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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER

CHAPTER ONE:
“THINGS THAT PREVENT INACTIVITY”

[“Fruitful Hope”]
Key word: Things

2 Peter 1:1 – Peter to the Faithful

2PE1:1 Simon Peter, 1 a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ, 2 to those who have obtained a faith equally precious to all of us 3 by the righteousness 4 of our God and our Savior, Jesus Christ: 5

1

Simon Peter: See the introduction on the author of this epistle. “Peter” occurs about 170 times in the Christian Bible. “Simon Peter” occurs 22 times. Outside of the Gospels and Acts the only reference to Peter is in Galatians 2:7, 8. That is of verses 1, 2, “Simon Peter, an apostolic slave of Jesus Christ – to those who have obtained with us a most precious faith through the justice of The God and our savior, Jesus Christ”

2	A slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ: Or, PME: a servant and messenger.

3	To those who have obtained a faith equally precious to all of us: Or, KJV: to them that have obtained like precious faith with us; KNX: to those who share with us the common privilege of faith; WEY: equal privilege; RSV: equal standing; PME: a faith as valuable as ours.

4	By the righteousness: Or, NEB: through the justice of.

5	Of our God and our Savior, Jesus Christ: Note in 1 Peter 1:3, “The God… of our Master.” (Compare Ephesians 1:3, 17.) Trinitarians would have this read: “Our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” However, this disagrees with 1 Peter 1:3.

2 Peter 1:2-4 – Sharers in Divine Nature

2PE1:2 may unmerited favor 6 and peace be multiplied in an elevated acquaintance 7 with The God 8 and our Master Jesus,

6

Unmerited favor: That is: “… undeserved kindness and peaceful harmony be doubly increased incorporate in your intimate relationship with God and our Master Jesus.” The Greek is CHARIS from which charity is rooted. Or, KJV: grace; TCN: peace; GDS: God bless you; WMS: spiritual blessing. See notes on CHARIS elsewhere in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The salutation of “grace and peace” is similar to the one in 1 Peter and identical to Paul’s epistles.

7

Elevated acquaintance: The Greek is EPIGNOSEI (over + know). Or, BER: intimate acquaintance. Though it may mean accurate, perfect, or complete knowledge, it may also infer a “knowing” by experience, an intimate relationship with someone. See notes in 1 John on know. Colossians 1:9, “… may you be filled with the complete knowledge of His will.”

8	The God: The Greek is TOU THEOU (of the god). Peter uses “God” 10 times.

2PE1:3 for life and godliness 9 has been freely granted us all things by the divine dynamics 10 of the One who called us to His own glory 11 and virtue 12 by an elevated acquaintance,

9

Godliness: The Greek is EUSEBEIAN (well + reverence). It comes from roots meaning godly, respect (awe). Or, NEB: true religion; TCN: life of piety; NW: godly devotion. The word is used five times: 2 Peter 1:3, 6, 7; 2 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 3:11. (1 Timothy 3:16) The word occurs 30 times and most often in 1 Timothy (17 times).

10	Divine dynamics: That is: “For He has endowed us freely with every thing we need by His divine power.” The Greek is THEIAS DYNAMEOS. Or, KJV: divine power. The phrase hints of Holy Pneuma. Peter uses “holy spirit” only once at 2 Peter 1:21.

11

Called us to His own glory: That is: “God invited us to share His own glory and vital strength by means of our intimate relationship with Him.” Or, KJV: called us to glory; NOR: to share his glory; NEB: called us by his own splendour. 2 Thessalonians 2:14, “The God called us through our Gospel to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

12	Virtue: The Greek is ARETES and is drawn from “male” (virility) and something airy and up. A form of the word is used of spires in the French Alps. The English virtue is from the Latin for manliness. Or, GDS: excellence; TCN: goodness; NEB: might; WEY: perfection. See 2 Peter 1:5.

