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Name:
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
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C. After reading 2 Peter 1:12-21 these three times, note your initial observations in the chart
below. You should be able to make at least 12 observations.
Verse(s) Observations
2 Peter 1:12
Peter emphasizes the importance of reminding the believers of the truth they
already know.
He acknowledges that the believers are established in the truth.
2 Peter 1:13 Peter considers it right to refresh the believers' memory.
He indicates the temporary nature of his earthly life ("tent").
2 Peter 1:14
Peter is aware of his impending death.
He refers to Jesus Christ revealing to him the nature of his departure.
2 Peter 1:15
Peter is committed to ensuring the believers can remember his teachings after
his departure.
This implies a focus on legacy and enduring instruction.
2 Peter 1:17
Peter asserts the authenticity of the apostolic message.
He emphasizes that the apostles did not follow cleverly devised myths.
The apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ’s majesty.
2 Peter 1:18
Peter reaffirms that they heard the voice from heaven.
The voice was heard when they were with Jesus on the sacred mountain
2 Peter 1:19
Peter highlights the prophetic message as completely reliable.
He urges believers to pay attention to the prophetic message.
The prophetic message is likened to a light shining in a dark place.
2 Peter 1:20
Peter emphasizes that the prophecy of Scripture is not open to personal
interpretation.
This suggests a divine origin and unified truth in the prophecies.
2 Peter 1:21 Peter explains that prophecy never originated from human will.
Prophets spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter
1:14-15
Peter's mention of his own death shows his acceptance and preparation for it,
suggesting a focus on spiritual readiness.
The emphasis on "make every effort" in verse 15 shows Peter's dedication to
ensuring the continuity of his teachings.
2 Peter
1:12-13
Peter uses the word "remind" multiple times, indicating the importance of
repetition in teaching.
The phrase "as long as I live in the tent of this body" shows Peter's awareness
of the transient nature of life.
2 Peter
1:16-18
The reference to "majesty" in verse 16 and "honor and glory" in verse 17
highlights the divine nature and authority of Jesus Christ.
The use of "eyewitnesses" in verse 16 underscores the credibility and firsthand
experience of the apostles
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D. With your Bible open, reread 2 Peter 1:12-21 1and note at least fifteen additional
observations from this passage.
Verse(s) Observations
2 Peter 1:12 Peter's reminder suggests that repetition is an essential part of spiritual
growth.
He reassures that the truth the believers know is established.
2 Peter 1:13 The phrase "refresh your memory" indicates that believers need constant
reminders.
Peter's sense of duty to remind suggests a pastoral concern for the believers'
spiritual well-being.
2 Peter 1:14
Peter's awareness of his approaching death was based on Jesus' prior
revelation, showing his confidence in Christ's words.
The term "putting it aside" reflects Peter’s calm acceptance of death
2 Peter 1:15 Peter's intention to leave a lasting reminder reflects the importance he places
on continuity of teaching.
His effort to "make every effort" shows his determination and sense of
responsibility
2 Peter 1:16
The contrast between "cleverly devised stories" and eyewitness testimony
emphasizes the authenticity of the apostles' message.
The term "power and coming" points to both the historical events and future
return of Christ.
2 Peter 1:17
The voice from heaven not only confirms Jesus' sonship but also His beloved
status and divine pleasure.
This divine affirmation underscores Jesus' unique relationship with the
Father.
2 Peter 1:18 The mention of the "sacred mountain" connects the experience to a specific,
significant location.
Peter’s use of "we ourselves heard" emphasizes the personal and collective
1 David M Shaw, “The Commitment of the Calling—1 Peter 3:8–17,” BRILL EBooks, September
28, 2023, 148–81, https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004682801_008.
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witness of the apostles.
2 Peter 1:19
The phrase "completely reliable" underscores the trustworthiness of the
prophetic message.
The metaphor of a light suggests that prophecy provides guidance and hope in
times of darkness
2 Peter 1:20 The statement that no prophecy is a matter of personal interpretation points to
the need for communal and Spirit-guided understanding of Scripture.
It emphasizes the divine rather than human origin of prophecy.
2 Peter 1:21
The process of prophets being "carried along by the Holy Spirit" highlights
the active role of the Spirit in revelation.
It distinguishes true prophecy from human-generated ideas or desires.
