Deeper Reflection
THE APOSTLE PETER WAS BENT ON REMINDING HIS HEARERS of the truth of God’s Word: “…I intend always…” (v.12); “…as long as I am in this body…” (v.13); “I will make every effort…” (v.15). The reminders were to protect them from various deceptions (see 2 Pet 2-3). What Peter (and the other apostles) had to offer were eyewitness accounts of what they had seen and heard concerning the Lord Jesus Christ (vv.16-18).¹¹ In addition, they had the reliable prophetic word, i.e. the Old Testament Scriptures, which were inspired by the Holy Spirit (vv.19-21).People everywhere in every generation would do well to pay attention to the divinely inspired Scriptures, because it is as “a lamp shining in a dark place” (v.19a)¹² that will bring clarity to their sight and hope to their hearts (“until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts”, v.19b). Peter probably used “the morning star” to refer to the ultimate Davidic king, Jesus the promised Messiah.¹³ So the Scriptures reliably reveal Jesus Christ, who can be received by faith into the hearts of the hearers or readers of the Scriptures.In addition, Peter makes an all-important point about the source of the Scriptures. The source was God, not man. The prophets did not think up the words for themselves and originate the Scriptures (vv.20-21). The men were chosen mouthpieces and spokesmen who “spoke from God” (v.21). Every biblical prophecy was inspired by the Holy Spirit (v.21). The Scriptures are a divine product. Therefore, God’s Word in totality and in every part is truth that lasts forever (Psa 119:160).

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¹¹ Peter, James and John had personally witnessed the majesty of Jesus’ divine glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36). ¹² God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa 119:105). ¹³ Numbers 24:17; Matthew 2:2.