2PE1:4 by which things He has freely granted to us the precious and greatest promises 13 so that by these things you might become sharers of divine nature, 14 having escaped a world-order of corrupt desire. 15

13

Precious and greatest promises: That is: “Through these things He has endowed us freely with His priceless and transcendent promises.” Or, GDS: splendid promises; KNX: treasured; NEB: great beyond all price. John 14:2, 3, “I am leaving to make preparations for you… I will return and take you along with me to live with me in my home.”

14

Sharers of divine nature: That is: “As a result you faithful persons may gain an experience in a godlike cosmic process, escaping a cosmos filled with corrupt passions.” Or, BAR: sharers in divine nature. The Greek is THEIAS COINONOI PHYSEOS. THEIAS is “a general name of deities or divinities as used by the Greeks.” (Strong’s #2304) It means god-like. COINONOI means “common” or commune, communion. PHYSEOS is rooted in “swell” and thus “beget” and may mean: “the nature of things, the force, laws, order of nature… the sum of innate properties and powers.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5449) It is the word from which “physics” comes. Or, KJV: partakers of the divine nature; RHM: a divine nature. Most translations use “divine nature.” It suggests the hope of the Saints: to gain a god-like existence. 1 Corinthians 15:53, “this which is mortal must be clothed with immortality.” 1 Peter 1:4, “The God has regenerated us into a living hope… into an incorruptible inheritance – immaculate and never fading brilliance – reserved for you in the Celestialum.”

15

Escaped a world-order of corrupt desire: Or, KJV: having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; TCN: now that you have fled from; AMP: the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed). The Greek for world is “KOSMOS.” The phrase may suggest: a) an escape by sharing in divine nature; or, b) after departing such a corrupt world, become shares in a god-like existence. See notes on 2 Peter 2:20.

2 Peter 1:5-8 – Things Preventing Inactivity

2PE1:5 And, for these very reasons, 16 by your application quickly supply 17 to your deep conviction, 18 virtue; to virtue, 19 knowledge;

16

For these very reasons: For the reasons of the transcendent hope previously discussed as well as having escaped a corrupt world. A paraphrase of verses 5-8 might be, “For these reasons above, apply yourselves diligently to supply to your strong conviction, moral excellence; and to your moral excellence supply knowledge; and to your knowledge supply self-restraint; and to your self-restraint supply an awesome reverence for God; and to your awesome reverence for God supply warm brotherly affection; and, to your warm brotherly affection supply benevolent empathy demonstrated by positive action for good. For if these qualities dwell within you and overflow you will never become inactive or unproductive in your intimate relationship with our Master, Jesus Christ.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

17

By your application quickly supply: Or, KJV: giving all diligence; MOF: do you contrive to make it your whole concern; GDS: make every effort; WMS: do your level best; NEB: try your hardest. Peter has created a chain eight links. A chain is as strongest as its weakest link. These attributes are worthy of serious study and meditation. Philippians 2:12, “All of you continue working out your personal salvation with fear and trembling.” 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do everything you can to present yourself approved to The God.”

18	Deep conviction: Or, faith, belief, trust. The Greek is PISTEI. See Hebrews 11:1, 6.

19	Virtue: On the word see 2 Peter 1:3. Or, MOF: resolution; GDS: goodness; WMS: moral character; MON: manliness; NAS: moral excellence; WEY: noble character. (Philippians 4:8) There is an equivalent word in Hebrew usually used of able-bodied men but once applied to a woman by name, Ruth. (Ruth 3:11)

2PE1:6 to knowledge, 20 self-control; to self-control, 21 endurance; to endurance, 22 godliness;

20	Knowledge: The Greek is GNOSIN. Or, MOF: intelligence. The word occurs 8 times in 2 Peter. (2 Peter 1:2, 3, 5, 6, 8; 2 Peter 2:20; 2 Peter 3:17, 18.)

21	Self-control: The Greek is EGKRATEIAN. (self-rule) Or, KJV: temperance; ALF: self-restraint. It is a fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22)

22	Endurance: The Greek is HYPOMONEN. The English word “endurance” comes from the oak tree, dru (druids). Or, KJV: patience; MOF steadfastness; NEB: fortitude; NAS: perseverance; WMS: patient endurance.