2 Peter 1:12-
13
Peter’s repetition of his intent to remind them suggests that spiritual truths can
be easily forgotten without reinforcement.
His approach to teaching shows an awareness of human nature's need for
repeated instruction.
2 Peter 1:14-
15
The specific reference to Jesus Christ making clear his impending death
indicates the personal relationship and communication between Peter and
Jesus.
Peter’s focus on making efforts for the believers’ benefit even after his
departure shows his enduring commitment to their spiritual well-being
2 Peter 1:16-
18
Peter’s recounting of the transfiguration (an extraordinary event) serves to
validate his message and authority.
The detailed recounting of hearing God's voice indicates the significance of
this event in affirming Jesus' divine nature.
2 Peter 1:19-
21
The insistence on the reliability and divine origin of prophecy suggests an
ongoing battle against false teachings and misinterpretations.
The connection between prophecy and the Holy Spirit underscores the
importance of divine inspiration in understanding and conveying God’s
message.
Verse 12
Peter sees it as his duty to always remind the believers of the truths they
already know and are established in.
Verse 13
Peter feels a sense of urgency and responsibility to refresh the believers'
memory as long as he is alive.
Verse 14
Peter is aware of his imminent death, as Jesus Christ has made it clear to him.
Verse 15
Peter is committed to ensuring that after his departure, believers will be able
to recall these teachings.
Verse 16
Peter asserts that the apostles did not follow cleverly devised stories but were
eyewitnesses of Christ's majesty
Verse 17
Peter recalls the transfiguration of Jesus, where God the Father honored Him
with glory and a voice from the Majestic Glory
E. Using your Bible and the two charts of observations you have constructed record the major
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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 apostle and author of the letter, who is reminding the believers of the truth and
preparing for his departure.
Believers: The recipients of Peter’s letter, who are established in the truth.
Jesus Christ: Central to the message, whose majesty and divine nature are affirmed.
God the Father: Whose voice affirms Jesus as His beloved Son during the transfiguration.
Prophets: Those who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
ii. What:
Reminder of Truth: Peter emphasizes the importance of reminding believers of the truths they
already know and are established in.
Peter’s Impending Death: He is aware of his soon departure, as revealed by Jesus Christ.
Eyewitness Testimony: Peter recounts being an eyewitness to Jesus’ majesty, particularly during
the transfiguration.
Divine Affirmation: The voice from heaven confirms Jesus as God's beloved Son.
Prophetic Message: Peter stresses the reliability and divine origin of prophecy, highlighting it as
a light in a dark place.
Role of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy is not a matter of personal interpretation but comes from the
Holy Spirit.
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iii. Where:
The Sacred Mountain: The location where Peter and other apostles witnessed the transfiguration
and heard the voice from heaven.
Peter's Current Location: Implied to be on earth, in a temporary "tent" (his body), writing to the
believers.
iv. When:
Time of Writing: Peter is writing this letter during the latter part of his life, aware of his
impending death.
Past Event: The transfiguration, when Peter and others heard the voice from heaven, is recounted
as a significant past event.
Future Preparation: Peter is making efforts to ensure that after his departure, the believers will
remember his teachings.
2. Looking at the Individual Parts
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.
1. Reminder of Established Truth (2 Peter 1:12-15)
1:12: Peter’s intention to always remind the believers of the truth they already know.
1:13: Peter considers it right to refresh their memory if he lives in his earthly body.
1:14: Awareness of his impending death, as Jesus Christ has revealed to him.
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1:15: Commitment to ensuring the believers can remember his teachings after his departure.
2.Affirmation of Eyewitness Testimony (2 Peter 1:16-18)
1:16: Apostolic message based on eyewitness testimony, not cleverly devised stories.
1:17: Recounting the transfiguration, where Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father.
1:18: Peter and others hearing the voice from heaven on the sacred mountain.
3.Reliability and Divine Origin of Prophecy (2 Peter 1:19-21)
1:19: The prophetic message is completely reliable and should be heeded like a light shining in a
dark place.
1:20: Emphasis that no prophecy of Scripture comes from personal interpretation.
1:21: Prophecy does not originate from human will but from the Holy Spirit guiding the
prophets.
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
2 Peter 1:12-15 Repetition: Peter’s repeated emphasis on reminding the believers of the truth
2 Peter 1:13-14 Contrast: Temporary nature of Peter’s earthly life (the tent) versus the
enduring truth.
