BIBL 360
METHODICAL BIBLE STUDY TEMPLATE
Instructions: Using the method and skills practiced in the Observation, Interpretation, and
Application project, complete a methodical study of 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Observation
1. Looking at the Whole Picture
A. I have read 2 Peter three times in one sitting. Highlight the correct answer.
oYes
oNo
B. I have read 2 Peter 1:12-21 two additional times in both a formal translation (KJV,
NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV).
Highlight the correct answer. You will find a copy of these translations in your provided
digital library or at BibleGateway.com.
oYes
oNo
C. After reading 2 Peter 1:12-21 these three times, note your initial observations in the chart
BIBL 360
below. You should be able to make at least 12 observations.
Verse(s) Observations
12
Peter will always remind the believers of the qualities needed to grow in Jesus.
12
The believers already know what these qualities are.
14
Peter thinks he is going to die soon.
15
Peter wants the believers to be able to remember these things after he dies.
16
The apostles were not making up stories when they talked about Jesus.
16
They personally witnessed His glory.
17,18
They heard God’s voice.
18
The apostles were with Jesus on the mountain.
19
The prophesies were confirmed more fully.
20
Prophesy does not come from the prophet’s interpretation.
21
Prophesy is not from the will of man.
21
Prophesy comes from God.
D. With your Bible open, reread 2 Peter 1:12-21 and note at least fifteen additional
BIBL 360
observations from this passage.
Verse(s) Observations
12
Peter’s intent is to always remind the believers of the qualities he detailed in the
previous verses.
12
The believers already know these qualities and are living them.
13
Peter will keep on reminding the believers of these qualities as long as he is
alive.
14
Jesus has shown Peter that he will die soon.
15
Peter will work to make sure the believers will remember these things even after
he dies.
16
The apostles did not make up clever stories when they spoke about the power
and coming of Jesus.
16, 17
The apostles were eyewitnesses when God bestowed honor and glory on Jesus.
17, 18
The voice of God spoke, honoring Jesus, and the apostles heard it.
18
The apostles were with Jesus on the holy mountain when God spoke.
19
The experience on the mountain more fully confirmed the message of the
prophets.
19
Peter exhorts the believers to pay close attention to the message of the prophets
until Jesus fills their hearts.
19
The prophet’s words are like a lamp that lights up a dark room.
20, 21
No prophecy is the creation of human will or understanding.
21
The prophets received their messages from God as they were moved by the Holy
Spirit.
20, 21
The Scriptures can be trusted because they came from God.
E. Using your Bible and the two charts of observations you have constructed record the
BIBL 360
major facts of the passage. For this exercise you should not consult any outside resource.
You are simply writing down what you have observed in reading the Scriptures and
classifying these observations.
i. Who: Peter (the author), Jesus, God, the apostles, the prophets, the Holy Spirit,
Christians (the audience).
ii. What: Peter will remind the believers of the qualities needed to grow in their
knowledge of Jesus as long as he lives. Peter will die soon. The apostles' accounts
of Jesus were not clever stories, they were eyewitnesses to the events. The
apostles were on the holy mountain when get bestowed honor upon Jesus. The
apostles heard the voice of God speaking from Heaven. The message of the
prophets was more fully confirmed. Peter exhorts the believers to pay close
attention to the message of the prophets until Jesus fills their hearts. The prophets
did not come by their prophesies of their own will. The prophets received their
message from God through the Holy Spirit.
iii. Where: In the truth the believers have been taught. Heaven. The holy mountain. A
dark place. In the believers' hearts.
iv. When: Shortly before Peter dies. Always. As long as Peter lives. After Peter dies.
When the apostles were with Jesus on the mountain. Until the Day dawns.
2. Looking at the Individual Parts
BIBL 360
A. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional resources folder construct
a structural outline of 2 Peter 1:12-21. The principles of structure should influence how you
build this structural outline.
Therefore:
I intend always to remind you of these qualities
though you know them
and are established in the truth that you have.
I think it right (Repetition)
as long as I am in this body
to stir you up by way of reminder
since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon
as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
And I will make every effort
so that after my departure
you may be able at any time
to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ
but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For when he received honor and glory (Explanation)
from God the Father
and the voice was borne to him
by the Majestic Glory
“This is my beloved Son
with whom I am well pleased”
we ourselves heard this very voice
borne from heaven
for we were with him on the holy mountain.
And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed
to which you will do well to pay attention
as to a lamp shining in a dark place (Comparison)
until the day dawns
and the morning star rises in your hearts
knowing this first of all
BIBL 360
that no prophecy of Scripture
comes from someone’s own interpretation.
