(16-21) The certainty of Christ’s coming again is the basis of these exhortations; and that certainty is proved (1) by the Transfiguration, which was an anticipation of His coming again in glory; (2) by the utterances of the prophets who predicted it. read more
(21) For the prophecy came not in old time.—Rather, For prophecy was never sent, or brought. Wiclif and Rheims alone have “brought”; all the rest “came.” The verb is the same as that used of the voice from heaven (2 Peter 1:17-18), and also in this verse for “moved,” so that there is a telling antithesis, difficult to preserve in English. Prophecy was not brought in by men; but men were brought to utter it by the Spirit. (Comp. 2 John 1:10.) The rendering in the margin is right—“not at any... read more
Steps to a Divine Goal 2 Peter 1:4 I. Peter reminds us of the end to be achieved by those manifold assurances to which the Divine fidelity is pledged. 'That through these ye may become partakers of the Divine nature,' What a profound and original conception is this that God has expressly given to His people promises through which they may reach a vital participation in His own sacred and glorious nature. In all human society there is an unhappy tendency to exclusiveness and self-absorption.... read more
Chapter 22 THE LAMP SHINING IN A DARK PLACE2 Peter 1:19-21THE rendering of the first words in this passage must be reckoned among the distinct improvements of the Revised Version. As the translation stands in the Authorized Version, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy," it conveys a sense which many must have found perplexing. The Apostle had just dwelt on the confirmation of faith, both for himself and those to whom he preached, which was ministered by the vision of the glory of Jesus... read more
Analysis and Annotations I. THE GRACIOUS PROVISIONS OF GOD CHAPTER 1 1. God’s gracious provisions in Christ (2 Peter 1:1-4 ) 2. The development of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:5-11 ) 3. The promises of prophecy (2 Peter 1:12-21 ) 2 Peter 1:1-4 We are not left in doubt who the writer is, not a pseudo Peter, but Simon Peter, the fisherman of Galilee. With this second Epistle he finishes the task given him by the Lord “to strengthen his brethren.” The opening verse of the third chapter shows... read more
1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but {p} holy men of God spake [as they were] {q} moved by the Holy Ghost.(p) The godly interpreters and messengers.(q) Inspired by God: their actions were in very good order, and not as the actions of the profane soothsayers, and foretellers of things to come. read more
Peter writes not only as an apostle (as in his first epistle), but as a bondman and apostle. So authority is not only stressed, but lowliness of subjection, a precious reminder in days of deter-mined in subjection. Nor does he directly address only the dispersed of Israel, but those who have obtained the same precious faith as the apostles, a faith all the more precious when it is challenged by innumerable forms of unbelief. And this is through the righteousness of Him who is named "our God... read more
FALLING FROM GRACE A WARNING Second Peter is the first of the New Testament books of which there is any doubt as to its canonicity. It was not mentioned by the earliest Christian writers, but this may be accounted for by the lateness of its appearance, and the fact that it was not addressed to any local church with an interest in and facility for making its existence known. On the other hand there are points of genuineness, such as similar expressions to those in 1 Peter, similar... read more
Holy Inspiration 2Pe 1:21 What do you mean by "prophecy?" If you think you know, be sure about it, because in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred people do not know; you may be the hundredth instance. Probably the reply will be: Prophecy means foretelling; prophecy may be described as a species of fortune-telling: such and such things will happen to Tyre in a hundred years, and such and such things will occur to Babylon in a hundred and fifty years. That is not prophecy; it is only one of the... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Peter 1:1-21
Greeeting. Thanksgiving. Exhortation to Progeess in Righteousness from One Who Remembers Jesus Christ2 Peter 1 may be subdivided into two parts: (a) 2 Peter 1:1-11, greeting followed by a declaration of the glory and virtue of the Christian life, which is a life of continual growth and progress, and requires diligent effort in those who would lead it; (b) 2 Peter 1:12-21, declaration of the Apostle’s care and authority to provide for his readers’ remembrance of these truths—he, who saw the... read more