II Peter 1
Precious Faithverses 1-2
Simon Peter – a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ
to them that have obtained like PRECIOUS faith with us
through the righteousness of God
and our Savior Jesus Christ
Grace and peace be multiplied to you
through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord
Precious Promisesverses 3-4
According as HIS DIVINE power has given unto us all things that
pertain to life and godliness – through the knowledge of HIM
that has called us to glory and virtue
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and PRECIOUS promises
that by these ye might be partakers of the DIVINE nature
having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust
Abounding Faith in the LORDverses 5-11
And beside this – giving all diligence – add to your faith – virtue
virtue – knowledge – knowledge – temperance – temperance
patience – patience – godliness – godliness
brotherly kindness – charity
FOR if these things be in you – and abound
they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
BUT he that lacks these things is blind – and cannot see afar off
and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins
Wherefore the rather – brethren
give diligence to make your calling and election sure
for if you do these things – YOU SHALL NEVER FALL
FOR so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly
into the everlasting kingdom of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Eye witnesses of glory of Jesus Christverses 12-16
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance
of these things – though you know them
and be established in the present truth
Yea – I think it meet – as long as I am in this tabernacle
to stir you up by putting you in remembrance
knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle
even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me
Moreover – I will endeavor that you may be able after
my decease to have these things always in remembrance
FOR we have not followed cunningly devised fables
when we made known to you the power and coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ
BUT were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty
Mount of Transfigurationverses 17-18
FOR HE received from God the Father honor and glory
when there came such a voice to HIM from the excellent glory
This is MY beloved Son in WHOM I am well-pleased
And this voice which came from heaven we heard
when we were with HIM in the holy mount
Message given by the Holy Spiritverses 19-21
We have also a more sure word of prophecy
whereunto you do well that ye take heed
as to a light that shines in a dark place – until the day dawn
and the day star arise in your hearts
knowing this first – that no prophecy of the
scripture is of any private interpretation
FOR the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men
but holy men of God spoke as they were
MOVED by the Holy Ghost
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2844 “partakers” [koinonos] means a sharer, associate, companion, or partner)
DEVOTION: Peter writes this second letter to encourage believers in all the promises found in their faith. The LORD has given all believers power to live a life with godliness. Godliness is provided through knowledge of what the LORD expects of each believer. This knowledge makes each believer aware of the fact that they are called to glory and virtue.
Divine nature is given to all those who become followers of Christ. In another passage we are told that we have the mind of Christ once we become followers of HIM. It is hard to understand these facts.
However, the next few verses explain a little of what is supposed to happen in a believer’s life. He is to add to his faith, virtue. As he adds virtue to his life, he must then add more knowledge. As he adds knowledge, he must practice temperance. As he practices temperance, he must practice patience. When he begins practicing patience, he is to live a godly life. As he lives a godly life, he will show brotherly kindness to those around him. The final virtue is charity or love.
Once we follow Christ as our personal Savior, we receive a new nature. That new nature is a spiritual nature that makes us want to serve the LORD. We want to serve HIM. We want to grow. We want to stop sinning. We will never stop sinning completely until we are called up to heaven but we can sin less.
Are we following our new nature today? We are part of a new family. This new family has exceeding great and precious promises given to it. One of these promises is that we will have a relationship with God. In this relationship we can associate with HIM and learn from HIM on a regular basis.
We have to continually learn more things about HIM. Peter wanted to call to remembrance the things that the believers had learned in the past. Some of the things they had learned in the past were that they had divine power available to them for every battle they were fighting, they had knowledge of HIM, and they were companions of the divine nature.
We are blessed individuals because of our relationship with Christ. We need to remember this fact. We need to continually pray that we are growing in our knowledge of HIM. Remember there is no winner in a race that is not racing. We have to race. We have to strive for the mastery of our faith.
CHALLENGE: What stage are we in in our walk with the LORD? What do we need to add? Are we too satisfied with our present knowledge?
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (175 “unfruitful” [akarpos] means without fruit, useless, unproductive, barren, or failing to supply)
DEVOTION: Peter understands not being useful to the LORD at times. He questioned the LORD. He rebuked the LORD. He tried to go ahead of the LORD. When he asked the LORD if he could walk on the water he took his eyes off the LORD. He seemed to be a very slow learner when it came to obedience to the LORD.
Here he lists things necessary to live a fruitful and productive life for the LORD.