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man
but
men spoke from God (Contrast)
as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
B. List and explain the principles of structure (comparison, contrast, repetition, illustration,
question posed, question answered, etc.) that you have observed in 2 Peter 1:12-21. These
principles of structure should be reflected in the structural outline from the previous
question.
Verse(s) Principles of Structure
12-15
Repetition – Peter mentions three times in these verses that he is writing so the
believers will remember to espouse the qualities mentioned in the previous
verses.
16-18
Explanation – Peter says the apostles’ message about Jesus was not a clever myth
and then defends his statement by showing how they were eyewitnesses to
Jesus’s glory on the mountain.
19
Comparison – Peter likens the prophetic word to a lamp shining in the dark.
20-21
Contrast – Peter contrasts prophecy coming from man’s own interpretation with
prophecy that comes from God.
C. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional resources folder
BIBL 360
construct a brief outline of 2 Peter 1:12-21.
1. Remember the qualities that help you to grow in Christ. (12-15).
2. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’s glory on the mountain and did not make up stories.
(16-18)
3. The words of the prophets were more fully confirmed by Jesus’s experience on the mountain,
which believers should pay attention to. (19)
4. Prophecy comes from God, not from the will of man. (20-21)
3. Looking at the Fine Details.
Using what you learned when you worked through 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 in the Observation
assignment, complete the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when” of 2 Peter 1:12-21. You should
use the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook, Holman
Concise Bible Commentary. Your answers for this section should be much more detailed than the
ones provided in the Chapter Four questions (Your answers in 1E).
2 Peter 1:12-21
1. Who? (The characters)
The author of the epistle is the apostle Peter, as he identifies himself in verse 1:1. Thomas Lea
wrote, “His claim to be an apostle and the admission of friendship with Paul (3:15) clearly
indicate that the writer intended to be seen as Peter.”1 There are scholars who question Peter’s
authorship of this letter, but the Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook says, “There is no
persuasive reason to deny that Simon Peter wrote this epistle.”2
The recipients of the letter are only identified by Peter as “To those who have obtained a faith of
equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1,
English Standard Version). Lea writes that the recipients were probably the churches in Asia
Minor.3
__________________
1. Thomas D. Lea, “The General Letters,” in Holman Concise Bible Commentary, ed. David S. Dockery
(Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 640.
2. B&H Editorial Staff, Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012),
458.
3. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 641.
BIBL 360
In addition to Peter, the apostles James and John witnessed Jesus’s transfiguration on the
mountain (Matt. 17:1-2, ESV). The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook said that Peter, John,
and James were witnesses when God spoke, saying that Jesus was His Son.4
“God is the Father of Jesus.”5 God is the creator of Scripture and prophecy. Lea wrote, “Peter
stated that the Scripture was reliable because it had a divine rather than human origin.”6
2. What? (Key truths or Events)
Peter wanted to leave a reminder to the churches of the importance of adhering to the qualities
listed in verses 5-7 because he knew he was going to die soon.7 “Peter felt that his coming death
made the writing of this testament imperative.”8
The words of the prophets were proven by Christ’s transfiguration, which was witnessed by
Peter. Lea wrote, “Peter felt that the transfiguration and other events in Jesus’ life made the
scriptural picture of Jesus more sure and certain.”9
“Peter’s message was not a cleverly crafted myth but an eyewitness testimony to the majesty of
Christ.”10 Peter and the apostles were not devising clever stories like the false prophets. There
were eyewitnesses to all that they spoke of.
3. Where? (Geography and Location)
Peter possibly wrote the letter when he was in Rome, possibly while in custody. The Holman
Illustrated Bible Handbook says, “He may already have been imprisoned in Rome, but he did not
allude to this.”11 Peter was crucified in Rome and he writes in verse 14 that he is going to die
soon.12
Although the location of the recipients is not disclosed in the letter, it was probably written to the
recipients of 1 Peter, who were located in Asia Minor.13
_____________
4. Holman Bible Handbook, 461.
5. Ibid.
6. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 642.
7. Holman Bible Handbook, 459.
8. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 642.
9. Ibid.
10. Holman Bible Handbook, 459.
11. Holman Bible Handbook, 458.
12. Steven L. Cox, “Peter,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, T N:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1282.
13. Thomas R. Schreiner, “Peter, Second Letter From,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated
Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1284.
