16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a [j]declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: “This is [k]My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this [l]declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18 (NASB) 中文 

Supporting evidence

Peter has been calling his readers to develop these character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7 and making it a high priority for them and even his purpose for this letter. Now he figures he needs to give them some evidence to support the authority of his claims and teaching. He recalls this memorable event during the time of following Jesus Christ as He tabernacled with men (John 1:14). Christians call this the transfiguration, the time Jesus was physically transfigured to expose His divine glory. Was this a miracle? Certainly! But some say it was more a miracle that this glory was veiled during all the rest of His time on earth!

Indelible impression

Come with me for a moment to imagine what it was like for Peter, James and John to witness this event. Take a moment to read it in Matthew 17:1-8. They had been living life with Jesus, a man just like them, but somehow different, holy, blessed by Yahweh. A man like none other through whom wisdom, miracles, teaching, blessing come. But now, on that mount, they saw Jesus in His glory, His majesty (sovereign power, authority, or dignity). And they heard the very voice of God, the Majestic Glory – as some famous prophets of the OT had. What an indelible impression that left! This, Peter and the others testified to.

Eyewitnesses

What evidence in a court of law provides the greatest support or proof of the case? Eyewitnesses. Peter, James and John were eyewitnesses of this glorious event. And as John corroborates, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14). This extended to all their time with them, as John records at the end of his gospel: “This is the disciple [John] who is testifying about these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24)

These accounts about Jesus are not just myths, fables or heroic legends (like the Roman and Greek gods) but real, actual events. “The apostles had not preached myths (‘cleverly devised tales’) to their hearers, as the false teachers to whom Peter referred later in this epistle were doing.” (Constable commentary)

RЯeflection

• Again, take a moment to revisit this miraculous, glorious event by reading it in Matthew 17:1-8. Sit in wonder and amazement. But don’t stop there. For we will see it too! This is part of our blessed hope. Look forward to it. Gain strength for the trials of life. “For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
• Have you been tempted to doubt God’s Word recently? Don’t worry. It’s not uncommon. Be sure to keep reading and studying. Ask God to renew your faith. Remember it was written by eyewitnesses. It is reliable.