2 Peter 1b Commentary
Yes, Paul is an intellectual giant, but he is also a critic who needs hard evidence to take a second look. Peter isn’t Paul. A simple man with his eyes on his fish net, Peter is one with zero interest in discovery.
Both apostles are called by Jesus in circumstances that suit each individual’s natural endowments. While Paul interacts with the risen Jesus in more ways than we possibly appreciate, Peter’s interactions with Jesus are a unique situation – both the physical Jesus and the resurrected Jesus.
He has penned down this volume to remind us of the man Jesus who he spoke and argued with. He will also remind us of the transfigured Jesus. He wasn’t human, after all!
Peter saw it. He experienced it. It isn’t a bedtime story. He saw Jesus transfigure on the mountain. They didn’t follow a cleverly concocted story. Like there was any interest in doing so! Not for the man who is more comfortable with fishing than politics, religious or otherwise secular.
Peter didn’t have to read anything. He didn’t have to research. There was no need to go out to find what the LORD God had graciously put on the table for him. The privilege of Jesus’ presence (the Son) was Peter’s to behold and experience. So he writes it down for us.
He didn’t follow cleverly written philosophies. He didn’t rely on smartly written ideologies. No scientifically correct thoughts. His was a normal human experience in real-time. Jesus is real! He heard Jesus’ voice when He ordered him to step out of the boat and walk on the water. He heard Jesus’ voice when He ordered them to stay in Jerusalem until the day of Pentecost. And by the Spirit of Jesus, he understood his earthly pilgrimage was nearly done. Peter’s Jesus is real!
The gospel is logical; Paul leans heavily on this argument. Of course, his own experiences add more meat to his work. But Peter’s gospel is experiential, both before the resurrection and after. Both with the physical Jesus (before and after the resurrection) and the spirit Jesus, as the Spirit of Jesus or the Holy Spirit.
Yes, two small letters, but a huge footprint! Who reads Peter’s volumes without thinking about Peter’s physical interactions with his Master?
But Peter isn’t narrow – and no one would blame him if he was. He is aware of the Old Testament prophecies – the Scripture. Verse 19. “Pay attention to it,” he says. He is speaking to the New Testament church!
Thus, Peter underlines the Scripture as a central component of our faith. He also highlights his experiences with Jesus – the material forming an integral part of the New Testament. Peter puts his life on display for us to see. To the researcher, he becomes a treasure. Peter’s uncomplicated life means we have the raw truth about the life, the afterlife, and the spirit being of Jesus – all in one place.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 