What does 2 Peter 1:17 mean?

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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. 2 Peter 1:17

Explanation

2 Peter 1:17 refers to an event in the life of Jesus Christ where God publicly affirms Jesus’ divine sonship. Literally, the verse recounts a specific historical moment traditionally known as the Transfiguration, where Jesus is transformed and appears in radiant glory. During this event, God’s voice is heard expressing approval and endorsement of Jesus. The voice from heaven confirms Jesus as God’s beloved Son and expresses pleasure in him. The deeper meaning here reflects on the identity and mission of Jesus. It highlights the divine approval of Jesus’ works and teachings, establishing his authority as founded in his unique relationship with God the Father.

Historical Context

The apostle Peter is traditionally believed to have authored this epistle in the first century A.D. The Transfiguration event referred to in the verse is also recounted in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36). These accounts place the event on a high mountain, where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to witness this moment. The verse is part of a letter addressed to early Christian communities, encouraging them to be steadfast in their faith and to recall the true teachings and experiences of the apostles regarding Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

This verse offers several theological insights:

Christology: It affirms the divine nature of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him not just as a prophet or teacher, but as the Son of God.
Divine Approval: It emphasizes God’s pleasure in Jesus, hinting at Jesus’ sinless life and perfect obedience to the Father’s will.
Revelation: The voice of God offers direct divine revelation that legitimizes Jesus’ ministry.
Eschatology: The glorified appearance of Jesus may also be interpreted as a foretaste or preview of His future coming in glory.

Different theological traditions may emphasize various aspects of this event. For instance, Eastern Orthodox Christianity sees the Transfiguration as a key moment that reveals the divine nature of Christ to humanity.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to:

Have confidence in the deity and authority of Jesus Christ.
Seek to please God through obedience and faithfulness, as Jesus did.
Remember the importance of spiritual experiences and revelations that strengthen faith.
Look forward to the return of Christ in glory, as promised in Scripture.

Cross-References

Matthew 17:5: “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
Mark 9:7: “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.”
Luke 9:35: “And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.”

These verses parallel the account of the Transfiguration and the voice from heaven affirming Jesus’ divine sonship.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek of this verse include:

“received” (ελαβεν, elaben): past tense of the verb λαμβάνω, meaning to take or receive.
“honour and glory” (τιμην και δοξαν, timēn kai doxan): “Honour” denotes value or esteem, while “glory” suggests magnificence or divine radiance.
“voice” (φωνης, phōnēs): often used to signify a sound or proclamation, especially with divine or authoritative connotations.
“beloved” (αγαπητος, agapētos): a term of endearment, indicating a deep and cherished love.
“well pleased” (ευδοκησα, eudokēsa): from the verb εὐδοκέω, meaning to be well pleased with or to take pleasure in.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparative mythology might draw parallels with instances where gods affirm or anoint heroes within other cultural myths. However, the Transfiguration is distinct in its monotheistic context, emphasizing not the elevation of a man to divine status but the affirmation of the pre-existing divinity of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not provide tools to directly evaluate supernatural events such as the Transfiguration. Therefore, any scientific perspective would likely focus on understanding natural phenomena that could be perceived as divine (such as auditory phenomena or the physical effects of intense light) rather than verifying or challenging the event’s spiritual significance.

Commentaries

Expert opinions on 2 Peter 1:17 often highlight the reliability of the apostolic witness. Commentators like William Barclay note that Peter insists on the apostles’ experience as credible testimony to the reality and truth of Christ. John Calvin sees in this verse a deliberate contrast to the “cleverly devised myths,” underscoring the apostolic message’s divine authority. Matthew Henry comments on the honor given to Jesus, seeing it as encompassing both His transfiguration and His resurrection and ascension. These reflections typically underscore the significance of the Transfiguration event in confirming Jesus’ divine sonship and messianic role.