2Pe 1:16-21

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Evidence of Christ’s power and glory (2Pe 1:16-21)

In speaking as he has concerning God’s power to change lives, Peter has not been giving some theory out of his own imagination. He himself saw the power of God of which he speaks. He also saw something of the majesty and glory that will be revealed when Christ returns, for he was one of the three chosen disciples who were with Christ at the time of his transfiguration.

Besides seeing the evidence of God’s power, Peter heard the testimony that the Father spoke concerning his Son. What Peter speaks of is not a myth, but an actual event that happened at a certain place and a certain time in history.

It cannot be denied (2Pe 1:16-18; cf. Mark 9:2-8).

Apart from Peter’s own witness of the power and glory of Christ, there is the witness of the Old Testament writings. Prophecies concerning Christ’s first coming were fulfilled, and this gives assurance that those concerning his second coming will also be fulfilled. These prophecies are like a lamp in the night. They are useful and helpful until the full light dawns at the return of Christ (2Pe 1:19).

It is important that Christians pay attention to these prophecies, for they are not stories that people have invented (cf. 2Pe 1:16), but messages from God. They were given through God’s Spirit, and people can understand them properly only with the help of the same Spirit (2Pe 1:20-21).