Scripture Reading(s)
2 Peter 1:16-21
1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
1:17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
1:18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
1:19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
1:20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,
1:21 because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Reflections
2 Peter was written some time after the death of Christ and formation of the apostolic churches. Most would put it’s date right around the turn of the 2nd century. Because of this many people had heard of Jesus and His followers but not all believed. Such was the case also with those who heard the testimonies from the apostles. Additionally, the recipients of 2nd Peter also had some trouble with false teachers in the church. The letter by Peter was encouraging them to stick to the faith that passed down to them and to not be fooled by those who claimed the stories about Jesus were a myth. The gospels have a rich history or oral and written testimony from the Bible and outside sources.
As Christians we will encounter those who wish to persuade us that our faith is of mythical origin. While it might be true that some of the OT stories could fall under this category, it would be untrue to assume that it is also true for the NT. The gospels and the rest of the NT writers attest to the eye witness of the gospel accounts. There is no need to feel insecure about the faith that was passed down to us. When the challenge comes we must be sure to know the scriptures well and to be able to defend our beliefs. This was how Paul persuaded so many Jews and Gentiles to follow Christ. He went to the places they were and reasoned with them.
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