2 Peter (written)

Saturday, 18 January 2020

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 2 Peter 1:16

Peter has been speaking about “the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” since verse 2. He has explained how to live in an appropriate manner and why we should do so. In verse 4, he mentioned the “exceedingly great and precious promises” of Christ, and that those who follow Him “may be partakers of the divine nature.” He now returns to that after explaining for many verses about the “how” of living for Christ. And so, he begins with, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables.”

Peter has said that those who follow Christ will partake of His divine nature. That is a great reason to want to emulate Him now. But what if it is all the ravings of a mad man? People throughout history have made great and exalted claims about having heard from God, about having seen heaven, about having the authority to speak for God, and so on. The list is long. What if what Peter is saying is no different? His words now, and continuing on through the end of the chapter, are given to ensure the reader that what he says is not only sound and reasonable, but it is verifiable – in several ways.

In the coming chapter, Peter will even defend against false prophets. But first, he must establish the parameters for what is reasonable concerning the claims which relate to faith in Christ as presented by him. Only then will it make any true sense to want to be obedient to Christ. Only then will those assurances that we will “be partakers of the divine nature” be fully established in hearts and minds.

The word Peter uses, translated by the words “did follow,” signifies closely emulating someone, and thus pursuing closely. Peter is saying that they in no way pursued the use of “cunningly devised fables.” The word translated as “cunningly devised” is based on the idea of wisdom. Paul uses it in 2 Timothy 3:15 concerning the Scriptures which make a person “wise for salvation.”

In this case, however, any such supposed wisdom would be false, and would rather be based on fables. Peter is certainly thinking of the myths of his own Jewish people as much as those of the Gentiles. Jewish history is filled with false prophets, some of which are highlighted right in Scripture, such as the false prophet Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah who is seen in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18.

Along with people like him, there are innumerable writings of Jews which describe false visions and supposed revelations from God. Add in such fables and myths from the Gentiles, and there is an almost never-ending stream of these things in recorded history.

Unlike these types of people, Peter has not followed such things. Rather, he will provide substantiation for his words as he continues. For now, he notes that his warning about those who devise cunning fables does not apply to the true apostles. Including them along with himself, he says, “when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The message of Peter and the other apostles is one which is both reliable and consistent in how it is presented. Each spoke of Him and yet their words unite as a unified message, adding another level of surety that the message is true. If a group of people had sat down and made up such a thing (a cunningly devised fable), there would always be gaps or obviously forged overlaps in what one said in relation to another. Eventually, those things would be exposed.

However, though each story may have been relayed from a personal perspective, it was always consistently in line with the personal perspectives of the others who had participated in seeing his power which was displayed in His Person. The word Peter uses for “coming” is “used in the east as a technical expression for the royal visit of a king, or emperor. The word means literally ‘the being beside,’ thus, ‘the personal presence’” (HELPS Word Studies). In such a personal coming, the apostles “were eyewitnesses.”

Here, Peter uses a word found only this once in Scripture. It signifies an onlooker or a spectator. It was as if they beheld an event which captured their eyes, and which was filled with “His majesty.” The glory they beheld was of surpassing greatness, glory, and splendor. Peter’s words are given to ensure those he is writing to that what had been beheld in Jesus was truly going to be shared in by them. He is writing to bolster their confidence, and to give them a sound and justifiable reason 1) for their own sure hope, and 2) as a sound reason for wanting to live in the holy manner which he has already exhorted them to live.

Life application: Peter’s words of his personal eyewitness, and that of the other apostles, are confirmed throughout the gospels and epistles. The accounts all line up properly, without contradiction, and yet each normally confirms some other aspect of what is recorded elsewhere. Thus, the believer in Christ has a reasonable and sound basis for his faith in what is recorded.

Even outside of the Bible, history records that many of these people were martyred for what they state they saw. Unlike modern suicide bombers who believe what they have been told, and who are even willing to die for what they haven’t seen, the apostles and followers of Jesus were willing to die for what they had seen. The gulf between these two concepts is vast.