2 Peter 1:16-18 Preparation: Peter’s efforts to prepare the believers for his absence
2 Peter 1:16-18 Eyewitness Testimony: The use of personal experience to validate the
apostolic message
2 Peter 1:17-18 Illustration: Describing the transfiguration event as an illustration of Jesus'
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majesty and divine affirmation
2 Peter 1:16 Contrast: Eyewitness testimony versus cleverly devised stories
2 Peter 1:19 Reliability: Emphasizing the prophetic message as completely reliable
2 Peter 1:19 Metaphor: The prophetic message as a light shining in a dark place
2 Peter 1:19 Divine Origin: Contrast between human will and divine guidance in the
origin of prophecy
2 Peter 1:21 Repetition: Affirmation of the role of the Holy Spirit in prophecy
C. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional resources folder
construct a brief outline of 2 Peter 1:12-21.
I. Peter’s Commitment to Remind the Believers (2 Peter 1:12-15)
A. The Necessity of Reminders (v. 12)
Peter intends to always remind the believers of the truth they already know and are established
in.
B. The Duty to Refresh Memory (v. 13)
Peter finds it right to refresh their memory if he is in his earthly body (the tent).
C. Awareness of Impending Death (v. 14)
Peter acknowledges that his death is near, as revealed by Jesus Christ.
D. Ensuring Future Remembrance (v. 15)
Peter is committed to making every effort so that the believers will be able to remember his
teachings after his departure.
II. Eyewitness Testimony of Jesus’ Majesty (2 Peter 1:16-18)
A. Authenticity of the Apostolic Message (v. 16)
The apostles did not follow cleverly devised stories; they were eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ’s
majesty.
B. The Transfiguration Event (v. 17)
Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father, who declared Jesus as His beloved Son.
C. Personal Witness of the Apostles (v. 18)
The apostles heard the voice from heaven while with Jesus on the sacred mountain.
III. The Reliability and Divine Origin of Prophecy (2 Peter 1:19-21)
A. The Surety of the Prophetic Message (v. 19)
The prophetic message is completely reliable and should be heeded like a light shining in a dark
place.
B. Nature of Scriptural Prophecy (v. 20)
No prophecy of Scripture comes from personal interpretation.
C. Divine Inspiration of Prophecy (v. 21)
Prophecy never had its origin in human will; prophets spoke from God as they were carried
along by the Holy Spirit.
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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
a. Who? (The characters)
Peter: The author of the letter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, who is reminding believers of the truths
they already know and preparing for his impending death. Peter emphasizes his role as a witness
to Jesus' majesty and a reliable transmitter of the gospel.
Believers: The recipients of Peter’s letter, likely Christians in various regions of the Roman
Empire who are established in the truth and need continual reminders of the gospel.
Jesus Christ: Central to the passage, He is described as receiving honor and glory from God the
Father. Peter specifically references the transfiguration, where Jesus’ divine nature was affirmed.
God the Father: He affirms Jesus as His beloved Son during the transfiguration, providing divine
validation of Jesus’ identity and mission.
Prophets: Individuals who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. They
are mentioned to highlight the divine origin of Scripture and prophecy.
Apostles (including Peter, James, and John): Eyewitnesses to Jesus' majesty, particularly during
the transfiguration event. Their testimony provides a foundation for the believers' faith.
2. What? (Key truths or events)
Reminder of Established Truths: Peter underscores the importance of reminding the believers of
the truths they already know, emphasizing the necessity of repetition in spiritual growth.
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Peter’s Impending Death: Peter acknowledges his soon departure from this life, referring to his
death as laying aside his earthly tent, which Jesus had made clear to him.
Eyewitness Testimony: Peter recounts the transfiguration event where he, along with James and
John, witnessed Jesus receiving honor and glory from God the Father. This event serves as a key
illustration of Jesus' divine nature.
Divine Affirmation: During the transfiguration, God the Father declared Jesus as His beloved
Son, providing divine confirmation of Jesus’ identity.
Reliability of Prophecy: Peter emphasizes the complete reliability of the prophetic message,
likening it to a light shining in a dark place. He stresses that prophecy did not come from human
interpretation but from the Holy Spirit.
