2 Peter 1:16

2.

The certain and trustworthy sources of saving knowledge, 2 Peter 1:16-21

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Expanded Translation

For we did not follow (use as our guide) cleverly or cunningly invented fiction stories (lying fables, myths), when we disclosed to you the power (might) and arrival (literally, presence) of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses and lookers-on of his magnificence, splendor, and excellence.

_______________________

Beginning from 2 Peter 1:12, Peter discussed the message and attitude of a true preacher of the Gospel. Now he begins a discussion of the false teachersand the validity of his own teachings in contrast to theirs. His warnings concerning these deceivers continue throughout chapter three (2 Peter 3:3-5; 2 Peter 3:16-17). We will note their doctrines as we proceed.

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables

That is, we apostles (see below). The word follow (exakolutheo) is a rather emphatic word, and Peter is the only New Testament writer to use it. It means literally to follow out; hence, imitate, observe another (person or thing) and follow it as a guide. See also 2 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 2:15.

The fable (muthos, hence our word myth), has an interesting history. It primarily signified speech or conversation. The first syllable mu-, meant to close, keep secret, be dumb, (thus our word mute). So Trench says our word must have originally signified the word (speech) shut up in the mind, or muttered within the lips. At first there is nothing of the fabulous, still less of the false, involved in it. At the second stage of its history muthos is the mentally conceived, as set over against the actually true. These were stories that were intended for good, involving a higher teaching or a moral. Some of these ancient fables are still widely read, as Aesop'S.

... at its third stage muthos is the fable, but not any more the fable undertaking to be, and often being, the vehicle of some lofty truth; it is now the lying fable with all its falsehoods and all its pretences to be what it is not. It is a word which belongs to the kingdom of darkness and lies.

The apostle calls them cunningly devised (sophizo) fables, i.e., skillfully invented, devised cleverly and artfully.[52]

[52] This word also had a good sense at first, meaning to make wise, enlighten (2 Timothy 3:15, make. wise).

when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Which coming? The word parousia (presence) when referring to the Saviour, has consistent reference to the second advent in the epistles of Paul, and is certainly so used in 2 Peter 3:4; 2 Peter 3:12 in this epistle. Unless this passage be the sole instance, there is no New Testament passage in which it is used of his first coming or his life, ministry, and death while on earth.

The word here rendered and, (kai) is sometimes better translated even. If such is the case here, we have power, even the coming, both words referring to the return of our Lord to earth. Surely at that time his might will be displayed as never before!

The second coming of Christ was the very doctrine the mockers were denying (2 Peter 3:3-4). But neither this, nor any of his other teachings, could be disputed by Peter and the apostles (particularly here, James and John), for they were

eyewitnesses of his majesty

And, therefore, had every reason to believe him. To be an eyewitness (epoptes)[53] affords the highest kind of evidenceevidence that is not easily set aside. The author was frequently an actual on-looker-' of the great events in the life of Christ. (See the Biographical Sketch of Peter's life.) The transfiguration affords an excellent example, and is therefore cited in 2 Peter 1:17-18.

[53] Notice our discussion of the verb form (epopteuo) under 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:2.

The true preacher and teacher of the Gospel message is not a trickster, deceiver, or magician, nor does he attempt to follow such! His business is to acquire and reach, insofar as it is possible to do so, the true teachings of Christ and the apostles. These teachings, and no others, make up his doctrinal menu. Peter did not follow the myths of menlet us learn from his example!