He wants the disciples who receive his letter to diligently seek to add to their faith.
They are to add to their faith: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity.
To summarize what is expected of a maturing believer he wants these things to not only to be in the believer but to abound. They were to increase. It is not an idea that they can grow in all of them to the same extent in the same time period but they are to look at the list and work with the help of the Holy Spirit to improve their service to the LORD.
If they are not willing to work at these characteristics, than they will lead a life that is childless and unproductive. This seems to be where a majority of those in our Biblical churches are today. They are not being productive in the soul winning category. Only five percent of believers are said to lead someone to the LORD in their lifetime. They are not producing baby Christians in many churches. Too often churches grow through transfer from another church rather than through new births.
Also he is concerned with mature Christians teaching those who are new to the faith how to fruitful in their knowledge of the LORD through the Word of God and prayer. Growth is essential to a church that will reach her world for the LORD.
The bridegroom is coming!!! HE would like to see a productive Christian group reaching its world for the LORD.
CHALLENGE: Look at the list of characteristics of mature believers and see where you are today and where you want to be at the end of the year. Set goals for your growth in the LORD.
: 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance (1326 “stir up” [diegeiro] means awake, to wake up, arouse from sleep, to stimulate feeling or actions, or to arouse the mind)
DEVOTION: Peter knows that his time is short to be on this earth. It is said that he was crucified upside down because he didn’t think he was worthy to be killed in the same way as Jesus died.
He talks about his life here on this earth as being in a tent that is not going to be lasting too much longer. Our body is our tent. It is not a permanent dwelling place but a temporary dwelling place. Those who are followers of Jesus Christ with receive a glorified body when they die just like Jesus did after HIS death.
Our glorified bodies will still be able to walk around. They will be able to eat. They will be able to walk through walls. It will be great to spend eternity in our new bodies.
While we are here we have to be like Peter and share what God has taught us until HE takes us to heaven. We have the responsibility if we are called to be leaders to make sure that we instruct everyone who will listen to us concerning our lessons we have learned while we have lived the Christian life.
Peter knows his time is short. We don’t know how long we have to instruct others but we should be doing it regularly. We never know when the LORD wants us to come to HIM in heaven. HE takes some young and some old.
CHALLENGE: Who have you helped grow in the LORD this week? Are you still growing?
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (5342 “came” [phero] means 1 to carry. 1a to carry some burden. 1a1 to bear with one’s self. 1b to move by bearing; move or, to be conveyed or borne, with the suggestion of force or speed. 1b1 of persons borne in a ship over the sea. 1b2 of a gust of wind, to rush. 1b3 of the mind, to be moved inwardly, prompted. 1c to bear up i.e. uphold (keep from falling). 1c1 of Christ, the preserver of the universe. 2 to bear, i.e. endure, to endure the rigour of a thing, to bear patiently one’s conduct, or spare one (abstain from punishing or destroying). 3 to bring, bring to, bring forward. 3a to move to, apply. 3b to bring in by announcing, to announce. 3c to bear i.e. bring forth, produce; to bring forward in a speech. 3d to lead, conduct. [Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship].)
DEVOTION: There was a time when in our house we looked for products with the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” In fact, people looked for this commendation (in the days before on-line ratings) as a way to determine that what they were buying would stand up to the test of time, and advertisers who earned this rating advertised on television and radio that they proudly had this seal.
Peter, James, and John had a unique experience that no other human being has had. They were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration when, prior to His suffering and death, God allowed all of Jesus Christ’s glory to shine through. It was an awesome event! If we had been there, we too would have fallen on our faces.
But the transfiguration alone was not sufficient. God provided his “seal of approval” on Jesus (just as He had already done at Jesus’ baptism) by announcing from heaven that Jesus was His beloved Son. There could be no doubt about the deity of Jesus from that point forward, even though the disciples would be confused by His suffering and death.
Isn’t it interesting that not all of the twelve disciples were allowed on the mount to witness this event? While the eleven got to see the resurrected Christ, they have to wait (like we do) for Christ’s second coming in order to see Him in His full glorification. However, the testimony of Peter, James, and John regarding the voice of heaven was sufficient for them to accept fully Christ’s deity.
CHALLENGE: There are groups today who challenge the deity of Jesus Christ. If you have a friend in one of these groups, take time today to share with them about the certainty of this truth. (MW)
: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. (2398 “private” [idios] means unique or specific to a person, peculiar, belonging to one, alone, excusive property of someone, or belonging to one)
DEVOTION: Our Bible didn’t originate in the minds of human beings. The Bible was given to men to write through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. All of the sixty-six books were written under the guidance and supervision of the Holy Spirit.