BIBL 360
4. When? (Time factors)
Peter wrote the letter in the mid to late 60s, not long before his death.14 The Holman Illustrated
Bible Handbook says, “The date of 67 is a best guess, determined by noting the strong tradition
that Peter died during the last part of Nero’s reign (ruled ad 54–68).15
Interpretation
Instructions: In this section, you will be building off of your observations in order to explore the
principles of interpretation in your study of 2 Peter 1:12-21. Your assignment is to come up with
interpretive questions and answers that allow you to explore each category: Who, What, When,
Where. Using these questions, you will study through the steps of content, context, comparison,
and consultation to arrive at conclusions regarding 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Lastly, you will seek to answer the final question: Why? We must deal with the question of
“why” somewhat differently than the questions of “who,” “what,” “when,” and “where.” When
we ask “why” we must draw conclusions about the meaning of the passage, based on our study
up to this point. Answer the following questions about 2 Peter 1:12-21 based on your findings
and additional research.
Please note three items:
First, in the Comparison section you will need to demonstrate how other Scriptures support your
interpretive conclusions.
Second, in the Consultation section you should use other scholarly resources (Holman Illustrated
Bible Dictionary, Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook, and the Holman Concise Bible
Commentary. Additionally, you may find excellent resources provided from the Jerry Falwell
Library by following this link:
https://libguides.liberty.edu/c.php?g=564087&p=6899410
Third, material that can be found for free on the internet is typically neither scholarly nor
academic and should not be used for support. Thus, websites like Wikipedia, GotQuestions.org,
BlueLetterBible.org, etc. should not be used for supporting your interpretive conclusions.
_____________
14. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 640.
15. Holman Bible Handbook, 458.
BIBL 360
A. Who? (The Characters)
Description: Find out all you can about the characters, including their identities and situations. If
specific people or groups are mentioned, now is the time to learn more about them. You are not
composing a detailed biography of their lives. You simply want to note what 2 Peter 1:12-21
says about each of the main characters and how that fits with other Scriptural passages. You
should be able to identify at least four (4) characters in this passage.
Question 1: Who is the author of 2 Peter?
Initial proposal based on content: The author is Peter, also known as Simon, one of the
original twelve apostles.
Context: In Verse 1, the author introduces himself as “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of
Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1, ESV). The author also claimed he was going to die soon, just as Jesus
had told him (2 Peter 1:14, ESV). Additionally, the author stated that he was present on the
mountain when Christ had his transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-18). Verse 3:1 describes 2 Peter as
the second letter the author has written to the recipients and in Verse 15 calls Paul his beloved
brother.
Comparison: 1 Peter opens with a similar greeting as 2 Peter, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and
Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for
obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you” (1
Peter 1:1-2, ESV). Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9-28-36 all describe Peter, James, and
John witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.
Consultation: The assertion that the apostle Peter is the author of 2 Peter is disputed by many
scholars.16 Lea wrote, “Those who deny Petrine authorship of 2 Peter have not succeeded in
showing how a pseudepigraphical author could avoid being called dishonest. Despite some
difficulties it is better to accept the claim of the epistle for Petrine authorship.”17 Kenneth Gangel
wrote, “The external and internal evidence, though subject to heavy critical attack, has withstood
the test of time. No argument against Petrine authorship is conclusive and no new evidence has
successfully refuted the epistle’s claim to apostolic authorship.”18 From analyzing what the
scholars have researched, it is most likely that Peter wrote this letter.
Conclusion: 2 Peter was written by Simon Peter, one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus.
_____________
16. Schreiner, Holman Bible Dictionary, 1284.
17. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 640.
18. Kenneth O. Gangel, “2 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,
ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 861.
BIBL 360
Question 2: Who are the recipients of 2 Peter?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter is writing to members of the church who have faith in
Jesus.
Context: Peter does not specify where the churches he is writing to are located. In his greeting,
he addresses the recipients as, “To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours
by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1, ESV). Peter also mentions
that this is the second letter that he is writing to this audience (2 Peter 3:1, ESV).
Comparison: 1 Peter is written to “To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1, ESV). 1 Peter also shows that it is
addressed to those who have been born again (1 Peter 1:3, ESV) and “a chosen race, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV).
Consultation: Schreiner wrote, “The letter was most likely written to the same readers who
received 1 Peter (cp. 3:2), and hence it was probably sent to churches in Asia Minor.”19 Lea
wrote, “It seems best to suggest that Peter wrote to churches located in the northern part of Asia
Minor.”20 Daryl Charles wrote, “While the provenance and destination of the letter elude any
certainty, numerous textual indicators point to a particular social location in which the readership
finds itself, making it likely that the letter is addressed to Christians in Greece or Asia Minor,
where Paul’s letters had already circulated (3:15–16).”21 The letter does not specifically state
where the recipients are located, but it seems like the churches in Asia Minor are the most likely
destination.