People die all the time for lies they believe to be true, but no one of sound mind would die for what they knew to be false. They would simply deny the lie and be granted life. Instead, though, these apostles willingly died for the truth. We have a sound faith in Jesus Christ. Never doubt that where you have placed your faith is worthy of eternal reward!

Lord, when our faith is weak, we are so grateful to be reminded of the faithful apostles who proved Your coming by their own martyrdom. When we think on this, we can have a renewed confidence that our faith is sound and properly directed. Thank You for these faithful men who gave their lives so that we may be strengthened in times of doubt. Amen.

Friday, 17 January 2020

Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. 2 Peter 1:15

Peter just said that at some point he will “put off” his tent, meaning die. Based on that, he now says, “Moreover I will be careful.” The word translated as “careful” is the same word he used in verse 1:10 where he told the brethren to “be even more diligent.” Just as he exhorted them to be diligent in making their call and election sure, so he would also be diligent, as he says, “to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things.”

He was not leaving it solely up to them to hear once and then have to remember all that they were told, but rather, he was tending to them as a flock and carefully promising to lead them as long as he was able to do so. But more, his words being penned were their own continued guidance for them. As long as the epistle was maintained, copied for others, and transmitted to those who needed the reminder, his work would continue to have lasting effects.

And because Peter’s letter was maintained, eventually becoming a part of the canon of Scripture, his words here are literally true even for believers today. For any who open Scripture and come to his epistles, they have the same reminder.

The Greek word mnémé, translated as “reminder,” is found only here in Scripture. It signifies a lasting memory, or something worthy of recollection. Peter wants his exhortation to them remembered because, in doing so, they will avoid the pitfalls which he explained in verse 9 concerning actually forgetting the fact that they were cleansed from their old sins. He wanted this to remain so, as he says, “after my decease.”

The Greek word translated as “decease” is exodus. It is a going out, or departure, and thus it signifies death. It is only used two other times in the New Testament. The first is in Luke 9:31 when speaking of the exodus, or death, of Christ. The second is in Hebrews 11 when speaking of the exodus of Israel from Egypt. In the first use, Jesus, Peter, John, and James were together on the Mount of Transfiguration. At that time, it said –

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. ²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said.” Luke 9:28-31

It should not be missed that Peter is the one who spoke, and while speaking he mentions making tabernacles (meaning tents) for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Now, when speaking of his own exodus, he mentions putting off his own tent. He is clearly calling to mind what he had seen, and he is now using that memory to impart wisdom concerning the faith to those he has been charged to lead.

Life application: There are still thousands of unique languages without a copy of the Bible. Christian churches spend a great deal of money sending missionaries overseas to evangelize the lost. This is most noteworthy, but without a strong follow-up, only the people who originally hear the word will benefit. Therefore, it is important to not only tell of Jesus, but also to put in place safeguards so that the message will continue to be told. One way of doing this is schooling, raising up elders, and establishing churches. However, without a copy of the Bible, bad doctrine can easily creep in.

Likewise, missionaries from non-conforming sects, such as the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, can come in and steal away the truth. To provide copies of the Bible in English is arrogant and presumptuous when it isn’t the native language of the people. Therefore, it has been the practice of faithful Christians throughout the ages to translate the Bible into the language of the natives.

Today, that strong desire and goal is being accomplished by the Wycliffe Bible Translators and other groups. Wycliffe is a world-wide organization that is steadily making progress in the translation of the Bible into every known language on earth. If you have the desire to be a part of this team, contact them. Likewise, if you feel so moved, help them out by a charitable gift. The word is eternal, but it needs to be understood. Whether through Wycliffe, or through other local missionaries who are translating the Bible, let us get the recorded word out to the people who so desperately need it.

Lord Jesus, we pray for each of the men and women who are serving around the world in the field of Bible translation. Whether they are overseas in difficult conditions or filling a support role in the office of a big city, be with them and guide them. May Your Holy Spirit move in a splendid way and bring about the knowledge of Your majesty through Your precious word – just as the waters cover the sea. Amen.

Thursday, 16 January 2020

… knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 2 Peter 1:14

Peter now explains why he will not be negligent in reminding his reader about the things he has presented. He had been given advanced notice of something that would occur, and he explains that to the reader by saying, “knowing that shortly I must put off my tent.”