Divine Inspiration of Scripture: Peter asserts that no prophecy of Scripture originated from
human will, but that prophets spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,
affirming the divine origin and authority of biblical prophecy.
3. Where? (Geography and location)
The Sacred Mountain: The transfiguration event took place on a mountain, traditionally
identified as Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon. This is the location where Peter, James, and John
witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration and heard the voice of God the Father.
Peter’s Current Location: While the exact location of Peter when writing this letter is not
specified, it is traditionally believed that Peter wrote from Rome during the latter part of his life.
Recipients’ Location: The specific geographic location of the recipients is not detailed in this
passage. However, Peter’s letters were generally circulated among early Christian communities
in the Roman Empire, including regions such as Asia Minor.
4. When? (Time factors)
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Time of Writing: 2 Peter is generally believed to have been written in the mid-60s AD, shortly
before Peter's martyrdom under Emperor Nero’s reign. Peter writes with the awareness of his
impending death.
Past Event (Transfiguration): The transfiguration occurred during Jesus’ earthly ministry,
approximately 30-33 AD. This event is recounted to emphasize its significance and the
eyewitness testimony of the apostles.
Future Preparation: Peter is preparing the believers for his absence, indicating a future where
they will need to rely on the teachings and reminders he has provided. This highlights the
importance of his efforts to ensure the continuity of his message after his death.
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 2.
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:
2 Travis B. Williams, “Confirming Scripture through Eyewitness Testimony (2 Peter 1.19a):
Resolving a Crux Interpretum,” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 43, no. 4 (April 3,
2021): 605–24, https://doi.org/10.1177/0142064x211004451.
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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.
A. Who? (The Characters) peter
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:
Initial proposal based on content:
Peter is the apostle writing the letter, reminding believers of the truths they know
Context:
Peter identifies himself as the author in the opening of the letter (2 Peter 1:1) and speaks with
authority as an eyewitness of Jesus’ majesty
Comparison:
Peter is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and Acts as one of Jesus’ closest disciples, a leader
in the early church, and an apostle who witnessed key events such as the transfiguration
(Matthew 17:1-8).
Consultation:
According to the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Peter was a leader in the early Christian
community and often acted as a spokesperson for the apostles. He played a pivotal role in
spreading the gospel to the Gentiles
Conclusion:
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Peter, as an eyewitness and apostolic leader, writes to reaffirm the truths of the faith and prepare
believers for his impending death, ensuring they remain steadfast3
Question 2:
Initial proposal based on content:
The recipients of Peter’s letter, who are established in the truth
Context:
Peter addresses the believers directly, indicating they have received a faith as precious as his (2
Peter 1:1). He sees his role as reminding them of established truths (v. 12).
Comparison:
Throughout the New Testament, believers are exhorted to remain steadfast in their faith and be
continually reminded of the gospel (e.g., Philippians 3:1, 2 Timothy 1:6).
Consultation:
The Holman Concise Bible Commentary notes that the recipients were likely facing false
teachings and needed reinforcement of true doctrine
Conclusion:
The believers, though established in the faith, require continuous reminders to stay true to the
gospel amid challenges and false teachings
Question 3:
Initial proposal based on content:
Jesus is the central figure whose majesty and divine sonship are affirmed in the passage.
Context:
Peter recounts the transfiguration, where Jesus was declared the beloved Son by God the Father
(v. 17).
Comparison:
3 Philip F. Esler, “Paul’s Explanation of Christ-Movement Identity in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1: A
Social Identity Approach,” Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture 51, no. 2
(April 7, 2021): 101–18, https://doi.org/10.1177/0146107921997109.
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The transfiguration is detailed in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke
9:28-36), affirming Jesus' divine nature and authority.
Consultation:
The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook emphasizes Jesus' divinity and His unique role as the
Son of God, as witnessed during the transfiguration
Conclusion:
Jesus Christ is affirmed as the beloved Son of God, whose majesty and divine authority were
witnessed firsthand by the apostles, reinforcing the truth of the gospel.
Question 4:
Initial proposal based on content:
The prophets are those who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Context:
Peter highlights that prophecy does not come from human will but from the Holy Spirit (v. 21).
Comparison:
Prophets throughout the Old Testament, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, received and
conveyed messages from God (2 Timothy 3:16).