Conclusion: Although the letter does not specifically say where the recipients were located,
research of scholarly sources and 1 Peter indicate that the letter was intended for churches in
Asian Minor.
Question 3: Who witnessed Jesus’s transfiguration on the mountain?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter and other apostles were witnesses to the
transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.
_____________
19. Schreiner, Holman Bible Dictionary, 1284.
20. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 641.
21. Daryl Charles, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), no page.
BIBL 360
Context: Peter wrote, “we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with
him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:18, ESV) when describing the witnessing of Christ’s
transfiguration. Peter does not say who the others are but does say, “For we did not follow
cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ” (2 Peter 1:16, ESV), which indicates he is talking about the other apostles.
Comparison: Matthew wrote that Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on the mountain and they
witnessed his transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8, ESV). Mark also describes Peter, James, and John
witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-8, ESV). Luke wrote, “Now about eight days
after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to
pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became
dazzling white” (Luke 9:28-29, ESV) to describe Jesus’s transfiguration. It is clear that Peter was
talking about James and John being with him when Jesus was transfigured.
Consultation: James Brooks wrote regarding the transfiguration, “Jesus took Peter, James, and
John to a mountain where the event took place.”22 Gangel wrote, “The transfiguration was
designed to show the three apostles, Peter, James, and John, what Christ would be like in His
glory, to give them a foretaste of His kingdom.”23 The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook said,
“Peter says that he was an eyewitness of Christ’s glory on the Mount of Transfiguration when he,
James, and John heard the voice of the Father say, ‘This is My beloved Son. I take delight in
Him!’ (2 Pt 1:17).”24 It is apparent that James and John were with Peter on the mountain when
the transfiguration of Jesus happened.
Conclusion: The apostles Peter, James, and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus on the
mountain.
Question 4: Who is the source of prophecy?
Initial proposal based on content: God is the source of prophecy via the Holy Spirit.
Context: Peter wrote that prophecy does not come from man’s own understanding or human will,
“but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21, ESV).
Peter contrasts this against the teachings of false prophets, who are not speaking words from God
(2 Peter 2:1-3, ESV). False prophets their own will and understanding to spread harmful
messages while true prophets speak under the inspiration of God.
___________
22. James Brooks, “Transfiguration,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville,
TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1613.
23. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 868.
24. Holman Bible Handbook, 461.
BIBL 360
Comparison: There are many examples of God being the source of prophecy in the Bible. Paul
wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16, ESV). King David said, “The
Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2, ESV). Jesus said that
David was in the Holy Spirit when he said, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet’” (Mark 12:36, ESV). All prophecy is inspired by God
through the Holy Spirit and is not a work of man.
Consultation: Gangel wrote, “The Scriptures’ human authors were controlled by the divine
Author, the Holy Spirit”25 and also “They are the very words of God Himself!”26 Lea wrote,
“Peter stated that the Scripture was reliable because it had a divine rather than human origin.”27
Randy Hatchett defines prophecy as, “Reception and declaration of a word from the Lord
through a direct prompting of the Holy Spirit and the human instrument thereof.”28 Prophecy,
including Scripture, comes from the Lord and is not the work of man. It is inspired by God
through the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: Prophecy comes from God, who uses the Holy Spirit to inspire prophets and biblical
authors to spread His word.
B. What? (The Key Truths or Events)
Description: This is the time to investigate important words and ideas in the passage. What is the
tone of the passage - joy, sorrow, disappointment, and delight? If it is an action passage, what do
the main actions represent? What are the key truths, events, or relationships mentioned in 2 Peter
1:12-21? Explore these first as they appear in this passage and then throughout Scripture. You
should identify at least three (3) “what” questions.
Question 1: What is the main idea of 2 Peter 1:12-21?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter’s point in this passage is that prophecy comes only
from God and that his word can be believed because he was on the mountain when the
transfiguration of Jesus occurred.
_____________
25. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 869.
26. Ibid.
27. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 642.
28. Randy Hatchett, “Prophecy, Prophets,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
(Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1333.