2PE1:7 to godliness, 23 brotherly fondness; and to brotherly fondness, 24 compassionate affection. 25

23	Godliness: That is, reverence. See notes on 2 Peter 1:3. Or, TCN: piety; PME: devotion to God; BAS: fear of God.

24	Brotherly fondness: The Greek is PHILADELPHIAN from which the USA city gets its name. Or, KJV: brotherly kindness; WEY: love to the brethren; GDS: a spirit of brotherhood. [1 Thessalonians 4:9]

25

Compassionate affection: The Greek is AGAPEN which may be defined as empathetic concern based on principle and motive shown in action (or, lack of) toward another. Or, KJV: charity. Peter uses the word 8 times in 1 Peter but only once here. Note the difference between brotherly affection and love. They are not the same. One may love other Christians but not have affection for them. To be complete one must not only love fellow Christians but also strive to like them. For studies on love and agape see 1 Corinthians 13 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. See Biblical Articles: Nazarene Love, What is “The Love”? In the 21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© the Greek AGAPE is often rendered by compassionate affection, love, benevolent empathy, and preferred.

2PE1:8 For if these things exist and abound 26 you will not be ineffective nor unfruitful 27 in your elevated acquaintance with our Master, 28 Jesus Christ;

26	Exist and abound: Or, ALF: in you and multiplying; MOF: increase; GDS: if you have these qualities in their fullness; TCN: when these virtues are yours, in increasing measure.

27	You will not be ineffective nor unfruitful: Or, KJV: barren nor unfruitful; ASV: not idle; NEB: useless or barren; GDS: unproductive; NOR: inactive; BAR: never collapse on the march. Read John 15:1-8 and meditate on what kind of fruitage this might be. See Biblical Articles on these verses.

28	Elevated acquaintance with our Master: Or, WEY: full knowledge; GDS: understanding; KNX: closer knowledge. See notes elsewhere on EPIGNO [over, upon + know; experience, relationship].

2 Peter 1:9-11 – Make the Calling Sure

2PE1:9 …for if these things are not within any one of you, 29 that person is blind and myopic 30 having forgotten the cleansing of his past sins. 31

29

For if these things are not within any one of you: Or, KJV: but he that lacketh these things; TCN: surely the man who has not these virtues. Verses 9-11 may be paraphrase, “However, if these qualities do not reside in your heart you have become blind by closing your own eyes. You have forgotten the cleansing of yourself from your sins in the past. Rather, my brothers, be swift about making your invitation and election steadfast for yourselves. For if your are practicing these qualities you will never stumble in some point. Then you will be supplied with the wealth of entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

30

That person is blind and myopic: The Greek is MYOPAZON. Or, KJV: blind and cannot see afar off; TCN: is shortsighted; ASV: seeing only what is near; WMS: shortsighted. See notes on 1 John 2:9. (Revelation 3:17) Isaiah 29:9, “… blind yourselves, and be blinded.” Isaiah 42:19, “Who is blind, but my servant? who has his ears stopped, but he whom I send? who is blind as my true one, or who has his ears shut like the Lord’s servant?” [Bible in Basic English]

31

Having forgotten the cleansing of his past sins: Or, KJV: hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins; BAS: having no memory of how he was made clean from his old sins; TCN: chosen to forget; MOF: oblivious. 1John 1:7, “We are a community cleansed from sin, sharing in the blood of God’s Son, Jesus.”

2PE1:10 Instead, brothers, be quick to make your calling and choosing steadfast 32 for yourselves; for if you are doing these things you will not stumble at some point; 33

