2 Peter 1:16

Translations

Modern

For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Traditional

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.

Literal

For we did not make known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ having followed after cleverly devised myths, but having been eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Latin

Non enim doctas fabulas secuti notam fecimus vobis Domini nostri Jesu Christi virtutem et præsentiam: sed speculatores facti illius magnitudinis.

Original

Greek

English

For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Notes

2 Peter 1:16–18

cleverly devised fables: The false teachers were probably claiming that the message about Christ’s return was only a helpful story and not a true event.
we were eyewitnesses of His majesty: This refers to the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36). The transfiguration was a moment when the appearance of Jesus changed in a bright and glorious way. At that moment, Jesus was revealed as the glorious King, which pointed to his future return. Peter’s confidence did not come from human guesses but from what he personally saw.

2 Peter 1:16–21

Peter’s strong warning against the false teachers in chapter 2 is surrounded by his teaching about the certainty of the return of Jesus (see also 3:1–13). The false teachers were probably denying that Christ would truly return and judge the world. But Peter had seen Christ’s glory with his own eyes (1:16–18), and the words of Scripture are completely reliable (1:19–21). These truths show that Christ’s return is certain.

Theme notes and profiles

Simon Peter

Related verses

1 John 4:14
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 Timothy 1:4
…or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
1 John 1:1–3
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life.
1 Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
Luke 9:28–32
About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.
1 Timothy 4:7
But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
Mark 9:1–2
Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God arrive with power.”
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
Titus 1:14
…and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.

Parallels

Matthew 17:1–13 Mark 9:1–13 Luke 9:28–36

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Glory Inspiration of the Bible Parousia Peter, Second Letter of Prayer of Manasseh Revelation Shekinah Transfiguration

Topics

Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Christian Minister: Duties of Fable: General Scriptures Concerning Fables Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Omnipotence of Jesus, the Christ: Other Scriptures Relating to his Messiahship Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of Mythology Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Power of Christ: Ministers should Make Known Power of Christ: Will be Specially Manifested at his Second Coming Testimony: Religious, Exemplified The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Power of Christ: Ministers should Make Known The Power of Christ: Shall be Specially Manifested at his Second Coming

2 Peter 1:16

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