2 Peter 2:1 KJV [1] “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”      The word for “false prophet” points to one who speaks forth or openly proclaims a lying message that he claims to have received from God. Their message is both deceptive and damnable to those who give them an ear. Peter was faced with this issue in his time, and we are still dealing with it in …

2 Peter 1:21 KJV [21] “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”      Whenever I read this verse, I understand that Peter is referring to those who were involved in penning the Bible. The men whom the Holy Spirit moved upon were not perfect men, but they were holy men of God. God gave His Word to men who had walked with Him. We have a Holy Book given to us by the Holy Spirit, who moved upon holy men …

2 Peter 1:20 KJV [20] “knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”      I’m thankful that we have a Bible in these last days. As believers, we understand that the Word of God is our guide for daily living. It is more accurate and up-to-date than any newspaper that has come off the presses. The Internet is still trying to catch up with our Bible in its latest news and events. It is for this reason that we do not look to the world for our counsel, but rather to the Word of …

2 Peter 1:19 KJV [19] “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”      Peter had heard the voice of God audibly. He had been on the holy mountain with Christ and saw the glory of God firsthand. However, he wanted these saints to know that we have a more sure word of prophecy. We have the Word of God in written form. God gave us His Word in …

2 Peter 1:18 KJV [18] “And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”      Peter, James, and John were eyewitnesses on the Mount of Transfiguration. They had the privilege of seeing Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, each in a glorified state. This must have been an amazing experience on the holy mountain that day. We know that it had a lasting impact, because Peter is still talking about it in this Epistle.      He reminds us that it was not only what they saw that got their attention, but also what …

2 Peter 1:17 KJV [17] “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”      Peter was on the Mount of Transfiguration and saw Jesus in all of His glory. He also saw Moses and Elijah, and they, too, were glorified before him. Peter was not alone because James and John were with him. Probably the most startling event that took place on the mountain that day was the fact that Peter, James, and John were …

2 Peter 1:16 KJV [16] “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”      Peter is speaking from experience in this verse. He saw the transfigured Christ with his own eyes. He saw Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in their glorified state. Can you imagine what that must have been like? However, Peter was not focused on Moses and Elijah. He was focused only on Jesus Christ. It reminds me of the old song that says, “Jesus will outshine them …

2 Peter 1:15 KJV [15] “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.”      Peter was not a self-promoting preacher. He was not concerned about believers remembering him, but rather remembering the truths he had taught. This verse shows us how far we have come in today’s world of Christendom. Many men are focused on themselves and work hard to be remembered when they are gone. They strive to build legacies that will outlast them. We are not called as preachers to build anything for ourselves, but we are …

2 Peter 1:14 KJV [14] “knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.”      Peter tells us two things in this verse concerning his own death. The first is that it will not be long before he departs from this life. Peter knew that his life was coming to a close. Here in this verse, he reminds me of the Apostle Paul, who said, “that the time of his departure was at hand.”      We know that sometimes believers are taken out of this world swiftly without warning. Nobody …

2 Peter 1:13 KJV [13] “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;”      Peter reminds his listeners of the ultimate goal in writing to them. He is not trying to introduce a new doctrine or method but is reminding them of the things they have already been taught. He wants to faithfully pass on the truths that have been given to him and reinforce to these believers what they know to be true.      This is the responsibility of every preacher, teacher, and believer. As …