📖 Passage

2 Peter 1:16–21 Read 2 Peter 1:16–21 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Peter writes as an apostle near the end of his life (2 Peter 1:14). Knowing death is near under Nero’s persecution, he anchors believers in the reliability of the apostolic witness and Scripture. Against false teachers who denied Christ’s coming, Peter reminds them that the apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–5). The Father’s voice from heaven confirmed Jesus as the beloved Son.

Alongside this testimony stands the prophetic Word—Scripture—which Peter describes as a lamp shining in a dark place until Christ, the morning star, returns. He insists prophecy is not human speculation but Spirit-inspired revelation, affirming the authority and reliability of Scripture.

🌿 Key Themes

• Eyewitness Testimony — Peter saw Christ’s majesty firsthand.
• Christ’s Glory — The Transfiguration revealed Jesus’ divine Sonship.
• Sure Prophetic Word — Scripture shines as light in the darkness.
• Divine Inspiration — Prophecy came by the Spirit, not human will.
• Authority of Scripture — The Word is reliable and must be heeded.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

2 Peter 1:16

“We did not follow cunningly devised fables…”

Peter insists the gospel is not myth but eyewitness testimony of Christ’s majesty.

2 Peter 1:17–18

“…He received from God the Father honor and glory…”

The Transfiguration revealed Christ’s divine identity, confirmed by the Father’s voice.

2 Peter 1:19

“We also have the prophetic word confirmed…”

The prophetic Word is certain, a lamp shining until Christ, the morning star, returns.

2 Peter 1:20

“…no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation…”

Scripture’s origin is not human reasoning or speculation.

2 Peter 1:21

“…holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Prophecy originates from God Himself, with the Spirit guiding the prophets.

🔍 Trusted Insight

“Scripture does not proceed from the will of man but from the Spirit of God. It is, therefore, the pure and authentic Word of God, deserving our reverence.” — John Calvin

Calvin emphasizes the Spirit’s inspiration as the ground of Scripture’s authority.

Summary: Peter grounds faith not in myths but in eyewitness testimony and the Spirit-inspired Word, a sure guide until Christ returns.

🌍 Worldview Connections & Common Objections

1. History vs. Myth

• Clash: Skeptics claim the gospel is a legend.
• Teaching: Peter affirms the apostles saw Christ’s glory firsthand.
• Objection: “Isn’t Christianity just a myth?”
• Response: The gospel rests on historical events, not fables.

2. Subjective Opinion vs. Divine Revelation

• Clash: Many see Scripture as human ideas.
• Teaching: Prophecy came by the Spirit, not human will.
• Objection: “The Bible is just human opinion.”
• Response: Peter teaches its origin is divine, Spirit-inspired.

3. Darkness vs. Light

• Clash: Culture searches for meaning in philosophy or mysticism.
• Teaching: Scripture is the lamp shining in darkness.
• Objection: “Can’t other spiritual writings guide us?”
• Response: Only Scripture reveals the light of Christ and His return.

🧩 Review Questions

💡 Click a question to open the chatbot and explore the answer. Tap the chat bubble again to close it.

1. How does Peter contrast fables with eyewitness testimony?
2. Why is the Transfiguration significant for understanding Christ?
3. What does it mean that Scripture is a lamp in the darkness?
4. Why is prophecy not of “private interpretation”?
5. How does this passage strengthen confidence in the Bible’s authority?

🙋 Application Questions

1. How does Peter’s eyewitness testimony encourage your faith?
2. What role does Scripture play in guiding you through darkness?
3. How does knowing the Spirit inspired Scripture affect how you read it?
4. How does the hope of Christ’s return shape your daily life?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• σεσοφισμένοι μῦθοι (sesophismenois mythois) — cunningly devised myths.
• μεγαλοπρεπής (megaloprepēs) — majestic, splendid (Christ’s glory).
• βεβαιότερος (bebaioteros) — more certain, confirmed, reliable.
• ἐπίλυσις (epilysis) — interpretation, release; meaning not self-generated.
• φερόμενοι (pheromenoi) — carried along, borne by the Spirit.

📚 Cross References

• Matthew 17:1–5 — Transfiguration account.
• John 1:14 — We beheld His glory.
• Luke 24:27 — Christ in the prophets.
• Acts 1:21–22 — Apostles as eyewitnesses.
• 2 Timothy 3:16 — All Scripture is God-breathed.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → 2 Peter 2:1–3 – Warning Against False Teachers