It is not man’s interpretation of what God is doing but God’s instructions to the authors of the different books of the Bible through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. They wrote without error. Every truth taught in the Word of God is God’s truth. There are times that poets and others are quoted but at those time the Bible states that they are quotes from a human source.
Our Bible is to be studied with the idea that it is the Word of God to us today. The Bible is timeless. It doesn’t change because of a new generation. It teaches that there is only one way to heaven and that way is through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament saints looked forward to HIS coming and we look back to HIS first coming to die on the cross for the sins of both the Old Testament and New Testament saints.
There is a third group of elect or saints, that is talked about in the Bible called Tribulation saints. They are those who become believers during the Tribulation. They are looking forward to Christ coming and reigning here on the earth for a thousand years.
Our world seems to be falling apart but the LORD is still in control. HE is going to work HIS plan for the ages. HE established HIS plan before the foundation of the world. The Bible teaches this truth.
Nothing is taking God by surprise. HE has never changed HIS plan.
CHALLENGE: Learn what the plan is and understand that we are part of HIS plan to reach the world with HIS message as it is found in the Word of God.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
More sure word of prophecyverse 19
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Holy Mountverse 18
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
More sure word of prophecyverse 19
Prophecyverses 19-21
Light that shines in dark placeverse 19
Scriptureverse 20
Private interpretationverse 20
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Godverses 1, 2, 17, 21
Righteousness of Godverse 1
Fatherverse 17
Voiceverses 17, 18
God the Fatherverse 17
Gave honor and glory to Jesusverse 17
Voice –This is MY beloved sonverse 17
Holy men of Godverse 21
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Jesusverses 1, 2, 8, 11, 14, 16
Christverses 1, 8, 11, 14, 16
Jesus Christverse 1
Saviorverse 1, 11
Savior Jesus Christverse 1
Lordverses 2, 8, 11, 14, 16
Jesus our Lordverse 2
Divine powerverse 3
Lord Jesus Christ verses 8, 14, 16
Lord and Savior Jesus Christverse 11
Showed Peter by exampleverse 14
Powerverse 16
Comingverse 16
Majestyverse 16
Honor from Fatherverse 17
Glory from Fatherverse 17
Beloved Sonverse 17
Father well pleased with Sonverse 17
Light that shines in dark placeverse 19
Day Starverse 19
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Holy Ghostverse 21
Moved holy men of Godverse 21
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Corruption of this worldverse 4
Will of manverse 21
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Corruptionverse 4
Lustverse 4
Barrenverse 8
Unfruitfulverse 8
Blindverse 9
Forgottenverse 9
Sinsverse 9
Fallverse 10
Cunningly devised fablesverse 16
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Servantverse 1
Precious faithverses 1, 5
Graceverse 2
Peaceverse 2
Knowledge of Godverses 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
Divine powerverse 3
All things pertaining to life and godlinessverse 3
Calledverses 3, 10
Called to glory and virtueverse 3
Great and precious promisesverse 4
Partakers of divine natureverse 4
Escapedverse 4
Virtueverse 5
Temperanceverse 6
Patienceverse 6
Godlinessverses 6, 7
Brotherly kindnessverse 7
Charityverse 7
Abound in above virtues
Not barren or unfruitfulverse 8
Purged from sinsverse 9
Diligenceverse 10
Electionverse 10
Not negligent to put onverse 12
Established in the present truthverse 12
Tabernacle [flesh]verse 13
Remembranceverse 13
Take heed to prophecyverse 19
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Holy men of Godverse 21
Church (New Testament people of God)
Simon Peterverses 1, 13-15
Servant
Apostle
Present tabernacle
Stir up believers
Put off trabernacle
Rememberance
Them (church members)verse 1
Brethrenverse 10
Ministeredverse 11
Eyewitnesses of HIS majestyverse 16
Prophecyverses 19-21
Last Things (Future Events)
Everlasting kingdomverse 11
Put off tabernacleverse 14
Coming of our Lord Jesus Christverse 16
Heavenverse 18
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QUOTES regarding passage
19 By saying “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain,” Peter indicates that the OT prophets spoke of the same things he did and that their words are made more certain because the Transfiguration is a foreview of their fulfillment. Green (Peter and Jude, p. 87) adopts the interpretation that the Scriptures confirm the apostolic witness—viz., “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” (KJV). The critical term is bebaioteron, which BAG (p. 137) cites as meaning in this context “we possess the prophetic word as something altogether reliable.” But if this meaning is adopted, there is no point of comparison between the OT prophecies and the apostles’ testimony or that of the Voice at the Transfiguration. The comparative would be used for the superlative, and Peter would merely be giving additional reasons to cling to the message. On the whole, NIV is to be preferred to KJV and BAG.