32

Be quick to make your calling and choosing steadfast: Or, BAS: take all the more care; GDS: make all the greater efforts; WEY: earnest; MOF: more eager; BER: exert yourselves; WEY: to make certain of your calling and election; GDS: certain; TCN: beyond all doubt. The word for “calling” is the same for “invitation.” Hebrews 3:1, “… the heavenly calling.” See the parable at Matthew 22:1-14 and notes. The “calling” maybe compared to an “invitation” opened to anyone. Most do not respond to this invitation or calling. The “choosing” is that action taken by God after a person responds to the invitation. Romans 8:30, “Now whomever He marked out in advance He also invited. [called] Those He invited these He also pronounced innocent [Chose]; and those whom He pronounced innocent, these He also glorified.” Justification and glorification here may be understood as the “choosing.” One more thing is required: Revelation 17:14, “… those called and chosen and FAITHFUL.” The word “calling” occurs 21 times in Romans, 21 times in 1 Corinthians, 8 times in Ephesians, and 10 times in both 1 Peter and 2 Peter. The word group chose (chosen, choosing) occurs about 20 times in the inspired epistles and 5 times in 1 Peter. (1 Peter 1:1; 2:9) The Greek word is often translated “elect” (election). See the Biblical Articles Eight Things to Make Your Calling Sure, The Fifteen Steps to Heavenly Glory.

33

If you are doing these things you will not stumble at some point: Or, KJV: never fall; WEY: for as long as your practice these things you will never stumble; MOF: exercise these qualities you will never make a slip; NEB: never come to grief; BAR: never collapse on the march. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Of the eight attributes or qualities one must discover where the weakest point might lie. For example, David had faith and knowledge but lacked self-restraint. 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have agonized the most excellent agony. I have finished the race to the end. I have observed the Faith.”

2PE1:11 for thus you will be richly provided the entrance into the everlasting Kingdom 34 of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ. 35

34

Richly provided the entrance into the everlasting Kingdom: Or, ASV: for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance; GDS: triumphantly admitted; MOF: the right of entry; KNX: no grudging entrance that is afforded you. The Kingdom here is the Father’s. (See notes on Matthew 13:43) 2 Timothy 4:18, “The Master will rescue me from every evil plot and will preserve me for His celestial Kingdom.”

35	Of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Peter uses “Lord” [or, Master] about 20 times. 2 Peter uses savior 5 times: 2 Peter 1:1, 11; 2 Peter 2:20; 2 Peter 3:2, 10. Peter never uses “Christ Jesus” but uses “Jesus Christ” 18 times in the two epistles.

2 Peter 1:12-15 – Aroused by Reminders

2PE1:12 Because of this I shall always be disposed to remind you 36 about these things even though you know and have been firmly fixed in the truth present in you. 37

36

Because of this I shall always be disposed to remind you: Or, KJV: I will not be negligent; ASV: I shall be ready; NEB: so I will not hesitate; KNX: I shall never fail; NEB: remind you again and again. (Romans 15:15) Verses 12-15 may be paraphrase, “For this reason I will always be inclined to constantly remind you about all these same things even though you know them well and are solidly established in present truth. I only consider it the right thing to do – for as long a time I have in this tabernacle – to continually stimulate you with these reminders. For I am aware that this tabernacle of mine may be suddenly taken down just as our Master Jesus Christ made clear to me. So with all the speed in me I shall at every opportunity continue to remind you, so after my departure you will mention these things among yourselves.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

37

You know and have been firmly fixed in the truth present in you: Or, KJV: established in the present truth; TCN: established in the truth that you now hold; WEY: steadfast believers in the truth; MOF: fixed in your experiences in the truth; GDS: firmly grounded; NEB: well grounded in the truth that has already reached you. (See notes on 1 John 2:21; Jude 5)

2PE1:13 But, I consider it right for as long as I am in this tent 38 to continue to completely arouse you by reminding you, 39

38

I consider it right for as long as I am in this tent: The Greek for “tent” is SKENOMATI. Or, WEY: I think it right, so long as I sojourn in this body; NEB: as long as I still lodge in this body. 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we realize that when our earthen home, this tent, is dissolved and taken down, we will receive a God-constructed structure, not a human house but one eternal in the Celestialum.”

39

Completely arouse you by reminding you: Or, KJV: to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; NEB: refreshing your memory; TCN: to rouse you by awakening memories; MOF: to stir up by way of reminder; PME: to stimulate you by these reminders. See 2 Peter 3:1. The hard truth is that we all need constant reminders. “Repetition is the mother of retention.”