The translation gives an incorrect idea of what Peter is saying. He is not speaking about something that will occur soon, but something that will occur quickly. The words are literally, “swift is the putting off of my tabernacle.” In other words, what lies ahead for Peter is known to him, and when it comes, it will happen without notice and it will be over with suddenness. Therefore, he must take every opportunity to convey his words of exhortation, not knowing when his last chance to do so will occur.

This coming event is the putting off of his tent, meaning death. He is dwelling in a temporary tent, and that tent will be put off, as a garment. This is the same metaphor Paul uses in 2 Corinthians –

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, ³ if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. ⁴ For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Peter’s putting off of his tent in death means that his soul will be naked until the day he is raised again along with all of the saints at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Peter then says, “just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.” This was revealed to Peter after the resurrection and prior to the ascension. It is recorded in John 21 –

“‘Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ ¹⁹ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” John 21:18, 19

Life application: As is recorded in all four Gospels, Peter denied Jesus three times on the night of His crucifixion. Peter then confirmed his love for Jesus three times in John 21. The discourse between Jesus and Peter, there in John 21, follows a similar pattern to his earlier denials of Christ, and it serves as a link between the two occurrences. It is the basis for the complete restoration of Peter in his apostolic position. But there would be a cost for serving Jesus. He would die a martyr’s death.

Tradition has it that he was crucified, but that he asked for it to be upside down because he felt unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as his Lord. Are you willing to face whatever the Lord hands you with confidence and obedience? Like the apostles, we may be expected to give more than Sunday morning offerings. Let us determine now that we will follow our Lord with unwavering commitment.

Lord Jesus, just as Peter was willing to go to his death for the sake of the gospel, give us the same desire – whatever the cost. May we be willing to faithfully follow You all the days of our lives. And Lord, may You receive the glory You are due as we live our lives in these temporary tents. Help us to be responsible to the calling which You have called us to! Amen.

Wednesday, 15 January 2020

Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 2 Peter 1:13

Peter had just said in the previous verse that he “will not be negligent to remind you always of these things.” As an added statement of the necessity of this, he says, “Yes, I think it is right.” Despite the fact that, as he also said in the previous verse, they “know and are established in the present truth,” he knew that it was right and proper to continue to remind them of what was expected of them, as he next says, “as long as I am in this tent.”

Here, Peter goes to the Old Testament symbolism of the Feast of Tabernacles which was one of the three pilgrim feasts for the people. The feasts are “Feasts of the Lord,” but three of them were specifically to be observed by the men of Israel in Jerusalem – Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. At Tabernacles, the people would dwell in temporary shelters they erected. These pointed to the life of a believer after coming to Christ.

Peter is acknowledging that he is not yet glorified, and that his current walk was only a temporary one, which would eventually come to an end. For each believer, the typology of the Feast of Tabernacles is to show that just as Christ came and dwelt among us in a temporary tent, so we too continue to live in a temporary tent, awaiting our final heavenly body. The things which the tent was to be constructed of (as mandated in the law) speak of the life of the believer after coming to Christ.

Peter is showing that the Feast of Tabernacles is fulfilled in Christ, and that he is participating in his true pilgrim feast until his death. Until that time, he says that he will not fail to fulfill his duties, but he will write – as he says – “to stir you up by reminding you.” The intent is to move his reader to action through constant reminder of right conduct and attitude. The reminding is to be the cause of the stirring up. He will continue his explanation of why he feels the urgency of this in the coming verse.

Life application: When you haven’t studied math in a long time, you tend to forget the way to do calculations (long division anyone?). When you don’t study a foreign language you once knew, you tend to forget its proper construction, and eventually you forget even the words to speak. Likewise, if we distance ourselves from studying the Bible and what it reveals, when we neglect church and the fellowship it provides, when we skip over sharing in the Lord’s Supper, etc., we grow cold and forgetful about the very things which brought us to Jesus in the first place.

As Peter said four verses ago – “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” Yes, there can even be a point where we forget we had even called on Jesus at all. What an immense shame it will be for such a person to face Jesus, not for condemnation, but a salvation that brings no rewards. Such a life is one wasted on fruitlessness and a complete lack of appreciation for the great salvation wrought on his behalf.