After affirming the reliability of the OT Scriptures, Peter exhorts his readers to continue to pay careful attention to the prophetic message. He compares it to “light shining in a dark place” (cf. Ps 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”). The “dark place” is the whole world, which has turned from God the Light (cf. Isa 9:2; Eph 6:12). Christians are to ponder and keep the word of God “until the day dawns.” The “day” is the day of the Parousia (cf. Rom 13:12). The “morning star” (phōsphoros) appears only here in the NT, but the use of “star” for the Messiah occurs in Numbers 24:17 (“a star … out of Jacob”). Related expressions—“the rising sun” (Luke 1:78) and “the bright Morning Star [astēr]” (Rev 22:16)—support the view that Peter is referring to Christ in his advent.
The phrase “rises in your hearts” is difficult. Green (Peter and Jude, p. 89) suggests the possibility of reading this phrase as part of v. 20 rather than v. 19. But the word order in Greek is against this. The idea that the Second Coming is only subjective (that is, only “in your hearts”) is clearly contrary to the eschatology of the book (cf. 3:4, 10) and to the rest of the NT (cf. Acts 1:11; 1 Thess 4:13–18; 2 Thess 2:8). The best interpretation sees “in your hearts” as the subjective results of Christ’s actual coming. When he comes, an illuminating transformation will take place in believers. (Blum, E. A. (1981). 2 Peter. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation (Vol. 12, pp. 274–275). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
The word of prophecy (τον προφητικον λογον [ton prophētikon logon]). “The prophetic word.” Cf. 1 Pet. 1:10, a reference to all the Messianic prophecies. Made more sure (βεβαιοτερον [bebaioteron]). Predicate accusative of the comparative adjective βεβαιος [bebaios] (2 Pet. 1:10). The Transfiguration scene confirmed the Messianic prophecies and made clear the deity of Jesus Christ as God’s Beloved Son. Some with less likelihood take Peter to mean that the word of prophecy is a surer confirmation of Christ’s deity than the Transfiguration. Whereunto (ᾡ [hōi]). Dative of the relative referring to “the prophetic word made more sure.” That ye take heed (προσεχοντες [prosechontes]). Present active participle with νουν [noun] (mind) understood, “holding your mind upon” with the dative (ᾡ [hōi]). As unto a lamp (ὡς λυχνῳ [hōs luchnōi]). Dative also after προσεχοντες [prosechontes] of λυχνος [luchnos], old word (Matt. 5:15). Shining (φαινοντι [phainonti]). Dative also present active participle of φαινω [phainō], to shine (John 1:5). So of the Baptist (John 5:35). In a dark place (ἐν αὐχμηρῳ τοπῳ [en auchmērōi topōi]). Old adjective, parched, squalid, dirty, dark, murky, here only in N. T., though in Aristotle and on tombstone for a boy. Until the day dawn (ἑως οὑ ἡμερα διαυγασῃ [heōs hou hēmera diaugasēi]). First aorist active subjunctive of διαυγαζω [diaugazō] with temporal conjunction ἑως οὑ [heōs hou], usual construction for future time. Late compound verb διαυγαζω [diaugazō] (Polybius, Plutarch, papyri) from δια [dia] and αὐγη [augē], to shine through, here only in N. T. The day-star (φωσφορος [phōsphoros]). Old compound adjective (φως [phōs], light, φερω [pherō], to bring), light-bringing, light-bearer (Lucifer) applied to Venus as the morning star. Our word φοσφορυς [phosphorus] is this word. In the LXX ἑωσφορος [heōsphoros] occurs. Cf. Mal. 4:2 and Luke 1:76–79; Rev. 22:16 for “dawn” applied to the Messiah. Arise (ἀνατειλῃ [anateilēi]). First aorist active subjunctive of ἀνατελλω [anatellō] (James 1:11; Matt. 5:45). (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Pe 1:19). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
1:19. As Peter wrote of that unforgettable transfiguration experience, he was reminded of another form of God’s Word, the written Word, given by the prophets. In fact, God’s voice on the mountain made the word of the prophets … more certain (bebaioteron; cf. bebaian, v. 10) because the transfiguration pictured the fulfillment of their words. Both the prophets and the transfiguration pointed to Jesus’ kingdom on earth.
