The sure foundation of Christian living

Peter’s desire for his readers to receive the blessing of heaven caused him to write a reminder of truths they already knew (2 Peter 1:12). Truth can slowly fade from one’s memory if he is not reminded so that it might be kept fresh. He felt obliged to constantly remind them of the truth, even until his death.

He calls his fleshly body a tent, like Paul does (2 Corinthians 5:1-4), calling attention to the temporary nature of that body. Peter likens death to taking off one’s clothes at the end of the day, or taking down a tent, as the words "put off" indicate. He desired to stir them up, like waking someone from sleep (Mark 4:38). Peter knew his death would come "swiftly" (A.S.V.) because of Jesus’ prophecy (John 21:18-19). This knowledge may have made Peter feel more strongly the urgency of reminding his readers (2 Peter 1:13-14).

He had urged them to "give all diligence" in their service and now says he will "be careful to ensure, or give diligence, endeavor, to give them this inspired message to keep them in memory of the truth. “Tent" (from verse 13) and "decease" are both found in Luke’s record of the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36, esp. 31 and 33). This shows the impression those events made on him (2 Peter 1:15).

His call to remember important doctrines is foremost in his mind, as the word “for” indicates. Peter and the other apostles were not following after the artfully designed myths of Greek and Roman mythology when they spoke of Christ’s second coming, which would be with power (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 1 Corinthians 15:23-26). Instead, they had personally seen Jesus and the greatness he so often displayed (2 Peter 1:16).

The apostle focused on one display of Christ’s greatness, the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36). McGarvey notes that Luke’s account says Jesus took Peter, James and John apart with him "to pray." He further notes that Jesus customarily went aside to pray at night (Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12; 21:37; 22:39-41) and concludes this event was at night also. During the transfiguration, Jesus’ body radiated light like the sun. Peter identifies the voice from heaven as that of the Father and says his statement gave honor and glory to Christ. It particularly showed Christ’s greatness as God’s messenger over and above Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah, the prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Jews understood the claim of Sonship to be one which made Jesus equal with God (John 5:17-18). God’s statements clearly show his love for the Son and recognition of that equality (2 Peter 1:17).

Peter, James and John were on the mount and heard the voice. The mount was holy because God was manifested there (Exodus 3:1-6; 19:10-13; Joshua 5:13-15). The transfiguration gave the apostles more confidence in the Old Testament prophets. Peter’s readers were advised to pay close attention to those prophets. Their prophecies were like a lamp shining in a sin-darkened world. That light would aid them until the dawn of understanding began to really illuminate their hearts. Jesus is pictured as the "day star", which is Venus, because full acceptance of him truly heralds the morning of the Christians’ day of understanding (2 Peter 1:18-19).

A true understanding of prophecy begins with the realization that the words were not the product of the prophet’s own mind, or invention. Instead, they were carried along in their speaking, much as a ship is carried along by the wind, by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Peter’s message should give us confidence in the Lord’s deity. It also gives us a sure foundation for living the Christian life.