2PE1:14 knowing that suddenly my tent may be put off 40 in accordance with what our Master Jesus Christ revealed to me; 41

40

Knowing that suddenly my tent may be put off: The Greek is TACHINE ESTIN HE APOTHESIS TOU SKENOMATOS MOU. Or, KJV: knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle; ASV: cometh swiftly; WEY: soon my body must be laid aside; MOF: my tent must be folded up very soon; MON: I know that the time for me to strike tent comes swiftly one. Compare 2 Timothy 4:6 and Philippians 1:23.

41	In accordance with what our Master Jesus Christ revealed to me: Or, KJV: shewed me; MON: pointed out to me; WEY: revealed to me; RHM: made clear to me. Some believe this is related somehow to John 21:18 which was written by John after Peter’s execution around 66 CE.

2PE1:15 but with haste I shall on every occasion [remind you] 42 so that after my exodus you will make mention of these things. 43

42	With haste I shall on every occasion [remind you]: Or, KJV: I will endeavour; ASV: diligence that at every time; TCN: I will do my best.

43

So that after my exodus you will make mention of these things: The Greek for “exodus” is EXODON. Or, KJV: after my decrease; ABUV: departure; GDS: after I am gone; NEB: you will have means of remembering these things at all times. The same word EXODON is used of Jesus in Luke 9:31. This “reminder” turns out to include this letter. Jesus had told his apostles that he would send a Helper to guide them into all the truth and to bring back to their memories the things he had taught. (John chapters 14, 16) Now, Peter is passing on from his own inspired memory things of our Lord in the next verses.

2 Peter 1:16-18 – Eyewitness Accounts

2PE1:16 We made known to you the power and presence 44 of our Master Jesus Christ, not by following wisely crafted myths, 45 but by being onlookers of that One’s magnificence. 46

44

We made known to you the power and presence: That is, “For it was not by following sophisticated, fabricated fables that we revealed to you the powerful presence of our Master Jesus Christ. Rather it was because we actually became eyewitnesses of our Master’s glorious brilliance. For we were together with him in the mountain of holiness when we heard a proclamation out of the sky, ‘This is my beloved Son who has my approval.’” The Greek “presence” is PAROUSIA and means arrival with an obvious presence. Or, KJV: power and coming. Most so translate this phrase. Some believe it refers to the first manifestation of Christ while others think it deals with his second manifestation, or the Second Coming. For details on this word PAROUSIA see Nazarene Commentary 2000© or notes on Matthew 24:3. When he says “we” he must mean himself as well as John and James, the other eyewitnesses. (Compare notes 1 John 1:1-3)

45	Not by following wisely crafted myths: Or, KJV: for we have not followed cunningly devised fables; WEY: cleverly devised legends; GDS: fictitious stories; NEB: tales artful spun; KNX: fables of man’s inventions. (1 Timothy 1:4)

46	By being onlookers of that One’s magnificence: Or, KJV: eyewitnesses of his majesty; MOF: we were admitted to the spectacle of his sovereignty. See the accounts at Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:29. It is interesting that Moses and Elijah are not mentioned here.

2PE1:17 For he had received from God the Father honor and glory 47 when a Voice occurred to him by the Magnificent Glory: 48 “This is My Son, My Beloved, of whom I have thought well.” 49 [Matthew 17:5]

47	He had received from God the Father honor and glory: Or, MOF: invested with.

48	When a Voice occurred to him by the Magnificent Glory: Or, KJV: a voice to him from the excellent glory; MOF: from the sublime Glory; TCN: from the Glory of the Divine Majesty; KNX: a voice came out of the splendour which dazzles human eyes.

49

This is My Son, My Beloved, of whom I have thought well: Or, KJV: this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; RHM: in whom I delight; WEY: take delight; NEB: on whom my favour rests; GDS: he is my chosen. Though these words could be applied to that moment foretold in Psalm 2:7. (Compare Paul’s quote and application of Psalm 2:6 at Acts 13:33; and, Peter’s use of Psalm 2:1, 2 at Acts 4:24f.) However, they are also similar to those heard at Jesus’ baptism. (See notes on Matthew 3:17 and Matthew 17:5 where the Greek is nearly identical.) It is interesting that Peter does not uses the words of Mark 9:7.