Consultation:
According to the Holman Concise Bible Commentary, the role of the prophets was to convey
God's messages, which were divinely inspired and authoritative.
Conclusion:
The prophets are divinely inspired messengers whose writings and teachings are authoritative
and reliable, as they were guided by the Holy Spirit
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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:
He stresses that reminders are crucial for spiritual growth and steadfastness, especially as he
anticipates his death (v. 14-15).
Comparison:
Paul also emphasizes the importance of reminders in his letters, such as in 1 Corinthians 4:17
and Philippians 3:1
Consultation:
The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook notes that continual reminders help safeguard believers
against false teachings and spiritual complacency.
Conclusion:
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Peter’s reminders are vital for reinforcing the believers’ faith and ensuring they remain steadfast
in the truth, especially in his absence
Question 2:
Initial proposal based on content:
The transfiguration is used to affirm Jesus' divine nature and the reliability of the apostles'
testimony (v. 16-18).
Context:
Peter uses this event to differentiate the apostolic message from cleverly devised stories,
emphasizing their eyewitness experience (v. 16).
Comparison:
The transfiguration is a pivotal moment in the Gospels, highlighting Jesus' divine glory and His
fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 17:1-8).
Consultation:
The Holman Concise Bible Commentary explains that the transfiguration confirms Jesus' divine
sonship and authority, reinforcing the apostles' witness.
Conclusion:
The transfiguration is a crucial event that validates the apostles’ testimony and affirms Jesus'
divine nature, providing a solid foundation for the believers’ faith.
Question 3:
Initial proposal based on content:
Prophecy is portrayed as completely reliable and divinely inspired (v. 19-21).
Context:
Peter emphasizes the prophetic message as a light shining in a dark place, urging believers to
heed it (v. 19).
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Comparison:
Prophecy is consistently portrayed in Scripture as divinely inspired and authoritative, such as in
2 Timothy 3:16 and Hebrews 1:1-2
Consultation:
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary highlights the role of prophecy in revealing God's will
and guiding His people
Conclusion:
Prophecy is a divinely inspired and authoritative guide for believers, offering reliable direction
and assurance of God's truth.
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.
Question:
Where did the transfiguration take place?
Initial proposal based on content:
The transfiguration took place on a sacred mountain (v. 18).
Context:
This location is significant as the site where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine glory.
Comparison:
The synoptic Gospels place the transfiguration on a high mountain, traditionally identified as
Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon (Matthew 17:1-8).
Consultation:
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The Holman Concise Bible Commentary notes the traditional identification of Mount Tabor or
Mount Hermon as the likely site of the transfiguration.
Conclusion:
The sacred mountain, identified traditionally as Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon, is the
significant location of the transfiguration, where Jesus' divine nature was revealed.
D. When? (The Time Factors)
Description: Determine if there is anything critical related to the element of time in this passage.
Are there lesson 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.
Question:
Initial proposal based on content:
Peter is writing shortly before his death (v. 14-15).
Context:
He is aware of his impending death and is making efforts to remind the believers of the truth
before he departs.
Comparison:
This sense of urgency is similar to Paul's final instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, where
Paul anticipates his own death
Consultation:
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The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook places the writing of 2 Peter in the mid-60s AD, during
Nero’s persecution of Christians, shortly before Peter’s martyrdom
Conclusion:
Peter is writing this letter in the mid-60s AD, shortly before his death, with an urgency to
reinforce the believers’ faith and remind them of the truth.
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 believers need to be reminded of the established truths of the gospel to remain steadfast in
their faith, especially in the face of false teachings and Peter’s impending death.
The Message:
Peter emphasizes the reliability of the apostolic testimony and the prophetic message, both of
which affirm the divine nature and authority of Jesus Christ. He underscores the importance of
continual reminders and the divine origin of prophecy, ensuring that the believers can
confidently hold onto the truth. This message addresses the need by reinforcing the believers'
faith and preparing them for challenges ahead, providing a solid foundation of divine truth and
eyewitness testimony.
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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.
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
specific. An explanation that is 2-3 sentences in length is neither detailed nor sufficient at this
academic level.
A. Relationship with ___God________________:
A __________ A Commitment _____________ to __ Remain Steadfast in the Truth
Explain:
In our relationship with God, it is essential to continually remind ourselves of the truths of the
gospel, much like Peter's reminder to the believers. This means regularly engaging with
Scripture, prayer, and reflection to reinforce our understanding and commitment to God's Word.