In an exhortation Peter told how to derive meaning from God’s Word—pay attention to it. As a Light, God’s written Word has validity and authority. In today’s experience-oriented societies many people, including some Christians, seek to determine or assess truth by the particular way God has worked in their own lives. But for Peter the splendor of his experience (with Christ at His transfiguration) faded as he spoke of the surety of the written revelation of the prophets.
The apostle wrote of illumination (v. 19), revelation (v. 20), and inspiration (v. 21). Old Testament prophecy is a light compared with the darkness of a squalid room. God’s prophetic Word is a Light (lychnō, “an oil-burning lamp”; cf. Ps. 119:105) shining in a dark place. Though the world is darkened by sin (cf. Isa. 9:2; Eph. 6:12), God’s Word, pointing to the future, enlightens believers about His ways. But the day (Christ’s return, Rom. 13:12) is coming. In the daytime, lamps are no longer needed. And a lamp is nothing compared with the Morning Star (phōsphoros, “Light-Bringer”; used only here in the NT). Much as a lamp at night anticipates and is outshined by the bright morning star, so Old Testament prophecy looks ahead to the coming of Christ, “the bright Morning Star” (astēr; Rev. 22:16). Until He comes, believers are to let the Scriptures illumine their hearts (though the light which it brings on that great day will be greatly exceeded by the understanding which will be in their hearts). (Gangel, K. O. (1985). 2 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 868–869). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books)
1:19 the prophetic word. The “prophetic word” refers not just to the OT major and minor prophets, but to the entire OT. Of course, all of the OT was written by “prophets” in the truest sense, since they spoke and wrote God’s Word, which was the task of a prophet, and they looked forward, in some sense, to the coming Messiah (cf. Lk 24:27). made more sure. This translation could indicate that the eyewitness account of Christ’s majesty at the Transfiguration confirmed the Scriptures. However, the Gr. word order is crucial in that it does not say that. It says, “And we have more sure the prophetic word.” That original arrangement of the sentence supports the interpretation that Peter is ranking Scripture over experience. The prophetic word (Scripture) is more complete, more permanent, and more authoritative than the experience of anyone. More specifically, the Word of God is a more reliable verification of the teachings about the person, atonement, and second coming of Christ than even the genuine first hand experiences of the apostles themselves. you do well to pay attention. Peter was warning believers that since they would be exposed to false teachers, they must pay careful attention to Scripture. a lamp shining in a dark place. The murky darkness of this fallen world keeps people from seeing the truth until the light shines. The light is the lamp of revelation, the Word of God (cf. Ps 119:105; Jn 17:17). the day dawns and the morning star arises. These simultaneous images mark the parousia, i.e., the appearing of Jesus Christ (cf. Lk 1:78; Rev 2:28; 22:16). in your hearts. The second coming will have not only an externally transforming impact on the universe (3:7–13), but also an internally transforming impact on those believers who are alive when Jesus returns, forever removing any of their remaining doubts. The perfect, but limited, revelation of the Scriptures will be replaced with the perfect and complete revelation of Jesus Christ at the second coming (cf. Jn 14:7–11; 21:25). Then the Scriptures will have been fulfilled; and believers, made like Christ (1Jn 3:1, 2), will have perfect knowledge and all prophecy will be abolished (see note on 1Co 13:8–10). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Pe 1:19). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Ver. 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, &c.] Though this word of prophecy is generally understood of the writings and prophecies of the Old Testament concerning Christ, yet different ways are taken to fix the comparison: some think the sense is, that they are more sure than the cunningly-devised fables, ver. 16 but as these have no certainty nor authority in them, but are entirely to be. rejected, the apostle would never put the sacred writings in comparison with them: and it is most clear, that the comparison lies between this word of prophecy, and the testimony of the apostles, who were eye and ear witnesses of the majesty and glory of Christ; but how prophecy should be a surer evidence of Christ, and the Gospel, than such a testimony, is difficult to understand; and is a sense which all agree to reject, by different methods: some think that a comparative is used for a positive, and that the meaning is, that besides the testimony of the apostles, prophecy is a very sure evidence; and this is countenanced by the Syriac version, which renders it, and we have also a firm, or true word of prophecy; to which the Arabic agrees, and we have a word of prophecy very true: others choose to retain the comparison, and which indeed ought not to be thrown out; but these are divided about it; some are of opinion that it is to be understood of the Jews to whom the apostle writes, and he himself was one, and the sense to be