Eyewitness Testimony and the Truth of Prophecy
2 Peter 1:12-21
2Pet.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- μελλησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- αει: ADV
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- υπομιμνησκειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- περι: PREP
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- καιπερ: CONJ
- ειδοτας: PART,perf,act,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εστηριγμενους: PART,perf,pass,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- παρουση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Cor 15:1-2 (verbal): Paul explicitly says he is reminding the Corinthians of the gospel ‘by which you are saved’ and urges them to hold fast—language and purpose closely parallel Peter’s ‘I will always remind you… though you know them and are established.’
- Phil 3:1 (verbal): Paul tells the Philippians it is no trouble to write the same things again—expresses the same practice of repeated admonition and reminder as Peter’s ongoing reminders.
- 2 Pet 1:15 (verbal): Immediate intra‑letter parallel: Peter vows to make every effort that after his departure the readers may always recall these truths—almost identical intention to v.12’s promise to keep reminding them.
- 2 Pet 3:1-2 (structural): Later in the same epistle Peter begins by referring to his second letter and his purpose in writing—to stir remembrance of apostolic words—structurally echoes v.12’s concern with continual reminder.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I will always remind you of these things, though you know them and are firmly established in the present truth.
- Therefore I will always remind you of these things, though you already know them and are firmly established in the truth now.
2Pet.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δικαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ηγουμαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- εφ᾽οσον: CONJ
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σκηνωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- διεγειρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- υπομνησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 5:1 (verbal): Uses the same tent/tabernacle imagery (σκηνή/σκηνώμα) for the earthly body; Peter's 'this tent' echoes Paul's language about the temporary earthly dwelling.
- 1 Corinthians 4:17 (verbal): Paul sends Timothy 'to remind you of my ways in Christ' (ὑπομνήσῃ); Peter likewise speaks of stirring the readers up 'by way of reminder' (ἐν ὑπομνήσει), sharing the same verb and pastoral purpose.
- Acts 20:31 (thematic): Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders—repeated exhortation, warnings and appeals to remember/watch—parallels Peter's motive to remind the flock while he remains in the body.
- Jude 1:17 (thematic): Jude exhorts believers to 'remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles'; both letters urge recollection of apostolic teaching and employ similar language for calling believers to remembrance.
Alternative generated candidates
- I consider it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by way of reminder,
- And I consider it right, as long as I live in this tent, to stir you up by way of reminder,
2Pet.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειδως: PART,perf,act,nom,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- ταχινη: ADV
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- αποθεσις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σκηνωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εδηλωσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι·: PRON,dat,sg,1
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 4:6 (verbal): Paul: “for I am already being poured out, and the time of my departure has come” — closely parallels Peter’s language about his imminent ‘departure’/putting off his tent.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 (thematic): Paul’s 'earthly tent' metaphor and contrast between being 'at home in the body' and 'away from the Lord' echoes Peter’s image of putting off the tent (the body) and expectations about life after death.
- John 21:18-19 (allusion): Jesus’ private prediction to Peter about how he would die (“when you are old... they will stretch out your hands”) parallels Peter’s claim that the Lord made clear to him his impending death.
- Philippians 1:21-24 (thematic): Paul’s reflection on living vs. departing and his desire to 'depart and be with Christ' resonates with Peter’s awareness of imminent death and concern for the community after his departure.
- Mark 8:31 (thematic): Jesus’ prediction that he must suffer, be killed and rise again provides the larger scriptural pattern of foreknown, foretold death—context for Peter’s statement that the Lord revealed the timing of his own end.
Alternative generated candidates
- knowing that the removal of my tent is imminent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
- knowing that I must shortly put off this tent, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has made plain to me.
2Pet.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- σπουδασω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εκαστοτε: ADV
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- μετα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εμην: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εξοδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- μνημην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ποιεισθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
Parallels
- Acts 20:25-27 (thematic): Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders—he speaks of leaving and stresses that he proclaimed the whole counsel of God and warns them to remember and guard the flock after his departure (farewell instruction theme).
- Titus 1:5 (thematic): Paul explains he left Titus in Crete so that Titus would 'set in order what remains'—an explicit example of an apostle arranging for the continuity of teaching and order after his departure.
- 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (verbal): Paul charges Timothy to 'hold to the pattern of sound words' and to guard the deposit by the Holy Spirit—parallel emphasis on preserving and reminding others of teaching once the teacher is gone.