BIBL 360
Context: Peter asserted that he and the apostles did not create stories when talking about Jesus,
but they actually witnessed His glory (2 Peter 1:16, ESV). This was confirmation of what the Old
Testament prophets had written about (2 Peter 1:18, ESV). He then wrote, “knowing this first of
all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy
was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by
the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21, ESV). Peter wanted the recipients of his letter to know that
prophecy came from God and that his words also were through the Holy Spirit.
Comparison: Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “And we also thank God constantly for this, that
when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of
men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (1 Thess. 2: 13,
ESV), which is similar to what Peter said in Verse 16. Paul also wrote, “If anyone thinks that he
is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a
command of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37, ESV). The apostles asserted that everything they taught to
the churches came from God.
Consultation: Ted Cabal wrote regarding 2 Tim 3:16, “Paul’s point, then, is not that Scripture is
inspiring to read (it is that), or that the authors were inspired (they were), but that Scripture’s
origin means it is the very Word of God.”29 A. Duane Litfin wrote about the same verse, “Thus
Paul reminded Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed (theopneustos, “inspired”), that is,
God’s words were given through men superintended by the Holy Spirit so that their writings are
without error.”30 Gangel wrote, “As the authors of Scripture wrote their prophecies, they were
impelled or borne along by God’s Spirit. What they wrote was thus inspired by God (2 Tim.
3:16).”31 The Scriptures come from God, who uses humans to write down His words.
Conclusion: Peter wanted the readers of the letter to know that the words of the apostles were
inspired by God and could be trusted.
Question 2: What role does Jesus’s transfiguration have in this passage?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter uses his witnessing of Jesus’s transfiguration to show
the recipients of the letter that they should pay attention to what the Old Testament prophets
wrote until the day Jesus returns.
_____________
29. Ted Cabal, “Inspiration of Scripture,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
(Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 824.
30. A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed.
J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 757.
31. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 869.
BIBL 360
Context: Peter wrote, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will
do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning
star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, ESV). He later wrote, “You should remember the
predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your
apostles” (2 Peter 3:2, ESV). Peter wants the recipients to remember the Scriptures and be ready
for the return of Jesus, which He Himself said would happen.
Comparison: Jesus said in Revelation, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these
things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star” (Rev.
22:16, ESV). Jesus is the morning star that Peter wrote about. Jesus said, “Therefore you also
must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44, ESV).
In Hebrews, it says, “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a
second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Heb. 9:28,
ESV). Jesus is coming back and the church must be prepared.
Consultation: Gangel wrote regarding Verse 19, “Much as a lamp at night anticipates and is
outshined by the bright morning star, so Old Testament prophecy looks ahead to the coming of
Christ, “the bright Morning Star” (astēr; Rev. 22:16). Until He comes, believers are to let the
Scriptures illumine their hearts.”32 Schreiner wrote, “The Truth of Jesus’ Coming is Based on the
Prophetic Word.”33 The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook says, “This epistle shows the
importance of holding firmly to the truth in the face of false teachings, particularly the truth that
Jesus will visibly, bodily, and gloriously return and bring about the consummation of all
things.”34 The scholars agree that Peter is exhorting the churches to pay attention to the prophets
until the return of Jesus.
Conclusion: Peter uses the transfiguration of Jesus to show the churches that biblical prophecy is
trustworthy so they should keep them in mind until Christ returns.
Question 3: What is Peter’s purpose for reminding the readers?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter knows he is going to die soon so he is reminding his
readers of the qualities needed to be fruitful in their knowledge of Jesus.
Context: Peter wrote, “Since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord
Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may
be able at any time to recall these things” (2 Peter 1:14-15, ESV). In verses 5-7, Peter lists the
qualities needed and says, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you
from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8,
______________
32. Ibid.
33. Schreiner, Holman Bible Dictionary, 1285.
34. Holman Bible Handbook, 457.
BIBL 360
ESV). Later in the letter, Peter wrote, “This is now the second letter that I am writing to you,
beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should
remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior
through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:1-2). Peter wants the readers to remember the words of the
prophets and the qualities necessary to be fully committed to Jesus.
Comparison: Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you
should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in
my name, he may give it to you” (John 15:16, ESV). Paul wrote, “So as to walk in a manner
worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10, ESV). Paul also wrote, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23, ESV). The Bible tells us what the qualities of being fruitful are
and exhorts us to do them.
Consultation: Regarding the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7, the Holman Illustrated Bible
Handbook said, “Cultivating these qualities will result in increased usefulness, greater
knowledge of Christ, and entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom.”35 Lea wrote, “If Peter’s
readers developed these Christian graces, they would not fall into spiritual ruin, and they would
have a glorious entrance into God’s presence.”36 Gangel wrote, “believers should “grow in the
grace and knowledge (gnōsei) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).”37 Gangel also
said, “Peter wanted to be sure that the Lord’s people would not forget God’s work and God’s
Word.”38 Peter wanted to remind his readers of the qualities necessary to grow in their
knowledge of Jesus so they would not succumb to the false teachers.
