2 Peter 1:19-21 – The Scripture is totally reliable

Peter had asserted that what he and the other apostles of Christ had said were truth and not myths. Here he emphasized that fact and assured his readers on the reliability of the Scriptures. He provided the reason for why he said that the Scripture is reliable by telling his readers the source of revelation. He did all this to help his readers make the choice between accepting God’s Word or the teachings of the false teachers.

In saying “… we have the prophetic word made more sure …,” Peter was appealing to what they had witnessed on the Mount of Transfiguration. Was Peter implying that what they had witnessed affirmed the writings of the Old Testament prophets concerning Christ’s Deity? Some students of the Bible seem to think so.  However, it appears more likely that the reverse was intended. That is, the Old Testament prophets and their testimonies affirmed what the apostles had witnessed concerning Christ’s Deity on that mountain.

The fact is that both the Old Testament prophecies and the apostles’ witness affirmed the truth of Christ’s Deity. Hence, he called on them to pay attention to this truth. They should closely investigate the Old Testament prophets because they pointed to Christ. They are likened to a lamp shinning in a dark place. Believers should continue to pay attention to the truth till they have the revelation and the truth of Christ’s return settled in their hearts. They must pay attention till the darkness gives way and the light breaks through.

In verses 20-21, Peter gave some clarifications concerning Old Testament prophecies. In the phrase “… first of all …,” Peter was referring to what is of primary importance. He wanted them to know that Scriptures were not the opinions of the prophets. They were what God wanted them to say. The prophets, as God's mouthpieces, proclaimed His thoughts in words. They accurately represented what God wanted to say. Furthermore, the prophets did not speak from their own will but according to the workings of the Holy Spirit. In other words, the source of the Scriptures was not men but God.

To make our faith more certain and keep on growing in the Lord, we cannot afford not to spend time to investigate and study the Word, the truth of God. This is how the Psalmist in Psalm 19 tells us of the impact of the Word of God:

⁷              The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

⁸               The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

⁹              The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.

¹⁰            They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

¹¹             Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.