- 2 Peter 3:1 (structural): Within the same letter Peter states he is writing again 'to stir up your sincere mind by way of reminder'—a direct structural parallel: the aim of fostering memory and recall of teaching.
- John 14:18-19 (thematic): Jesus promises not to leave the disciples 'orphans' and assures them of his continued presence after his departure—a related theme of assuring followers about continuity after the leader's leaving.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will make every effort that, after my departure, you may at all times have these things in mind.
- And I will be careful that, after my departure, you may at all times be able to recall these things.
2Pet.1.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- σεσοφισμενοις: VERB,perf,pass,ptcp,dat,pl,m
- μυθοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- εξακολουθησαντες: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- εγνωρισαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παρουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αλλ᾽εποπται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- γενηθεντες: VERB,aor,pass,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκεινου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- μεγαλειοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Matthew 17:1-5 (allusion): Account of the Transfiguration where the disciples saw Jesus’ majesty—an eyewitness scene that 2 Peter invokes to ground testimony of Christ’s glory.
- John 1:14 (verbal): John says 'we have seen his glory' (εθεασάμεθα τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ), language closely parallel to Peter’s claim of beholding Christ’s majesty.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (thematic): Paul lists apostolic eyewitnesses to the risen Christ—parallels Peter’s emphasis on firsthand testimony rather than 'cleverly devised myths.'
- Matthew 24:30 (verbal): Jesus’ coming 'on the clouds with power and great glory' echoes 2 Peter’s concern with Christ’s power (δύναμις) and coming/appearance (παρουσία).
- Acts 1:3 (thematic): Luke’s summary that Jesus 'presented himself alive by many proofs' and appeared to the apostles reinforces the apostolic eyewitness basis for claims about Christ’s power and presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we proclaimed to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Pet.1.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λαβων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- παρα: PREP
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πατρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τιμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- φωνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ενεχθεισης: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,gen,f,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τοιασδε: DEM,nom,sg,f
- υπο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- μεγαλοπρεπους: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- δοξης·Ο: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγαπητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ευδοκησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 17:5 (verbal): The Transfiguration account records the same voice from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased,' which 2 Peter explicitly cites as occurring at the transfiguration.
- Mark 9:7 (verbal): Mark's parallel to the Transfiguration preserves the identical heavenly declaration, paralleling 2 Peter's report of the voice from the majestic glory.
- Matthew 3:17 (verbal): At Jesus' baptism a heavenly voice similarly proclaims Jesus as God's beloved Son in whom he is pleased—the same Johannine/evangelical formula echoed by 2 Peter.
- Psalm 2:7 (allusion): The Old Testament background for divine sonship: 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' 2 Peter's wording draws on this royal/messian sonship motif informing the heavenly declaration.
- Isaiah 42:1 (allusion): Isaiah's description of God's chosen/ beloved servant in whom he delights resonates with 2 Peter's 'my Son, whom I love; with whom I am well pleased,' providing prophetic precedent.
Alternative generated candidates
- For when he received honor and glory from God the Father—such a voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory—'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'
- For when he received honor and glory from God the Father—such a voice came to him from the Majestic Glory—'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'
2Pet.1.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ταυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ηκουσαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- εξ: PREP
- ουρανου: NOUN,gen,sg,masc
- ενεχθεισαν: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,acc,sg,f
- συν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αγιω: ADJ,dat,sg,n
- ορει: NOUN,dat,sg,n
Parallels
- Matthew 17:5 (quotation): Reports the heavenly voice at the Transfiguration ('This is my beloved Son...'), directly paralleling Peter's claim that they heard a voice from heaven while on the holy mountain.
- Mark 9:7 (quotation): Mark's account gives the same heavenly declaration at the Transfiguration and the setting 'on the mountain,' matching Peter's description of hearing the voice with Jesus on the holy mountain.
- Luke 9:34-35 (quotation): Luke records the divine voice identifying Jesus as God's Son during the mountain experience; closely parallels Peter's statement that 'we heard this voice' while on the holy mountain.
- Psalm 2:7 (verbal): The content of the heavenly address ('You are my Son; today I have begotten you') echoed in Transfiguration traditions and cited elsewhere as foundational for the voice Peter references.