Conclusion: Knowing he was going to die soon, Peter made every effort to remind his readers of
the qualities needed to grow their faith in Jesus and resist the heresy of false teachers.
C. Where? (The Geography and location)
Description: Are there places in the passage that need to be identified in geographic placement?
Can anything be learned from the location of the events? Explore these places as they appear in
this passage before considering their significance outside of 2 Peter 1:12-21. You should identify
at least one (1) “where” question.
____________
35. Holman Bible Handbook, 459.
36. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 642.
37. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 866.
38. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 868.
BIBL 360
Question: Where was Peter when he wrote this letter?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter does not mention where he is writing from but since
he predicts he is going to die soon, he is mostly likely in Rome.
Context: Peter wrote, “Since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord
Jesus Christ made clear to me” (2 Peter 1:14, ESV). There is nothing else in the letter indicating
where Peter is.
Comparison: In Peter’s first letter, he wrote, “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen,
sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son” (1 Peter 5:13, ESV), an indication that he may
have been in Rome. The New Living Translation of the same verse says, “Your sister church
here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark” (1 Peter 5:13, New Living
Translation). Nowhere else in the Bible does it mention where Peter may have been when he
wrote 2 Peter.
Consultation: Gangel wrote, “The text of 2 Peter suggests no specific place for its composition.
However, since 1 Peter was written in Rome and Rome is traditionally held to be the place of
Peter’s crucifixion, it is reasonable to assume that 2 Peter was written in Rome as well.”39 The
Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook said, “Peter was aware of his own approaching death (1:14).
He may already have been imprisoned in Rome, but he did not allude to this.”40 Charles
explained, “Although the origin and destination elude certainty, it is plausible that this letter was
written in Rome shortly before the apostle’s martyrdom.”41 Steven Cox wrote, “Peter died as a
martyr in Rome under Nero.”42 Although there is no definite evidence of Peter’s location, he was
most likely in Rome when he wrote this epistle.
Conclusion: There is no direct evidence of Peter’s location when he wrote 2 Peter, but since he
died in Rome, he most likely wrote the letter from there.
D. When? (The Time Factors)
Description: Determine if there is anything critical related to the element of time in this passage.
Are there lessons to be learned based on the timing of the events? How is this presented first in 2
Peter 1:12-21 and then throughout the Scriptures? You should identify at least one (1) “when”
question.
____________
39. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 862.
40. Bible Knowledge Handbook, 458.
41. Charles, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude, no page.
42. Steven L. Cox, “Peter,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1282.
BIBL 360
Question: When was 2 Peter written?
Initial proposal based on content: Peter wrote the letter shortly before his death.
Context: Peter wrote, “Since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord
Jesus Christ made clear to me” (2 Peter 1:14, ESV), indicating he was going to die soon. Another
indication of when Peter wrote the letter is when he says, “This is now the second letter that I am
writing to you, beloved” (2 Peter 3:1, ESV), which means it was likely written after 1 Peter.
Peter mentions Paul’s letters, indicating that 2 Peter was probably written after Paul’s letters to
the Romans.
Comparison: 1 Peter indicates that Peter was in Rome when he wrote that letter, meaning it was
probably towards the end of his life (1 Peter 5:13, ESV). Throughout 1 Peter, he writes about the
readers suffering, possibly indicating persecution from Nero that occurred in the early 60s. Paul
was in Corinth when he wrote Romans (Rom. 16:1, ESV) and he was in Corinth near the end of
his last missionary journey (Acts 18:1-8, ESV). There is no other indication in the Bible of when
Peter wrote his letters.
Consultation: Gangel wrote, “Since 1 Peter is normally dated around a.d. 64, 2 Peter may be
conservatively placed some time after the writing of 1 Peter and before Peter’s death, between
a.d. 64 and 68.”43 Lea wrote, “There is little specific information by which to arrive at an exact
date, but it seems likely that 2 Peter was written shortly after 1 Peter. A time in the mid to late
60s shortly before Peter’s demise seems acceptable.”44 Schreiner said, “Probably Peter wrote the
letter shortly before his death in the mid 60s.”45 Although some scholars believe the letter was
written as late as the second century46, it was most likely written in the mid to late 60s, shortly
before Peter died.
