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The Book of 2 Peter

Chapter 1

Addition Of Christian Graces Gives Assurance (1:1-14)

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: (KJV)

"Simon Peter" is the way he begins this second letter. In his first letter he simply used the name Peter. Simon was the name given to him at his birth, but Peter, meaning "rock," is the name our Lord Jesus gave to him. He uses both names in this epistle. Simon was the man of weakness, and Peter was the man of strength . . . Simon the cowardly man (Mat.26:69-75) and Peter the rock-man (Acts 12:3-19) . . . . he has been both. But when he writes this letter, he is the rock-man, the man who was crucified for Christ.

While tradition and secular historians have said that Peter was crucified upside-down, and crucifixion seems to be alluded to in John 21:18-19; the Bible does NOT say anywhere, that Peter was put to death by crucifixion, either right-side up, or upside-down.

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle . . . servant actually means "bond slave." Peter does NOT take an exalted position in the church. He refers to himself as a bond slave, also an apostle, which is his authority. He says "an apostle" NOT the apostle, meaning he was only one of the apostles.

To them that have obtained like precious faith with us . . . "precious" . . . a word used often by Peter! (1 Pet.1:7,19; 2:4,6,7; 2 Pet.1:1,4).

I think when Peter uses the word faith here, I think he means the Gospel. He really is saying, "You have received it, and it is up to you what you do with it."

The hyper-Calvinistic view says that you have to be chosen before you can be saved. Personally, I disagree and I believe that EVERYONE is chosen! And that the reason some people do not come to Christ is made clear for us in the Word of God.
2 Cor. 3:14-15 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. (KJV)
Matthew 13:14-15 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (KJV)
Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. (KJV)
John 12:39-41 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. (KJV)
Acts 3:18-19 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (KJV)
Acts 28:26-28 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. (KJV)

When the heart turns to God, this blindness will be taken away. Conversion is turning from sin TO God.

I truly believe God chooses ALL people, and that He gives each and every single person enough "light" to see the Truth. Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (KJV)

To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ . . . Peter's readers "have obtained like precious faith" . . . HOW? "Through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (1 Cor.1:30). Righteousness . . . is the ground of our justification (Jer. 23:5-6; Rom. 4:24-25; 2 Cor. 5:21). Whereas once we were "weak" (Rom. 5:6). Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see (Isa. 42:18-23). Look unto me, and be ye saved (Isa. 45:22-25)

Sanctification . . . is by His Spirit; whereas formerly we were "base" (1 Cor.1:26-29). Redemption . . . whereas once we were "despised" (1 Cor.1:28).

Only the righteousness of Christ which is given to us when we trust Christ as Saviour, gives us these gifts! The wonder of it all in my mind is that He not only subtracts our sin, He also adds His own righteousness to us! We are not like criminals who have been pardoned and turned loose; we have been given a full standing before God, and that standing is in Christ . . . Eph.1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV)

To them that have obtained like precious faith with us . . . this letter was evidently written to the same persons as the first one (1 Pet.1:1). The apostle addresses them all now, whatever their origin, for they are heirs of the common faith, and brethren.

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, (KJV)

Peter wanted his readers to have abundant grace and peace from God. Grace and peace were the usual Christian greetings in a letter. Peter prayed for the same things in 1 Peter 1:2. Paul always prayed for these gifts for the Christians to whom he wrote (Rom.1:7; 1 Cor.1:3; Eph.1:2).

Grace means God’s loving kindness and mercy to people who do not deserve it . . . and THAT is all of us! It means that God loves and forgives people (1 John 1:9). It also means that God helps and protects His people. Grace is a GIFT from God. NO one can earn it. God gives grace because He is generous and good, BUT that grace of God comes ONLY by Jesus.

Peace in the Hebrew language is ‘shalom’. It is a traditional way to bless people in the Old Testament (Num.6:24-26). Jewish people still use ‘shalom’ as a greeting today. Peace is the opposite of war or noise in the world's eye. But to TRUE Christians, peace is God’s gift of a content and quiet spirit (John 14:27; Rom.5:1; Phil. 4:7; 1 Thes.5:23; 2 Thes.3:16; Heb.13:20). This peace involves every part of a person’s life and all their relationships. God forgives and loves people, therefore, people have peace with God. Circumstances cannot change this peace. It is too wonderful for anyone to understand, and NO one can have TRUE peace without God's grace. Phil.4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) . . . TRUE peace CANNOT be explained! It has to be felt!

Christians have already received grace and peace. But Peter prayed that they may know God’s grace and peace more and more, abundantly, multiplied! God loved and forgave them. Peter just wants them to understand this more deeply.

These gifts of grace and peace come only as people "know God and Jesus our Lord" through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord . . . meaning to know in a personal way. This is like the special way that a husband and wife know each other. The title Lord means that people should love and obey Jesus. The apostle Thomas called Jesus ‘My Lord and my God’ (John 20:28). Jesus is both Master and very close Friend to TRUE Christians. . . . Peace be multiplied unto you (Dan.4:1; 6:25).

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (KJV)

According as his divine power hath given unto us . . . all the effects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the human heart are, in the Scriptures, traced back to the power of God (Rom.1:16-17). There are absolutely NO moral ways which have ever been used, or ever shall be used, that have any such power as the Gospel! There is NO way whatsoever by which man can save his soul, and NO way that man can change the character and destiny of man's eternal soul. Jesus is the ONLY Way! (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

All things that pertain unto life and godliness . . . Peter refers undoubtedly to the life of the soul conveyed by the Gospel. Godliness is piety, living a right life that is pleasing to God.

Through the knowledge of him . . . means by a proper, personal acquaintance with Him, or by the RIGHT kind of knowledge of Him (John 17:3). We must believe Jesus loves us, enough to die in our place on the cross, and believe He is Who he said He was, and that He will do what He said He will do!

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)

Whereby . . . meaning in that, or inasmuch as. This is a clarification of the things that pertain to life and godliness, to glory and virtue, all those things being contained in the Promises, by which His glorious goodness and mercy to us is shown through the Gospel.

Are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises . . . here is that word "precious" again! By Promises we may understand the matter of the promises, the things promised (Heb.10:36), such as redemption by Christ, reconciliation with God and adoption into God's family.

They are called exceeding great and precious . . . which when compared to all temporal and worldly things, are called great because of the outstanding and valuable quality of the things contained in the Promises, and precious in relation to us. Great things being not only contained in the Promises, but by them secured to us. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV)

That by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature . . . we are said to be partakers of the Divine nature, NOT by anything we do, but by God's impressing upon us, and infusing into us, the divine qualities and dispositions of knowledge, righteousness and true holiness, which express and resemble the perfections of God, and are called His image (Eph. 4:24; Col 3:10).

We are said to be made partakers of this Divine nature by the Promises of the Gospel, because they also are the powerful means of our regeneration, in which that Divine nature is communicated to us, when we are quickened by the Spirit (Rom.8:11).

Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust . . . meaning all the depravity, immorality or wickedness of human nature, which is said to reign and prevail in worldly men, through lust, or habitual sexual or fleshly appetite. This corruption - - through lust is totally opposed to the Divine nature, and escaping this corruption agrees with being partakers of that Divine nature (Gal.5:24; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-10).

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (KJV)

A Christian’s character begins when he trusts God. The Bible calls this faith. This Passage (verses 5-7) is how we grow in Christ. The Christian life is something that we should take VERY seriously. But, so many have made it just an extracurricular or secondary activity. Beware that you do NOT do this!

And beside this . . . Peter begins his exhortation, that since God had done so much for them (2 Pet. 1:3-4), the readers should do likewise in their duty to the church and to God. And, that their care and diligence should multiply the grace they had received.

Giving all diligence . . . diligence = determination, firmness of mind, strength of mind, persistence, perseverance, hanging in there. Diligence is required by God in seeking Him (Heb.6:10-12; 11:6; 12:15; Deut.4:9; 6:7; 11:13,19; Phil.3:13-14; Pro. 4:23; 27:23; 2 Pet. 1:10; 3:14; Ecc. 9:10; Jude 1:3; 2 Cor. 8:7; 1 Cor. 15:58).

Add to . . . means to add very generously. Goodness is one of Jesus’ qualities, so a Christian should become more like Jesus with each passing day.

Add to your faith virtue . . . faith is set as the first grace, and which leads to the rest following it, yet ALL are joined together, one with another. Faith as the prime grace of a Christian, faith is the foundation and root of all other, and being without it, nothing else can be pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6). By virtue, Peter seems to mean universal righteousness. Virtue = high caliber asset, desirable quality, decency, kindness, honesty, integrity, righteousness.

And to virtue knowledge . . . by this he may mean spiritual carefulness, which governs and directs other virtues and it is called knowledge, because it consists in the practical knowledge of the will of God (2 Cor. 6:6; 1 Pet. 3:7).

2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (KJV)

And to knowledge temperance . . . temperance is a grace which represses and curbs, not only sensual lusts, but all inordinate appetites (Gal. 5:22; Tit.1:8). Temperance = restraint, self-control, self-discipline, strength of mind and will, willpower.

And to temperance patience . . . patience is Christian fortitude whereby we bear afflictions, injuries and persecutions, so as to persevere in our duty without giving in to the evils that attack us. Patience = courage, endurance, fortitude, lack of complaint, tolerance, persistence, staying power, vigor.

And to patience godliness . . . Godliness is a respect for our duty to God, and understands all that is expected of us. When we join Godliness to patience, it teaches us in all that we suffer, whereby we acknowledge God's providence, and Promises of deliverance and recompense.

2 Peter 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (KJV)

And to godliness brotherly kindness . . . brotherly kindness is a love to those that are of the household of faith. This is joined to Godliness, to show that it is in vain to pretend to be a TRUE Christian . . . we CANNOT be destitute of brotherly love and love God (1 John 4:7-8).

And to brotherly kindness charity . . . charity is LOVE! And this goes a step farther than brotherly kindness. This relates to all men, even our enemies (Mat.5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36). The TRUE Christian life is NOT easy!

Seven Steps in Spiritual Advancement:
1. Add to faith virtue (CHRIST-LIKE assets)
2. Add to virtue knowledge (2 Pet. 1:5)
3. Add to knowledge temperance (Gal. 5:22)
4. Add to temperance patience (Rom.5:3-5)
5. Add to patience godliness (1 Tim. 3:16)
6. Add to godliness brotherly kindness (1 Tim.4:8)
7. Add to brotherly kindness love (1 Cor. 13:4)

2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

For if these things be in you, and abound . . . Peter starts multiplying again. When the Christian graces or virtues are in a person, they abound or grow . . . both inwardly and too, the outward exercise of them.

They make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . they means these Christ-like graces . . . barren actually means "idle." We cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit by sitting doing nothing. YES! The fruit of the Spirit IS the work of the Holy Spirit . . . we cannot produce it by ourselves . . . BUT, we can yield ourselves to Him, present our bodies to Him (Rom.12:1), and draw from the Vine, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:1-5), the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV) . . . Peter does NOT want us to be barren, neither does our precious Lord, Jesus.

Barren = slothful, idle, inactive. Nor unfruitful = void of good works, which are frequently compared to fruits (Mat. 3:10; 7:17-19; Gal. 5:22-23).

In the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . Peter means our faith in Christ. He wants us to be active and fruitful in the knowledge of Christ, thus making it appear that we have not learned of our Lord Jesus Christ in vain. He wants us to USE our graces, our virtues in our daily lives!

Christians must develop these qualities, these graces, these virtues! Only then they will know Jesus better and become mature Christians. They will be active, not lazy. They will be useful, not useless. It reminds me of the parable that Jesus told about the seed in Matthew 13:22-23. Sadly, many Christians do NOT become mature. (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb.5:11-13) describe such people.

Peter referred to our Lord Jesus Christ. This is His full title. ‘Lord’ means that He has complete authority. He is head over everything. ‘Jesus’ is his human Name. The Name Jesus means ‘God with us’ (Mat.1:21-23). Jesus saves people from their sins (Mat.1:21). ‘Christ’ is His title, and is the same as Messiah.

2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (KJV)

The lives of many church members in our day is barren, sterile and unfruitful! Their lack of enthusiasm for Christ and His Coming again is null and void.

Paul warns: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity" (1 Cor. 16:13-14). Then when he ended his second letter to the Corinthians, he said, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor. 13:5). This is a very strong statement. You and I are to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith (saved).

If you think that you can live a careless life, practicing sin (1 John 3:8) and still be a Christian . . . you are wrong. It is impossible. If you keep on sinning, it shows you belong to Satan, who since he first began to sin has kept on, steadily at it. It was because of this that the Son of God came to destroy these works of the devil.

See more on 1 John 3:8 in: . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/first_john_ch3.htm

Any Christian who does not have these qualities (verses 5-7) is like a blind person. He is not physically blind, it is his mind and heart that cannot ‘see’ (understand) what God requires. Such a person has forgotten that God has forgiven his sins.

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)

Give diligence . . . in the exercise of the aforementioned graces.

Give diligence to make your calling and election sure . . . Peter means, more sure. The security of the TRUE believer is is something that cannot be disturbed. Once saved, always saved! BUT . . . your assurance can certainly be disturbed by the life you live. If your life is not lived in the light of Truth, you are certain to lie on your bed at night and wonder: "Am I really born again? Am I really God's child?"

It is true that Christ has done everything necessary to save you and keep you saved, but for your Christian life to be meaningful is something that you have to work at, just like a marriage.

To make your calling and election sure . . . the meaning of calling (Eph.4:1). The meaning of the word election (Rom.9:11; 1 Thes.1:4; Eph.1:5). The word rendered election here, occurs in this place and in Acts 9:15, Rom.9:11; 11:5 11:7,28, 1 Thes.1:4.

The word here used means election, referring to the act of God, by which those who are saved are chosen to eternal life. As I stated above, I think all people are chosen, but only a few choose to answer God's invitation and to go God's Way! See verse 1. . . . Also see (Mat.22:1-14), the parable of the Marriage of the King's Son which to me states that all are "bidden" but few (Mat. 7:13-14) answer the invitation.

For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall . . . the things that Peter has already prescribed (2 Pet. 1:5-7). Ye shall never fall . . . you will not totally stray from God's ways, nor fall through temptation into any sin, where you cannot come out of it.

We are to be very eager in our Christian life, and use our God given graces (virtues) each and every day. Peter urged his Christian family to show true qualities of character. God had invited and chosen them. Their good character was the evidence. A Christian with the qualities in verses 5-7 will not easily follow false teachers. ‘Fall’ means to turn away from God.

See articles on Once Saved, Always Saved: . . . OSAS . . .  http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/if_saved_always_saved.htm  www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer%27s%20Corner/eternal_security.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/saved_certain.htm

2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (KJV)

For so an entrance . . . in this way . . . obedience to God, and use of our graces given by God, you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Only in this manner shall we be admitted into the kingdom of God.

Abundantly . . . richly, the supplies of the Spirit, grace, strength, consolation, and whatever is needed for you in the way, whereby your faith may be increased, your joy promoted, and your perseverance secured, till you come into the possession of the everlasting kingdom.

Shall be ministered unto you . . . the same Greek word is used here which occurs in 2 Peter 1:5, and which is means 'add'. There was no doubt in the mind of Peter, the sense may be, that if they would lead their lives on the virtues and graces referred to in their beautiful order, those graces would give them the mansions of immortal glory and blessedness. The gates of glory would be thrown wide open for them. Peter surely does give us encouragement to live a life pleasing to God.

2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (KJV)

I will not be negligent . . . I will be diligent and careful . . . in view of the reasons Peter has stated as necessary to enter into eternal life. He says that "I will not neglect to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and are well established in them."

Though ye know them . . . Peter prevents objections. And though we know these things already, yet we are beset with temptations, surrounded with infirmities, and, while we are on the Earth, being in a land of sojourn, it is necessary for Peter to remind us of what we already know, that we may remember to do it (Rom. 15:14-15; 1 John 2:21).

The present truth . . . is the Truth of the Gospel. This was the great subject of the apostles' preaching and writings, that Jesus Christ was the Christ; that redemption was wrought by Him; that He was risen from the dead; that whosoever believeth on Him, should receive remission of sins . . . the Promise made to the fathers being now fulfilled (Acts 13:32-33). The Gospel of Jesus Christ was a mystery in the Old Testament (Mat.13:11; Rom.11:25; 16:25; Eph.3:4,9; 5:32; 6:19; Col.1:26-27; 1 Tim.3:16), and what was future under the Old Testament was present under the New. MYSTERY = something made clear in the New Testament, that was hidden in the Old Testament.

2 Peter 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; (KJV)

I think it meet . . . Peter says: I think it is fitting . . . as long as I am in this tabernacle. Again Peter speaks of his body as his tabernacle (2 Cor. 5:1). As long as he had life, he was going to remind them of these important things. I wonder if he considered just how many people would read his words of encouragement.

Peter knew that he did not have long to live, and knowing his character, it is no surprise that he would serve the Lord to his last breath.

To stir you up by putting you in remembrance . . . Peter wanted to awaken and rouse them up, for he knew they and we have need, the flesh being lazy and sinful. He wants to remind us to use the graces of God, those virtues in verses 5-7. He did not want them or us, to lose the assurance and joy of our salvation (Ps.51:12). We as Christians sometimes get sluggish in our daily lives, neglecting to build up and use those graces of God. I think this is what Peter warns against and encourages us, to NOT be barren or unfruitful in our lives (verse 8), so God is not displeased with us. Our relationship with the Lord becomes much more important to us as we draw near the end of life, and we feel that we soon shall enter the eternal world. The sad part, for me, and I am sure, for Peter, that SO many never consider eternity.

2 Peter 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. (KJV)

Peter is referring to what Jesus had told him that morning when He had prepared breakfast for them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection. John 21:18-19 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (KJV)

This really is Peter's deathbed statement. When a man is on his deathbed, he says what is on his heart.

In Genesis 49, Jacob called his twelve sons to stand around his deathbed as he makes a prophecy concerning each of those men. Those prophecies have been literally fulfilled.

When Moses knew that he would not enter the Promised Land but would die on Mount Nebo in the land of Moab, he gathered the twelve tribes about him and blessed each of them before his death . . . much like Jacob had done before him. It was a very important discourse that he gave to them at that time (Deut.31).

When Joshua was old and ready to depart from this life, he also gathered the tribes of Israel together and delivered to them his final charge. Then he challenged them to follow God and gave the testimony of his own life: "... As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15).

When David was about to die, he called Solomon to him. David said to Solomon, "I go the way of all the earth" (1 K.2:2). So true! We ALl shall die unless Jesus comes for His Church at the Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18). Then David charged Solomon with the responsibility of building the temple of God, and he exhorted all Israel to help him, for "...Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God" (1Chron. 29).

Then, in the New Testament when the Lord Jesus came into Jerusalem for that last Passover, He made it very clear to His own in His Upper Room Discourse that it was His last time with them while He was here in the flesh . . . before He would die and rise again in a glorified body. What tremendous Truths the Lord Jesus spoke there.

The apostle Paul gave his final epitaph. 2 Tim. 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (KJV)

Here, Simon Peter says, "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle." He knows that he has come to the end of his life on Earth. Tradition states that he was crucified with upside down because he did not feel worthy to be crucified as was his Lord and Master. This is NOT in any place recorded in Scriptures.

2 Peter 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. (KJV)

Peter means that he would not only use all diligence to stir them up to, and put them in remembrance of the necessary duties of their calling while he was still alive, but would make it his duty to take some extra steps in that direction . . . that they may be able after his decease (death), they never forget what he had told them.

Peter wanted them to ALWAYS remember the things of God that he had told them. Put them in their hearts and minds and keep them there. What he means is, he was leaving those exhortations and admonitions in writing, which they might read, and be of use to them when he was dead and gone; by this letter and his former one as well, that, even though he would be dead, he was still speaking to them.

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (KJV)

We have not followed cunningly devised fables . . . the Bible is NOT a bunch of lies. The Bible is NOT a fairy tale. The Bible is NOT a myth. The Bible is historical, factual and Truth!

If you are really sincere in your desire to KNOW that there is another world after we leave here, and that you want to go to Heaven . . . NOT Hell . . . and that you want to give up your sins, God will make it real to you. If there is a veil over your eyes, and you cannot see Jesus, and the salvation that only He can give you, it is not because you are mentally blind; it is because you do NOT want to give up your sins.

When you are willing to believe God (1 John 5:10-12) and go His one and ONLY Way (JESUS), God will make the Bible real to you! God can and will save your soul from an eternal Hell.

How to be saved: . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm

Cunningly devised fables . . . Peter says that they had followed the Truth, NOT cunningly devised fables . . . something humanly contrived, either to please and gratify men's delusional dreams, or to deceive and pervert their judgment. Peter says that the things we have preached unto you were the love and power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, which were TRUE sayings of God, NOT fictional imaginations of men (Mat.15:9). Heathenish and Jewish fables (1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14).

The power . . . relates to the Divine nature of Christ with its glorious effects, the effectiveness and value of His doctrine, the miracles by which He proved it, and especially His resurrection from the dead (Rom. 1:4).

And coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . this means His human nature, His coming in the flesh, in which he manifested the power mentioned before. This contains the sum of the whole Gospel, that Christ, the promised Messiah, is come in the flesh, and that He was furnished with abundant power and ability to save sinners to the utmost.

Christ's Coming ALSO refers to His Second Coming, for which we all should be watching for, because He is coming back! (2 Pet. 3:3-4).

Peter was an eye-witness of Christ's majesty. Peter saw personally Christ's majesty in all that glory which did shine out in Him during the whole time of His life on Earth (John 1:14), but Peter also saw the blinding glory in Jesus' transfiguration (Mat.17:1-9).

2 Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (KJV)

For he received from God the Father honour and glory . . . Jesus the Son, was honored by God the Father when God spoke from the clouds, saying: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mat.17:5). This proved that Jesus was the Messiah. Those who heard that voice could not doubt this, and they never did afterwards doubt it.

Peter, James and John saw God the Father give ‘honour and glory’ to Jesus. They did not see God. But they saw a great, bright cloud, and they heard the voice of God, which came from the cloud. It showed how much God loves Jesus. God’s words "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" are like the words in Genesis 22:2. Abraham loved his only son Isaac. But Abraham was going to offer his only son to God. Like Abraham’s son Isaac, Jesus is God’s ‘only son’. God says similar words about His servant in Isaiah 42:1. Jesus is that servant.

In whom I am well pleased . . . this implies not only that Christ is the Beloved of the Father, but that all they that are adopted to God by faith in Christ, are beloved, and graciously accepted, in and through Christ (Mat.3:17; 17:5; Mk.1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35; John 12:27-33; 2 Pet.1:17). Eph.1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV)

2 Peter 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (KJV)

We . . . means Peter, James and John.
Heard . . . Peter was an ear-witness, as well as eye-witness, of Christ's glory, and he states that there was certainty of the Gospel because of his witness.

The holy mount . . . so called because of the extraordinary manifestation of God's Presence there; in the same sense as the ground is called holy where God appeared to Moses and to Joshua (Ex. 3:5; Josh. 5:15).

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (KJV)

We have also a more sure word of prophecy . . . when Peter says "the word of prophecy" he does not mean the prediction of the future, although he does include that. He means the entire Word of God, because he speaks of the Scriptures as having been spoken by God (verse 21).

The Old Testament prophets said that the Messiah would come. They spoke about His power and His glory. Peter’s experience on the holy mountain showed that the prophets were right. He tells his readers that they could completely trust the Scriptures. People also call the Scriptures 'God’s Word' and the 'Bible'. Peter described the Scriptures as 'a lamp'. Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (KJV)

People often describe the world as a dark place, meaning that there is much sin in the world. In the dark, people cannot see where to go. But the Holy Word of God is a LIGHT . . . to show people how to live in the right way.

The day . . . is what the Old Testament calls the day of the Lord. It refers to the time when God will judge the world. Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: (KJV) . . . This is the day when Jesus will return. For Christians, it is a day of going Home! TRUE Christians eagerly expect and look forward to it.

The day star . . . is what we call Venus. It appears just before dawn. It shows that a new day is going to start. Jesus said "I am… the bright morning star" (Rev. 22:16). Numbers 24:17 says, "there shall come a Star out of Jacob". Jews believed that this was a Promise about the Messiah.

When Jesus returns, He will fill Christians with His glory and His light. They will know Him and they will be like Him (1 John 3:2). BUT. . . we must use the ‘lamp’ of the Scriptures until Jesus comes back!
More on Christ as the morning star (Num.24:17; Luke 1:78; Eph. 5:14; Rev. 2:28; 22:16).

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (KJV)

Knowing this first . . . Simon Peter says that this is the first thing we are to know. The word knowing means a knowledge that comes, not only from the Word of God, not only from facts that can be discovered . . . if you really want to know, you can find out if the facts in the Bible are accurate or not. A Christian has the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; Rom.8:9), and He will help you discern Truth from error! The Holy Spirit can make the Truth real to you.

The Spirit of God has made the Word of God real to my heart. I KNOW there is a transforming power in God's Word. There is power in the Word of God. This is something that we CAN know, and the Truth, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, make it real to us.

No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation . . . meaning it did NOT proceed from the prophet's own knowledge or invention, or was the offspring of his calculation or his guessing.

Jeremiah 23:16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. (KJV) . . . Jeremiah says that the false prophets in the Old Testament spoke "of their own heart." They did NOT speak words that came from God.

But the TRUE prophets did NOT make up their message. They did NOT decide what to say, God TOLD them what to say! TRUE prophecy is a message from God. God told the prophets what to say, and the Holy Spirit gave them the power that they needed to preach to the people.
Peter said that the people could trust the prophets message.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man . . . the prophetical writings, or word of prophecy (verse 19). The prophets spoke, NOT of themselves, or what and when they pleased. They were God's humble servants and spoke what He told them to say and when and where to say it.

But holy men of God . . . the prophets were called men of God (1 Sam. 2:27; 9:6-7,10; 1 Ki. 12:22; 13:1,4-8,11-14; 17:18,24; 2 K.1:10-13; 4:9,16,21-22,25-27), and and many other places. They are here called holy, not only because of their lives, wherein they were examples to others, but because they were the special instruments of the Holy Ghost, who sanctified them to the work of preaching, and writing what He dictated to them.

Spake as they were moved . . . the prophets acted and moved far above their own natural abilities. Because of their flawless gift from God, that they might not err in prophecy, to foretell things to come, and a special insight of the Holy Ghost, they were moved to preach and/or write, and what they said or wrote was always TRUE! Many of the prophecies of Christ were fulfilled, and the remainder SHALL be soon I think.

See Messianic Prophecies: . . . http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_messianic_prophecies.htm

Here is one prophecy that blows my mind:

The Prophecy: Joshua 6:26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. (KJV) . . . This was fulfilled to the letter, 520 years later!

The fulfillment of that prophecy: 1 Kings 16:34 In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun. (KJV)

There are many more! I dearly love prophecy! To me, prophecies PROVE the Bible is TRUE!

Bible Commentaries

Second Peter

Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Ch.3

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