this; not that prophecy in itself was surer than an apostolical testimony, but that it was surer to the Jews, and more valid with them, who had been trained up in, and long used to the prophetic writings; and who had a greater esteem for the prophets of the Old Testament than for the apostles of the New; but it is scarcely credible that the apostle, who had been an eye and ear witness in the holy mount, would put himself in among them, and say, we have, &c. for whatever prophecy was to them, it could not be surer to him than what he had seen with his eyes, and heard with his ears. Others suppose that the meaning is, that prophecy was now surer to the Christians than it was before, it being confirmed and established by facts and events, and also by miracles, and even by the attestation of this voice heard on the mount, and by the majesty of Christ seen there; but if this had been the sense of the apostle, he would have used these words, now and before; and besides, this puts the comparison quite out of its place, which manifestly stands between former prophecy, and the present testimony of the apostles: but the truth of the matter is, that this word of prophecy is not to be understood of the prophetical writings of the Old Testament; for though these are the word of God, and do testify of Christ, and are to be taken heed, and attended to, as proofs and evidence of Gospel truths, and are a light to direct and guide in matters both of faith and practice, yet they are not the only light, and are far from being the clearest, and what are only to be attended to; for the Gospel that came by Christ, and is preached by his apostles, and is contained in the writings of the New Testament, is a much clearer light, and at least equally to be attended to: nor are the prophecies of the Old Testament, which particularly relate to Christ, designed; there are many of this kind, which, put together, may very well be called the word of prophecy, and which were to the Jews a light in a dark place, until Christ came in the flesh; and though they are to be attended to, and compared with facts, to shew the truth of the divine revelation, yet they are not a surer evidence, nor so sure an evidence, as the evangelical testimony is, which is of facts, and these supported by miracles; for now the day-spring from on high hath visited us, and Christ, the bright and morning-star, has appeared: but the word of prophecy, concerning Christ’s second coming, is here intended, whether it lies in the words of the prophets of the Old Testament, as in Psal. 96:13; Dan. 7:9, 10, 13 or in the words of Christ, Matt. 16:27, 28 and 24:3, 30, 44 which latter is most likely. The Ethiopic version understands this of some particular prophecy, and as if the words were a citation of some prophet, rendering the words thus, and we have a voice more ancient than this of a prophet, saying, ye do well who take heed, &c. Sir Isaac Newton is of opinion, that the apostle refers to the book of the Revelation of St. John, which would not be unlikely, could it be proved that it was then written. Now this prophecy or prediction, concerning Christ’s coming again with power and great glory, was a surer evidence of it than what the apostles saw with their eyes, and heard with their ears upon the mount; nothing was surer to them, nor could any thing make it surer to them, that he was honoured and glorified, than what they saw and heard: but then this did not so certainly prove that he would hereafter be glorified, or come again in glory. What they saw and heard was a presumptive proof that it might be so, and was a confirming pledge and evidence to them that so it would be, and was a glorious representation of it; but Christ’s prophecy or prediction, that so it should be, more strongly ascertained it, since he said it, to whom all things were known from the beginning, and whose counsel shall stand, and not one word of his shall ever fail. Whereunto ye do well, that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. The prophecy concerning Christ’s second coming is as a light; ’tis a revelation of that which was in the dark, lay hid as a secret and mystery in the heart of God; and which could not be known by men, had it not been foretold by God; and ’tis made as prophecy in all other cases is, by throwing light, as to this affair, into the mind of him, or them, to whom it is revealed; and is a light to them to whom it is delivered, and which they should attend unto, as to a lamp or torch to guide and direct them; though in some sense it is but a feeble one, and is as a light that shineth in a dark place; meaning not the world, which is a place of darkness, ignorance, and error; nor merely the state of the saints in general in this life, who, at most and best, see but through a glass darkly; but has a particular respect to the darkness which attends the saints, concerning the second coming of Christ, and which will especially attend them a little before that time. Prophecy holds out clearly that Christ will come again; that he will come in great glory, in his father’s, and in his own, and in the glory of his angels, and with great power, to raise the dead, and judge mankind; and though it gives hints, that, upon this, the saints shall be with Christ in the air, on earth, and in heaven; and that there will be new heavens, and a new earth; and that the saints shall reign