- Exodus 24:15-16 (thematic): The motif of God's presence on a 'holy' mountain (cloud covering the mountain, divine communication) provides an Old Testament background for describing the Transfiguration scene as occurring on a sacred mountain.
Alternative generated candidates
- We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
- And we ourselves heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
2Pet.1.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- βεβαιοτερον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut,comp
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- προφητικον: ADJ,acc,sg,masc
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- καλως: ADV
- ποιειτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- προσεχοντες: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- λυχνω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- φαινοντι: VERB,part,pres,act,dat,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αυχμηρω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- τοπω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- εως: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- διαυγαση: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- φωσφορος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ανατειλη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- καρδιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- υμων·: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Ps 119:105 (verbal): ’Thy word is a lamp unto my feet’ — the lamp/λῦχνον imagery parallels ’a light shining in a dark place,’ linking divine word and guiding light.
- Isa 9:2 (thematic): ’The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light’ — similar darkness/light motif and the expectation of a dawning day of revelation.
- Mal 4:2 (thematic): ’The sun of righteousness shall rise…’ — the image of a rising light (day dawn) that brings healing echoes ’until the day dawn’ and the rising day-star.
- Rev 22:16 (allusion): ’I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star’ — the motif of the morning/day-star (φωσφόρος) connects the eschatological ‘star’ rising in hearts to Christ as light.
- 1 John 2:8 (verbal): ’The darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining’ — closely parallels the temporal contrast (dark place → dawning day) and the present experience of prophetic/Christic light.
Alternative generated candidates
- And we have the prophetic word made more sure; you would do well to pay attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
- We also have the prophetic word made more certain; you do well to pay attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2Pet.1.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- πρωτον: ADV
- γινωσκοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- πασα: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- προφητεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- γραφης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ιδιας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- επιλυσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ου: PART,neg
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Peter 1:21 (structural): Immediate continuation: explains why no prophecy is of private interpretation—prophecy comes not from human will but from men moved by the Holy Spirit.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (thematic): Affirms that all Scripture is God‑breathed, supporting the claim that prophetic Scripture originates with God rather than private human interpretation.
- Deuteronomy 18:20–22 (thematic): Provides the OT criterion for discerning true versus false prophets, addressing the source and verification of prophetic messages (not merely private or self‑originated speech).
- Ezekiel 13:2–3 (allusion): Condemns prophets who follow their own spirit and give false visions, paralleling the warning against treating prophecy as merely a matter of private interpretation.
Alternative generated candidates
- First of all you must know this: no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own private interpretation.
- Above all, know this: no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private interpretation.
2Pet.1.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- θεληματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ηνεχθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- προφητεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ποτε: ADV
- αλλα: CONJ
- υπο: PREP
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- αγιου: ADJ,gen,sg,n
- φερομενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- ελαλησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- απο: PREP
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ανθρωποι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (verbal): Affirms Scripture as God‑breathed (θεόπνευστος), paralleling 2 Pet 1:21's claim that prophetic utterance originates from God, not human will.
- Hebrews 1:1-2 (thematic): Speaks of God communicating in former times through the prophets and now by the Son, echoing the principle that prophetic speech is initiated by God.
- Amos 3:7 (thematic): States that the LORD reveals his plans to his prophets, supporting 2 Pet's idea that prophecy depends on God's action rather than human initiative.
- 1 Peter 1:10-11 (allusion): Describes prophets who searched and inquired, guided by the Spirit, and who prophesied about Christ's sufferings and glories—reflecting the Spirit‑driven nature of prophecy in 2 Pet 1:21.
- John 16:13 (thematic): The Spirit of truth will guide and speak what he hears from the Father, paralleling the notion that prophetic words are produced under the Spirit's direction rather than human volition.
Alternative generated candidates
- For no prophecy ever originated by human will; rather, men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
- For no prophecy ever came by the will of man; but men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things, though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you possess.
I consider it right, as long as I remain in this tent, to stir you up by way of reminder,
knowing that the laying aside of my body is near, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort that, after my departure, you may at all times be able to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; on the contrary, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, a voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
We heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure; you will do well to pay attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
First of all you must understand this: no prophecy of Scripture ever comes from a person's own interpretation.
For no prophecy was ever produced by human will; rather, men spoke from God as they were borne along by the Holy Spirit.