What does 2 Peter 1:16 mean?

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. 2 Peter 1:16

Explanation

2 Peter 1:16 is a declaration by the apostle Peter concerning the reliability and truthfulness of his teachings about Jesus Christ. In this verse, Peter refutes any notions that the apostles’ testimony about Jesus is based on false stories or myths (‘cunningly devised fables’). Instead, he affirms that he and the other apostles are eyewitnesses to Jesus’ majesty, implying that their accounts are based on firsthand experience rather than fabricated tales. When Peter refers to the ‘power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,’ he is likely alluding to the transfiguration of Christ (an event described in the synoptic gospels), his miracles, his resurrection, and the expectation of his return.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle of Peter is generally thought to have been written toward the end of Peter’s life, around AD 64-68, a time when early Christians faced persecution and when false teachings were spreading. The audience of the epistle was experiencing such false doctrines and needed encouragement to hold fast to the apostolic witness. Peter’s insistence on being an eyewitness gives authority to his testimony, particularly important in a cultural climate of skepticism and competing religious claims.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse provides several insights. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of the apostolic witness in Christian faith. The apostles are seen as chosen representatives who provide a reliable testimony about Jesus. Secondly, it suggests the value of direct experience with the divine as superior to hearsay. Thirdly, it lays a foundation for the belief in the second coming of Christ, which is a central tenet in Christian eschatology. Different Christian traditions vary in how they interpret the ‘power and coming’ of Jesus, with some expecting a literal return and others viewing it more metaphorically.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, 2 Peter 1:16 encourages individuals to seek the truth and be wary of false teachings. For modern Christians, it could serve as an admonition to ground their beliefs in sources they deem to be historically reliable and trustworthy. It also highlights the importance of personal experience in faith, encouraging believers to seek out genuine experiences with God rather than relying solely on tradition or hearsay.

Cross-References

• Matthew 17:1-8: The Transfiguration of Christ, where Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus’ majesty.
• 1 John 1:1: Affirms the apostolic witness as being based on what was seen and heard.
• Luke 9:27-36: Another account of the Transfiguration.
• Acts 1:9-11: The account of Jesus’ ascension and the promise of his return.
• 1 Peter 5:1: Peter again refers to himself as a witness of Christ’s sufferings.
• 1 Corinthians 15:6: The appearance of the risen Christ to more than five hundred people, supporting the concept of eyewitness testimony.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• “cunningly devised” (σεσοφισμένοις, sesophismenois): Implies something that is cleverly made up or fabricated.
• “fables” (μύθοις, mythois): This refers to myths or stories that are not true.
• “eyewitnesses” (ἐπόπται, epoptai): People who see an event firsthand and can testify to its reality.
• “majesty” (μεγαλειότητος, megaleiotētos): Greatness, splendor, magnificent glory used to describe the divine honor and power of Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time this epistle was written, Greco-Roman culture was replete with myths and deities. Comparisons could be made between the claims of Christian eyewitnesses of Jesus’ majesty and the more mythical accounts from other religions. Unlike the tales of capricious gods in pagan cultures, Christian claims are presented as anchored in historical events witnessed by real people.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn’t directly engage with scientific perspectives, it does make a claim about reality—that the apostles witnessed actual events. The scientific method relies on observation and verifiable data, which intersects with the notion of being an “eyewitness” to events. Nonetheless, transcendent experiences, such as those claimed during Jesus’ transfiguration, typically fall outside the purview of science.

Commentaries

Various scholars and commentators interpret 2 Peter 1:16 to emphasize the authority of apostolic testimony. Some suggest that Peter is combating Gnostic influences, which tended to belittle the physical Jesus in favor of a more spiritualized version. Others believe that Peter is addressing early forms of docetism, which denied the humanity of Jesus. In the eyes of these commentators, Peter is making a robust defense that the gospel is rooted in historical events and witnessed divine action, and is not a product of elaboration or philosophical speculation.