here with Christ a thousand years, after which the Gog and Magog army will attack them without success; yet these are not so clear, as for saints to be agreed in the sense of them; and much more are they in the dark about the time of his coming. Now prophecy is the surest evidence and best light the saints have concerning this matter, until the day dawn; not the Gospel day, so much spoken of by the prophets, that had dawned already; rather a more clear knowledge of Christ, and Gospel truths, which will be in the spiritual kingdom and reign of Christ hereafter; or else the latter-day glory, at the personal coming of Christ, when the light of the moon shall be as that of the sun, and that of the sun shall be sevenfold as the light of seven days; yea, when there will be no need of sun or moon, but Christ shall be come, and be the light of his people; see Isa. 30:26 and 60:1, 2; Rev. 21:23, 24 after which will follow the everlasting day of glory, when all darkness will be gone, and saints shall see face to face, and know as they are known: and the day-star arise in your hearts; or the sun, as the Syriac version renders it; not Christ, the morning-star, the day-spring from on high, and the sun of righteousness, who was already risen upon them; nor the grace of God implanted in their hearts, by which they were already called out of darkness, and made light in the Lord; but as the day-star is the bringer of light, as the word used signifies, or the forerunner of the day, so it here intends the immediate signs and forerunners of the coming of Christ; which when observed in their hearts, and by their understandings, as being come to pass, they may lift up their heads with joy, because their redemption draws near, Luke 21:28 and so the Ethiopic here renders it, and redemption arise for you in your hearts. Now till this time the sure word of prophecy concerning Christ’s second coming is to be taken heed unto, as a lamp, light, and torch, to direct us to it, to encourage us to love it, long for it, and hasten to it: and in so doing we shall do well; it will be well for the glory of God and Christ, this being setting our seals to them as true; and well for ourselves to keep up our faith, hope, and expectation of it, unmoved. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 3, pp. 592–593). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
However, it could possibly suggest to English readers that we are able to calculate our improvement in godliness as each year passes, as if we become five percent more loving each year. What Peter wanted to emphasize was not that precise. His point was that godly qualities must both exist and overflow in the lives of his readers. …..
If the godly qualities of vv. 5–7 exist and abound in the lives of believers, they are neither “ineffective” (argous) nor “unfruitful” (akarpous) in their knowledge of Christ. Peter made the point negatively. It could be restated as follows: When the virtues both exist and abound in believers, believers are effective and fruitful with respect to their knowledge of Christ. The word “ineffective” is used of idle workers who are wasting their day in the marketplace instead of working (Matt 20:3, 6). James said that faith without works is “idle” or “ineffective” (Jas 2:20). Being without fruit reminds us of the parable of the soils, where the seed sown among thorns is unfruitful because it is choked by the worries of the world and the deceitfulness of money (Matt 13:22; cf. Jude 12 and by contrast Col 1:10). Peter thought that believers must practice godly virtues to receive the eschatological blessing of eternal life. But he also was saying that those who lack godly virtues and are not abounding with them give no indication that they are believers. Or, as Fuchs and Reymond say, there is no virtue without knowledge, but also there is no knowledge without ethics. The ineffectiveness and unfruitfulness relate to their knowledge (epignōsis) of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps the opponents are particularly in view, for their libertine lifestyle contradicts their profession of faith. Peter likely meant that they give no evidence that their conversion is genuine. (Schreiner, T. R. (2003).
For our fishermen: Our Daily Bread – Sunday November 27, 2016
Several years ago I stumbled across a bit of fishing lore in a second-century ad work by the Greek writer Aelian. “Between Boroca and Thessalonica runs a river called the Astracus, and in it there are fish with spotted skins [trout].” He then describes a “snare for the fish, by which they get the better of them. They fastened crimson red wool round a hook and attached two feathers. Then they would throw their snare, and the fish, attracted by the color, comes up, thinking to get a mouthful” (On the Nature of Animals).
Fishermen still use this lure today. It is called the Red Hackle. First used over 2,200 years ago, it remains a snare for trout by which we “get the better of them.”
When I read that ancient work I thought:Not all old things are passé—especially people. If through contented and cheerful old age we show others the fullness and deepness of God, we’ll be useful to the end of our days. Old age does not have to focus on declining health, pining over what once was. It can also be full of tranquility and mirth and courage and kindness, the fruit of those who have grown old with God.
