the truth.  They had known these things, but there was a forgetting.  They must be aroused.  They must know the truths of Christianity in moral power.

           

There was not a need to teach them new things.  The false teachers aimed at new things.  There were many new-fangled ideas.  It was important they be reminded or that by means of remembrance aroused to action to practice the truths of Christianity they had received.  The truth must become a moral power in their lives.  Peter's intention was not to teach them new innovations, but to make effective Christians of them.

            1:12.  "Present Truth."  A favourite phrase with `early brethren'.  It of course refers to Christianity.

            1:13.  Peter intends to jog their memories as long as he is in the body, and he hoped to leave some means (souvenir French Bible) of continuing to remind them after his death.

           

Some of the terminology of this passage remind us of the Transfiguration story.  Peter speaks of his body as a tent, then too, he speaks of his exodus.  This word also is associated with the Transfiguration.  In Luke's Gospel we read of Jesus speaking to Moses and Elijah of His decease or exodus.  We all know this word, since it is the name of the second book of our Bibles.  So the word is associated with the idea of deliverance.  In verse 11 we have `eisodus'.  There is an exodus, but there is also an `eisodus'.

           

1:16.  Peter proceeds to speak of the certainty of what they believed.  There can be no hesitation about the Divine Majesty of Christ.  Peter may have had in mind the denial of some that Christ will come in glory.  Peter bears personal witness to the certainty of Christ's glory. 

           

What is the Parousia in verse 16?  Does it refer to Christ's Incarnation or to the Second Coming.  Doubtlessly, Peter is speaking about what he saw when Christ was here.  But the vision of the Transfiguration was a kind of preview of the Second Advent.

           

In 2nd.Peter, he is the eyewitness of His divine majesty.  Verse 16 obviously refers back to the Transfiguration and yet appears to have the Second Coming in view.  The Transfiguration points to the Second Coming.

           

Note: if giving an address on these verses, discuss the setting of the Transfiguration. 

           

Caird in the Expository Times has a good discussion on the Transfiguration.  Caird says, "The connection of the Transfiguration with the Parousia is emphasized in 2nd.Peter. The author is acquainted with a tradition that treated the Transfiguration glory as a preview of the glory of the Parousia, and an authentication of the Old Testament prophecies of the Coming of the Lord."

The Transfiguration was an anticipation, a preview of our Lord's Parousia in Glory.  There could be no question about His Divine Majesty and the voice borne from the Transcendent glory.

           

Some were scoffing at the promise of Christ's coming.  Their scorn was associated with low moral and spiritual standards.

           

1:19.  Peter brings before them another resource of faith - the prophetic word.  Does it mean that the Transfiguration makes the prophetic word more sure?  I think this is probably correct, but it may mean that the prophetic word as a distinct and separate testimony is more sure.  We should take heed to the prophetic word.  It is a lamp shining in a murky place.  In a dark or obscure place we need lamp.  The prophetic word gives light to our feet. 

           

We are in an `auchmeros' place.  But our `luchnos' shed a light, feeble though it be, yet sufficient if we walk carefully.  The day break - then there will be light all around.

           

`Diaugazo' - a word that describes light coming through the shadows.  The light will break through the darkness. Glorious day, when we shall see the light streaming in through the shadows, then so many things now obscure shall be plain.

           

"Day Star."  `Phosphoros', "light-bringing."  Strachan argues, I think rightly, that only the words "and the day star arise," should be regimented with "in your hearts."  The day breaking must refer to the Parousia.

           

There seems to be a contrast intended between the lamp-light of the prophetic word, and the in-flooding light that is to come.  With lamplight you have sufficient illumination to journey on, but soon light - sufficient light to dispel all darkness shall break in, and in our hearts the light-bringer shall arise.

           

1:20.  This is a difficult verse, but two lines of  thought may give us a lead:-

           

1.  False teachers were twisting the scriptures to suit themselves.  They were interpreting the Scriptures not in accordance with the traditions of the Christian faith, but twisted the Scriptures.

           

2.  There is a close link with verse 21, and the spiritual origin of the Scriptures.  Spiritual things are spiritually discerned.

           

1:21.  "Men (spake)."  Yes, the Bible is a very human book.  No book is more human.  When men were moved by the Holy Spirit, it did not mean the repression of the human personality, but an intensity of its expression.

           

"Spake."  Not merely thought, but spake.  The Bible is not merely God's Thought, but God's Word.

           

"From God."  Authoritative.

           

"Borne." By the Holy Spirit - its spiritual inspiration.