In this way, we respect the revelation of God and make sure our belief is firm and is not affected
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by the heresies or the struggles that one might face. This steadfastness assists in becoming more
like God and living the life that he has intended for us
B. Relationship with _myself__
A(n) ________ Live truthful life
Explain:
Applying Peter’s emphasis on reminders simply means taking time to instill on oneself and
others the principles of scriptures. This entails not only recitation of verses but also
contemplation of the actual meaning and implications of those verses in a person’s life. This
way, every time people remember God’s Word and use it, they not only transform their
characters positively but also gain a sense of understanding and serenity that is anchored on the
truth.
C. Relationship with ____others_______________:
A(n) _________ An Intention to Exhort Others to Remember the Truth among Fellow Faithful
____________ to ___
Explain:
Peter’s letter shows us how we should build up other people in their relationship with the Lord.
This means being an encouragement to other believers through sharing the word of God with
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them, recalling to them the word of God and therefore the promises that are in place for them. By
encouraging each other with daily reminders and encouragement, we assist in keeping each other
on track to not only follow the gospel but to also endure through the trials that it may come
with4.
D. Relationship with _____Satan______________:
A(n) _____________ A Defense Against Deception and False Teachings ________ to
Explain:
By focusing on the dependability of the apostolic witness and the prophetic word, Peter prepares
us to withstand Satan’s lies and heresies. Because prophecy comes from God, it is only
reasonable for us to be familiar with scriptures and the fact that it is God who gives prophecies;
this will help us to distinguish between truth and falsehood when Satan tries to deceive us. It is a
defensive posture that entails constant awareness, learning, and prayer to the Holy Spirit to help
in the fight against deception.
3. Identify A Verse for Contemplation:
What verse from 2 Peter 1: These are the numbers 12-21 which should be my focus of
meditation and memorization? To sum up, it is possible to explain why this particular verse is the
most appropriate verse for contemplation based on the passage provided.
4 NWU, “ORCID,” orcid.org, 2021, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0140-4053.
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This verse encapsulates the core message of the passage: concerning the trustworthiness of the
message and the appropriateness of listening to it. It reminds us to cherish and obey the Word,
which is God’s guidance in our daily existence in the world that is shrouded in evil. I hope that
memorizing and pondering over this verse will help remind us about the significance of Scripture
in our lives and will make us continue paying attention to it.
4. Identify How You Will Practice What You Have Learned:
A.
Explain:
Thus, this week, I will wake up every morning and read some passage from the Scripture and
think about the truths told by it, looking at its reliability and the divine message. This practice
will assist me in strengthening my faith and in reminding myself about the Word of God during
the day
B.
Explain:
I will reach out to at least one fellow believer each day to share a verse or insight from 2 Peter
1:12-21, affirming them and recalling them to the realities of the gospel. This will foster a spirit
of camaraderie and enhance our belief in what we are doing.
C.
Explain:
Each evening, I will spend time journaling about how I applied the truths of 2 Peter 1:12-21
during the day is the availability of the shuttle service. This reflection will lead to internalizing
the lessons and also to discover aspects of personal growth in the faith journey.
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D.
Explain:
When watching or reading the media, I will make sure that I reject any messages that contradict
the truth in the Bible. This practice will help build a discerning spirit and prevent the
introduction of heresies that may otherwise seep into my belief system and practices.
E.
Explain:
I will memorize 2 Peter 1:19 and another from the passage to have all these truths available to
me in mind. This will be useful as a form of prayer and devotional support during the difficult
times of life and transition.
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Bibliography
Shaw, David M. “The Commitment of the Calling—1 Peter 3:8–17.” BRILL EBooks, September
28, 2023, 148–81. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004682801_008.
Williams, Travis B. “Confirming Scripture through Eyewitness Testimony (2 Peter 1.19a):
Resolving a Crux Interpretum.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 43, no. 4
(April 3, 2021): 605–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/0142064x211004451.
Esler, Philip F. “Paul’s Explanation of Christ-Movement Identity in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1: A
Social Identity Approach.” Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture 51,
no. 2 (April 7, 2021): 101–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146107921997109.
NWU. “ORCID.” orcid.org, 2021. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0140-4053.