Conclusion: While the exact date of the writing of this letter is unknown, it was most likely
written in the mid to late 60s, shortly before Peter’s death.
______________
43. Gangel, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 862.
44. Lea, Holman Bible Commentary, 640.
45. Schreiner, Holman Bible Dictionary, 1284.
46. Gangel, Knowledge Bible Commentary, 862.
BIBL 360
E. Why? (The purpose of this passage)
Description: The purpose question is two-sided: there is the need that caused the revelation to be
given, and there is the author’s message that addressed that need. Here you are drawing
conclusion based on all that you have studied. Examine your work in observation and this
interpretation exercise; what do you believe is the need of the passage and then what is the
message and how does it address that need?
The Need: The churches that the letter was sent to were struggling with false teachers. Peter,
since he was soon going to die, needed to remind the readers of the qualities needed to grow in
the knowledge of Jesus and show the difference between prophecies from God and prophecies
from human will.
The Message: Peter’s message in this passage is that the readers need to be prepared for Jesus’s
return by growing in their knowledge of him. This is done by espousing the qualities that Peter
listed in Verses 5-7. He also tells the readers that true prophesy comes from God, through the
Holy Spirit, and that human will and understanding do not create prophesy.
Application
Instructions: Using the questions below as a guide, develop application principles from 2 Peter
1:12-21. Be sure that your work is connected to and based on your work in the previous two
Unlocking the Scriptures project assignments. There ought to be a connection between your
application principles and your work in observation and interpretation.
1. Identify the Universal Truth:
What universal truth is God communicating in this passage? Your content here should answer
the question, “What is the one thing the whole thing is saying?” This does not need to be a full
paragraph. Rather, it should be no more than 2-3 well-written sentences.
We need to study and believe in the words of Scripture. Scripture is inspired by God and we
must always test everything we hear against the word of God, so we can be prepared for Jesus’s
return.
2. Identify Specific Points of Application:
How will you apply this universal truth to the four relationships of life? Your answer here should
begin with one of the items listed under the various relationships (with God, with yourself, with
others, with Satan) addressed in chapter 10. Be sure that your explanation is both detailed and
BIBL 360
specific. An explanation that is 2-3 sentences in length is neither detailed nor sufficient at this
academic level.
A. Relationship with God:
A truth to rest in.
Explain: I have to rest in the truth that Scripture is inspired by God and does not come from the
will of man (2 Peter 1:20-21, ESV). This means that I have to test everything I hear from
television, radio, pastors, and the internet against the Bible to see if it is coming from God.
Peter’s witness of God glorifying Jesus during His transfiguration is added proof that the
prophecies of God are true. In contrast, false prophets do not use the word of God but can “who
will secretly bring in destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1, ESV). Gaining discernment through the
study of Scripture is the best way to identify false teachers.
B. Relationship with myself:
A priority to change.
Explain: I need to prioritize the study of Scripture over everything else in my life. Peter says that
we need to pay attention to the prophetic word as we wait for Christ’s return (2 Peter 1:19, ESV).
As I juggle school, coaching, and part-time work, I sometimes neglect the most important part of
my day, reading and meditating on God’s word. I know that if I put God first, He will take care
of the other parts of my life, but sometimes I get so worried about time I neglect His word. I have
to put God and His word first and let Him take control of the rest of my life.
C. Relationship with others:
An exhortation to give.
Explain: I need to make sure my family and the people of my church know the difference
between true prophetic teaching and false teaching. My wife likes to watch television preachers
and I have to exhort her to test everything she hears against God’s word. I need to do the same
for my youth group and the small groups that I lead. I have to warn them to be aware of false
teachings and to make sure they are confirming what they hear with the Bible.
D. Relationship with Satan:
A temptation to resist.
BIBL 360
Explain: I must resist the urge to blindly believe everything that I hear from pastors and others
preaching God’s word. As Christians, it can be easy to listen to a Sunday morning sermon and
just trust that what the pastor is saying is true. I cannot let Satan make me lazy and blindly
believe what I am hearing. I need to do the research and confirm that what I am hearing is
coming from the Bible.
3. Identify A Verse for Contemplation:
What verse from 2 Peter 1:12-21 should be my focus of meditation and memorization? Explain
why this verse is the most suitable verse for contemplation from this passage.