Wondrous Things in the Word
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18)
The word “law” (Hebrew torah), as used in the psalms, actually refers to all the revealed Scriptures. We may well understand it today to mean the entire Bible. And we can indeed behold wondrous things in the Word if we have eyes to see and hearts to believe by the grace of God.
The adjective “wondrous” is often used to describe God’s mighty miracles in Egypt and elsewhere (e.g., Psalm 106:22, “Wondrous works in the land of Ham”). This would indicate that there are many evidences of divine origin that can be gleaned from the Scriptures if our spiritual eyes are open to discern them as we search.
This 119th Psalm itself illustrates this truth. It has 22 stanzas (keyed in turn to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each with eight verses (the number eight representing new life, since eight suggests a new beginning after the “completeness” represented by the number seven). In each stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter—aleph, the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet, in the first stanza, beth in the second stanza, etc.—and the 176 verses (i.e., 8 times 22) of the psalm (the longest chapter in the Bible) have 176 references to the Holy Scriptures.
The great theme of the psalm is, therefore, the wonder and power of the life-giving, written Word of God. As the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead on the “eighth day,” and as there are eight other instances of the dead being restored to life in the Bible, there are eight different Hebrew words used for the Scriptures in the psalm.
Life through the Word! This is also the testimony of the gospel of Christ, revealed in “the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Rahab shelters two spies and helps them escape from the city of Jericho.
INSIGHT
God will meet any person, any time, any place. There are few people who seem to be further from the Lord than a harlot. Yet, in the course of her everyday life, Rahab finds herself keeping a divine appointment with two strangers in need and, in the process, meets with God.
The kind of risks Rahab takes will not be taken without a searching heart. In her own way, she takes a step of faith; God meets her. Her reward is not only eternal life, but also the honor of being included in the messianic lineage. Wherever you are in your life, God will meet you there. (Quiet Walk)
UNDERSTANDING MIRACLES
Great is the mystery of godliness.
1 Timothy 3:16
If what the Bible says about Jesus Christ is right and true, then of necessity it is something that transcends human intellect and reason. “Quite right,” you say. “I cannot understand miracles.” Of course you cannot; no one can understand a miracle. It would cease to be a miracle if you could. “I cannot grasp the supernatural.” Most certainly you cannot. There never has been a man who could understand the doctrine of the Incarnation. I think of the Incarnation, and I take my stand on the side of the apostle Paul who said, “Great is the mystery of godliness.” My mind is too small to understand it; my intellect cannot span the in?nities and the immensities and the eternities. My little pygmy reason and logic are not big enough to see or to take in such a conception as the self-emptying and the humiliation of the Son of God
I do not claim to understand it; who could understand an idea such as the Virgin Birth? It is beyond understanding; it is beyond reason. Who can understand the doctrine of the two natures of Christ, unmixed, remaining separate, unmingled and yet both there, still only one person? We cannot understand the doctrine of the Trinity —the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and we should never try to do so.
The claim of the Gospel is that it is in a realm that is beyond human reason and understanding. It is a revelation, a statement that comes to us, an announcement; it is the gift of God. That is why instead of reasoning around and around in circles and trying to span and grasp the infinite and the everlasting, I say, go to Him!
A Thought to Ponder: If what the Bible says about Jesus Christ is right and true, then of necessity it is something that transcends human intellect and reason.
(From The Heart of the Gospel, pp. 19-20, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
In his book Restless Faith, theologian Richard Mouw talks about the importance of remembering the lessons of the past. He quotes sociologist Robert Bellah, who said that “healthy nations must be ‘communities of memory.’ ” Bellah extended that principle to other societal bonds such as families. Remembering is an important part of living in community.
The Scriptures teach the value of community memory as well. The Israelites were given the Passover feast to remind them of what God had done to rescue them from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 12:1-30). Still today, Jewish people around the world revisit that rich community memory every spring.
Passover holds great meaning for followers of Christ too, for Passover has always pointed to the work of the Messiah on the cross. It was during Passover, the night before the cross, that Jesus established His own memorial table. Luke 22:19 records, “He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
Every time we gather at the Lord’s Table to celebrate Communion, we remember that Christ rescued us from slavery to sin and provided us with eternal life. May the rescuing love of Jesus remind us that His cross is worth remembering—together.
By Bill Crowder
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