Because of our short-sightedness in life, Peter wants to stir us up by reminding us not to fall away. He says that he would do this “as long as I am in this tent.” The tent, as noted above, is speaking of his body. He uses the term to indicate that it is only a temporary dwelling place and not his permanent home. His wording is used to remind us that we should feel the same. We are merely pilgrims passing through this life, and we should be ever expecting a greater dwelling place, an eternal abode where we will be in the presence of the Lord who saved us.

Lord, give us hearts and minds that look like the faithful who have gone before us, with the expectation of a better home and a permanent dwelling. As we abide in our current tents, may we continue to refresh our memories concerning the great truths which the Bible proclaims concerning Jesus and His glorious gospel. Amen.

Tuesday, 14 January 2019

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12

Peter has exhorted his audience, and then he explained why he gave the exhortation. Now he builds upon that with promised encouragement beginning with, “For this reason.” If they fail in heeding his exhortation, they will be shortsighted and unfruitful. If they pay heed, they will not stumble, and they will be rewarded abundantly. Like a father wanting the best for his children, he desires the latter, and so he next says, “I will not be negligent to remind you always.”

He has reminded them, and he will continue to do so. They could thus expect personal visits or more letters from him. Or maybe Peter would send along others with his approval to continue to instruct them in the proper way of the Lord. And more, his continued words of the epistle will also be a further reminder of what to do or what to be wary of. He then says, “of these things.” That then comprises all of what he has said from verse 5 until 11. They are the things which will keep them sound and walking properly.

At this point, Peter carefully remarks, “though you know.” The Greek is a perfect participle, active. It is therefore literally “knowing.” They received the knowledge and it is ongoing in their minds. However, how easy it is to forget instruction. As he noted in verse 9, a person can know something, and come to the point where he completely forgets the matter. He desired not only that they know, but that they continue to do so into the future.

As Peter is long dead and gone, it is a note to each person that hearing something once in a church is not enough to ground him in the truth. Nor is reading the Bible once. The word must be continually referred to, in order to know and to be knowing. This is the force of Peter’s words, even though they “are established in the present truth.”

The wording here, though not incorrect, can be misconstrued. Some versions say something better like, “…and are firmly established in the truth you now possess.” Truth is fixed and immutable.

Today people say, “all things are relative” or “what’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for me.” This is often done in an attempt to justify their stand on something which is otherwise unjustifiable. But this thinking is amiss. When Peter says, “the present truth,” he is speaking of that which has been revealed, not that which was untrue but has now become true. He has presented his words, they contain truth, and his reader’s minds are now in accord with what was presented. He desires that this will continue on into the future.

Life application: Peter desires to drum into the heads of his recipients (meaning us too) the things he has already taught them. Should he fail to do so, he would be negligent in his responsibilities. Learning often involves and is enhanced by repetition. To hear something once leaves the possibility of forgetting. Hearing it twice or three times helps solidify what has been relayed. It is for this reason that Peter repeats what he’s previously taught.

Likewise, the Bible itself reinforces precepts throughout its pages. What the Old Testament proclaims is reiterated or fulfilled in the New; what Matthew teaches is repeated in Mark, Luke, and even John at times. What Acts tells us occurred is repeated at the pen of Paul. What Paul states as prescriptive for the church is reconfirmed by Peter and the other apostles. All of this repetition is given so that we will be firm, fixed, and established in sound biblical truth.

And yet, how often do we see huge disparities in doctrine between one pastor and the next; between one teacher and the next; between one denomination and the next! Such differences result because we fail to spend due time and reflection in the pages of the Bible. Let us take heed to Peter’s word today and get ourselves “established in the present truth.”

Heavenly Father, keep me from wrong considerations of modern thought which teach that “all things are relative.” Your word teaches that there is one truth concerning proper theology, and that leads to only one way to be saved. Despite varying opinions on the matter, You don’t waiver on it, and so neither should we. Keep us sound in our doctrine and faithful in our allegiance to Jesus the Lord. Amen.