Verse 19 should be my focus of meditation and memorization because Peter’s witnessing of
Jesus’s transfiguration confirmed the prophecies of Jesus in the Old Testament. Peter said that
we need to pay attention to these prophecies so that we are prepared for Jesus’s return. In Daniel
it says, “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a
son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was
given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve
him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed” (Dan. 7:13-14, ESV). Jesus said, “You also must be ready, for the
Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40, ESV). Jesus will return some
day and we all have to be prepared when that day comes.
4. Identify How You Will Practice What You Have Learned:
What will you do this week to apply these principles to your life? Based on your study of 2 Peter
1:12-21, write five concrete actions or attitudes you can work on this week. These actions or
attitudes need to be specific to this passage and should not be so general that they fit with any
number of Bible passages. Thus, you should avoid making general statements like “I will pray
more” or “I will study the Bible for ½ hour every day this week.” Further, be sure to state how
these five concrete actions or attitudes you will work on this week are specifically connected to 2
Peter 1:12-21.
A. I will test everything I hear against the Bible.
Explain: Peter tells us in Verse 19 that we have to pay attention to Scripture so we will be
prepared for Jesus’s return. This also means we have to be on guard against false teachers.
Making sure that what I hear regarding the Bible is consistent with what the Bible says is a way
to keep myself studying the Scriptures and prepare myself for Jesus’s return. This will also help
me to be able to identify false teachings that may lead me away from the true word of God. Peter
wrote regarding false teachers, “And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the
way of truth will be blasphemed” (2 Peter 2:2, ESV). As I test all that I hear against what the
Bible says, it will keep me from being tricked into following false information.
BIBL 360
B. I will remind the people in my life to pay attention to God’s word.
Explain: Peter teaches us in Verse 20 that no prophecy comes from a person’s own
interpretation. Many Christians blindly believe everything they hear from others regarding
Scripture. I will let those in my family and church know that they have to verify everything they
hear. All true prophecy is inspired by God and will not contradict the rest of the Bible. All
interpretation of Scripture must be consistent with what the rest of the Bible says.
C. I will work to grow in the qualities needed to be more productive in my knowledge of Jesus.
Explain: Peter will always remind his readers of the things needed to grow in Jesus (2 Peter 1:12,
ESV). He says in Verse 10 to work hard to show that they are among God’s chosen. The growth
from faith to love is what truly sets apart a Christian from the rest of the world. Peter’s words to
the first century churches regarding this are still applicable today. Christians should be
identifiable by their actions in the world. A lot of people know I am a Christian because I have
told them. I hope that they also know that I am a Christian by the way I act and treat others. I
know that I am not perfect, as nobody in history was except for Jesus, but I do hope that I act in a
way that people can identify me as being a Christian.
D. I will be more intentional about discipling and shepherding my grandchildren.
Explain: One of the reasons Peter wrote this letter was because he was going to die soon (2 Peter
1:14, ESV). We never know when God is going to take us so I have to take advantage of the time
I have to disciple my grandchildren. My mother-in-law played a huge factor in the growth of her
grandchildren’s faith, and it had a lasting impression on them. Even after her death over ten years
ago, my children and their cousins still recall her teaching them about Jesus. I hope to have the
same lasting impact on my grandchildren. In Verse 15 Peter said that he would work hard to
make sure his readers remembered what he was reminding them of. I hope to do the same thing
for my family.
E. I will live my life as if Jesus is coming back tomorrow.
Explain: Peter exhorts us to pay attention to the prophetic word, including the prophecies about
Jesus coming back (2 Peter 1:19, ESV). Many Christians, including myself at times, live as if the
return of Jesus is something that will happen in the distant future. The truth is nobody except for
God knows when Jesus is coming back. It could be thousands of years from now, but it could
also be in the next five minutes. Peter is reminding us to pay close attention to the Scripture and
to live lives honoring God at all times so that we are prepared when Christ our Savior returns.
BIBL 360
Bibliography
B&H Editorial Staff. Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers,
2012.
Brooks, James. “Transfiguration.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand
et al. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
Cabal, Ted. “Inspiration of Scripture.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad
Brand et al. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
Charles, Daryl, and Tom Thatcher.U1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan Academic, 2006.
Cox, Steven L. “Peter.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand et al.
Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
Gangel, Kenneth O. “2 Peter.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Hatchett, Randy. “Prophecy, Prophets.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad
Brand et al. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
Lea, Thomas D. “The General Letters.” In Holman Concise Bible Commentary, edited by David
S. Dockery. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.
Litfin, A. Duane. “2 Timothy.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Thomas R. Schreiner, Thomas R. “Peter, Second Letter From.” In Holman Illustrated Bible
Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand et al. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
