2Pe 1:16-18 | MHM | STEP | Evidence of the Gospel. Peter explains why he speaks so seriously and urgently about the Christian faith. The gospel is not a made-up story or a legend. It is true and comes from God’s own plan to save people through Jesus Christ. Peter gives evidence that he and the other apostles did not invent these teachings. Instead, they saw and heard these things themselves, especially during a special event in Jesus’ life. v. 16 : Peter says the gospel is not a “cunningly devised fable,” but the true message of God. He and the other apostles did not make up stories to deceive anyone. The message they shared was about the power of Christ—He is able to save completely and is the mighty God. The gospel also teaches that Jesus really came in the flesh, just as God had promised. Denying that Jesus came in the flesh is the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3 ). True apostles and ministers teach that Christ has come, as all the Old Testament believers trusted God’s promise for (Hebrews 11:39 ). The gospel also tells about Christ’s second coming, when He will return in glory to judge everyone.

‏ 2 Peter 1:16-18

Evidence of the Gospel.

Peter explains why he speaks so seriously and urgently about the Christian faith. The gospel is not a made-up story or a legend. It is true and comes from God’s own plan to save people through Jesus Christ. Peter gives evidence that he and the other apostles did not invent these teachings. Instead, they saw and heard these things themselves, especially during a special event in Jesus’ life.

v. 16: Peter says the gospel is not a “cunningly devised fable,” but the true message of God. He and the other apostles did not make up stories to deceive anyone. The message they shared was about the power of Christ—He is able to save completely and is the mighty God. The gospel also teaches that Jesus really came in the flesh, just as God had promised. Denying that Jesus came in the flesh is the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3 ^a). True apostles and ministers teach that Christ has come, as all the Old Testament believers trusted God’s promise for (Hebrews 11:39 ^b). The gospel also tells about Christ’s second coming, when He will return in glory to judge everyone.

v. 17: Peter reminds his readers that he, James, and John were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ divine majesty when He was transfigured before them. They saw Jesus’ face shine like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Peter, James, and John did not just hear about this—they saw it themselves, so their testimony is trustworthy.

v. 18: They also heard a voice from heaven when they were with Jesus on the holy mountain. God the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5 ^c). This showed that God was fully pleased with Jesus, and He honored Him even while He was on earth in humble circumstances. God’s declaration means that through Jesus, all who believe in Him are accepted and saved. Hearing and understanding this voice was a special blessing for Peter and the others.