Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Sat, 05/12/2009 – 18:24
Bible Book: 1 Peter / 1 Petrus
Chapter: 2
Verse: 10 – 21
2 Peter 2:10-21 Upon reading the first chapter of this letter the different components seem to be quite clear. However, it is not that easy to follow Peter’s line of thought in the first chapter of this letter. What are the connections between these components My impression is that we find the central thought of Chapter 1 in verse 10: “be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall” (RSV). Peter is writing to Christians who are facing many dangers, especially the dangers of falling back into the “corruption of this world” (cf verse 4) and of following false teachers (cf chapter 2), with the result that they will not be ready on the day that Christ returns (cf chapter 3 After his call for steadfastness in 1:10 Peter continues in verses 12-18 by reminding his readers of the gospel that he has proclaimed to them. It is in this context that we should read his recollection of Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain Why does Peter choose this event out of all the experiences he has had in following Jesus? Why not remind his readers about the crucifixion? Why doesn’t he remind them of Jesus’ resurrection I think we may understand something of Peter’s way of thinking in Chapter 1 when we remember that the transfiguration on the mountain was not an isolated event. It was the commencement of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem and therefore to his suffering and death on the cross. It is important to remember that it was at this decisive moment that God showed something of the glory of Christ to a few disciples, as well as reaffirming his joy in his son: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (verse 17, RSV). This is what Peter tells his readers who are, each in her or his own way, on a journey in this world. A journey that may entail temptations, dangers, sickness and suffering – even a cross. To his fellow travellers Peter gives the following encouragement: God, who was well pleased with Jesus as He journeyed to the cross, is also well pleased with his daughters and sons when they follow his Son – each one in her and his own journey of obedience in this world we live in.
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English