He
received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1:17-18
2 Peter 1 [15.] Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”[a] We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1 [19.] We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35
Meaning:
- Context of the Transfiguration:
The Transfiguration is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36). This event took place on a high mountain, where Jesus took Peter, James, and John. There, Jesus's appearance was transformed; His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
- Significance in 2 Peter:
In 2 Peter 1:17-18, Peter reflects on this event to emphasize the certainty and divine origin of his message. He assures his readers that the apostles were not following “cunningly devised fables” but were eyewitnesses of Jesus’s majesty (2 Peter 1:16). By recounting the Transfiguration, Peter underscores the following key points:
Divine Affirmation of Jesus’s Identity: The voice from heaven, calling Jesus “my beloved Son,” affirmed Jesus’s unique relationship with God the Father. This divine declaration reinforces Jesus’s authority and the truth of His teachings. For Peter, and for us, this affirmation is a powerful confirmation of Jesus’s divinity and His role in God’s redemptive plan.
Eyewitness Testimony: Peter’s emphasis on hearing the voice from heaven highlights the apostles' firsthand experience of God’s revelation. This personal witness lends credibility and weight to their testimony about Jesus. In a time when false teachings were spreading, Peter’s eyewitness account served as a crucial anchor for the early Christians' faith.
The Glory of Jesus: The Transfiguration revealed a glimpse of Jesus’s divine glory, which would be fully realized in His resurrection and second coming. This event provided the disciples, and subsequently all believers, with a foretaste of the glory to come, strengthening their hope and assurance in God’s promises.
- The Sure Word of Prophecy
Peter refers to the "more sure word of prophecy," which indicates the reliability and certainty of the prophetic words given by God. This assurance comes from Peter's personal experiences, such as the Transfiguration he described earlier, which confirmed Jesus’s divine nature and mission. Prophecy in this context refers not only to the predictions made by prophets but also to the broader scope of God’s revealed Word.
Certainty and Authority: The phrase "more sure" suggests that the prophetic word is something we can firmly rely on, even more than our experiences. This elevates the Scriptures to a place of ultimate authority in guiding our beliefs and actions. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, stands as a solid foundation against the shifting sands of human opinions and experiences.
- Heeding the Prophetic Word
Peter encourages his readers to "heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place." This metaphor paints a vivid picture of the role of Scripture in our lives.
Guidance in Darkness: Just as a lamp provides light to navigate through darkness, the Word of God illuminates our path, offering direction and clarity in a world often filled with confusion and moral ambiguity. Psalm 119:105 echoes this sentiment: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
Continuous Attention: The use of the word "heed" implies an active, ongoing engagement with Scripture. It’s not a one-time reading or casual glance, but a devoted and continuous attention to God's Word. This involves regular study, meditation, and application of the Scriptures in our daily lives.
Theological Reflections:
The Majesty and Authority of Christ: The Transfiguration vividly displays Jesus’s majesty and divine nature. This event affirms that Jesus is not merely a human teacher but the Son of God, worthy of honor and worship. His authority is supreme, and His words are to be heeded above all others.
The Importance of Revelation: Peter’s recollection of the heavenly voice highlights the importance of divine revelation. God directly communicates to affirm His Son and to guide the disciples. This revelation forms the foundation of Christian faith, showing that our beliefs are based on God’s direct intervention and communication, not human invention.
Hope and Encouragement: For Peter and the early Christians, the memory of the Transfiguration provided hope and encouragement amidst persecution and trials. It reminded them of the glory that awaited them and the truth of Jesus’s promises. For us today, it continues to offer reassurance that our faith is rooted in a powerful, divine reality.
Practical Applications
Listening to Jesus: The command from the heavenly voice, “Listen to him,” is as relevant today as it was on the mountain. We are called to prioritize Jesus’s teachings and let His words guide our lives. This means engaging with the Scriptures regularly, seeking to understand His will, and applying His teachings in our daily actions.
Witnessing Boldly: Peter’s bold testimony encourages us to confidently share our faith. Knowing that our belief is based on the testimony of eyewitnesses and divine revelation gives us the courage to witness to others. We can share the good news of Jesus with the assurance that it is grounded in historical and spiritual truth.
Seeking God's Glory: The Transfiguration invites us to seek glimpses of God’s glory in our lives. Through prayer, worship, and reflection on God’s Word, we can experience His presence and be reminded of His majesty. These encounters strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God.
Cross-References:
Matthew 17:1-5: This passage provides a detailed account of the Transfiguration, reinforcing Peter’s testimony. The divine voice's repetition of "This is my beloved Son" across different accounts solidifies its significance.
John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse echoes the Transfiguration’s revelation of Jesus’s glory and underscores the reality of the incarnation.
Hebrews 1:1-3: “God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” This passage affirms the supremacy and divine radiance of Jesus, connecting to the themes of revelation and glory seen in the Transfiguration.
Conclusion: 2 Peter 1:17-19 serves as a powerful reminder of the divine nature and authority of Jesus Christ. Through the recollection of the Transfiguration, Peter provides a compelling witness to the majesty and glory of Jesus, affirming the truth of the gospel message. For us, these verses encourage a deeper trust in Jesus, a commitment to listen to His teachings, and a boldness to share our faith. They remind us that our belief is grounded in divine revelation and the eyewitness testimony of those who walked with Jesus, providing a sure foundation for our faith and hope.
imagination - reality
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible