Steadfast Day 6: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Read 2 Peter 1:16-21. 

Ponder

As we dive into today’s passage, let’s take a moment to consider the context. Peter was writing to early believers, likely spread throughout Asia Minor, who were dealing with false teachers infiltrating their churches. These false teachers were leading people away from true faith with an almost-gospel that seemingly called into question Jesus’ return.

Peter wanted to set the record straight, and, in today’s verses, he cited two pieces of evidence that point to the truth of Jesus’ Second Coming: Peter’s eyewitness testimony of the transfiguration and prophecy. Let’s examine both of these briefly: 

Jesus’ glory at the transfiguration

In 2 Peter 1:16-18, Peter stressed that he and the other apostles weren’t making up clever stories or myths when they talked about Jesus’ power or taught about his Second Coming. Peter reminded his readers that he and other disciples had actually seen and experienced Jesus’ power and majesty at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-7 and Luke 9:28-36). Peter had walked with Jesus and knew him as the humble servant of God, an unparalleled rabbi or teacher. He understood that Jesus was the very Son of God, but at the transfiguration, he got a glimpse of Jesus as the glorious King of Kings. The transfiguration, then, anticipates and points to Jesus’ Second Coming, unveiling briefly the glory and power he will display when he returns in full power and glory and all will recognize him as King. 

Prophecy

In 2 Peter 1:19-21, Peter stressed that what he and others had witnessed at Jesus’ transfiguration confirmed the truth of prophecy about Jesus’ Second Coming, when he will return to save his people and judge his enemies. Peter wanted his readers to understand that the Day of the Lord was not a joke, a myth or a fanciful fable told to keep people in line. Jesus was going to return and those who followed him would experience the fullness of their salvation and sanctification when he did. Those who did not follow him would face eternal judgment. These prophecies weren’t just the writings of creative people, but were divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).“Pay attention,” Peter seemed to be imploring. “This confirmed prophecy is a light in the darkness, a warning away from danger. Take heed!”  

Peter understood the urgency of his message, even if his original readers did not. Judgment was certain, and the false teachers were leading people straight into it. They were inviting people into darkness rather than light, into sin rather than holiness. Sadly, as his modern-day readers, we can often get carried away by the same temptations. 

Let the warning of 2 Peter 1:16-21 be clear: Jesus will return in power and glory as the Judge and King. Those who do not belong to him will face eternal judgment, while his followers will enjoy eternity with him. It has been confirmed by eyewitness accounts and confirmed by prophecy. Base your decision on the truth and trust Jesus. 

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Journal

• Does your daily life reflect a belief that Jesus will one day return in power and glory? Why or why not? 

• Why is it important to understand that Jesus’ Second Coming and judgment are real? How would believing that change your priorities? Goals? Focus? 

• Peter understood that time was finite. Jesus was coming back and people only had so long to respond to the gospel. Who in your life needs to know the truth of the gospel? How can you share it this week?