2PE1:18 This is the Voice we heard borne from the sky 50 when we were together with him in the holy mountain. 51

50	This is the Voice we heard borne from the sky: Only on three occasions was the Voice of God heard, always in the presence of Jesus. At his baptism with John as the only witness (Matthew 3:17); on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:5); and, on another occasion described in John 12:28, 29.

51	When we were together with him in the holy mountain: Or, MOF: we who were beside him on the sacred hill. Peter’s eyewitness account is based on Matthew 17:1-9. (See notes)

2 Peter 1:19-21 – Pay Attention to Prophecy

2PE1:19 And we have the prophetic word more sure, 52 to which you are doing well in paying attention to it 53 in your hearts as to a lamp shining in a darkly parched place, 54 until that time when day beams forth 55 and a morning star rises up 56 [Numbers 24:17 LXX]

52

We have the prophetic word more sure: That is, “Now because of this we have the word of prophecy on a stable foundation. You do well if you pay attention to (prophecy) in your hearts as if it were a lamp illuminating the way through a dark wilderness, until that future time when the dawn approaches and a morning star rises on the horizon. However, realize this first that any prophetic Scripture is not of some human origin or personal interpretation. Rather God spoke to humans who were enraptured by the holy Pneuma.” [NCMM Paraphrase] The Greek is HEKHOMEN BEBAIOTERON TON PROPHETICON LOGON. Or, KJV: we have also a more sure word of prophecy; WEY: we have the word of prophecy confirmed; MOF: thus we have gained fresh confirmation of the prophetic word; GDS: the message of prophecy more fully guaranteed; NEB: all this only confirms for us the message of the prophets. Acts 3:21, “The appointed time to restore everything as it was spoken by The God through the mouth of ancient and saintly prophets.” When Peter says “prophetic word” he may include the symbols of Moses and Elijah in the transfiguration vision: the Law and the Prophets. If Peter’s context involves the ‘second parousia’ then these words could be expanded to include Revelation.

53

You are doing well in paying attention to it: TCN: you will do well to pay attention; MOF: pray attend to. Peter himself spoke at Pentecost: (Acts 3:22-24) “Indeed, Moses said: ‘YHWH your God will raise up a prophet like me for you [Israelites] from among your brothers. You must listen to him regarding everything he may speak to you. And any soul who does not listen to that Prophet will be completely destroyed from among you people.’ [Deuteronomy 18:15, 16, 19; Leviticus 23:29] Also, all the prophets from Samuel and his successors, as many as spoke, proclaimed this day.” Peter here quotes Deuteronomy 18:15 and expresses the seriousness of prophecy. We are encouraged to study prophecy. Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:20.

54

A lamp shining in a darkly parched place: The Greek is AUKHMERO and only occurs here. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #850 is from a root which means dust or dirt dried by wind and thus possibly a desert or wilderness. Or, TCN: a lamp shining in a gloomy place; MOF: darksome spot; NEB: murky place. It is prophecy which acts as a lamp. Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my foot (what is present), and a light to my roadway (what is future).”

55	Until that time when day beams forth: Or, KJV: until the day dawn; NEB: until day breaks. The language is messianic point forward to that New Day after the “last day.” Day is a word used more often in 2 Peter than any other epistle. (11 times)

56

A morning star rises up: The Greek for “morning star” is PHOSPHOROS from which the English for the element is rooted. The word “rises” is ANATEILE and identical to that in Numbers 24:17 in the LXX; and, HEOSPHOROU in Psalm 110:3. Compare the Greek LXX at Isaiah 14:12, EOSPHOROS. Or, KJV: the day star arises in your hearts; TCN: the Morning Star arises in your hearts; MOF: day-star; NEB: rises to illuminate your minds. The root for this phrasing is from Numbers 24:17 and Balaam’s forced inspiration. The “morning star” is a messianic term pointing to Dawn. Compare Revelation 2:28 and Revelation 22:16 and notes there in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Compare “day” and “dawn” in the Hebrew Psalm 110:3. The Greek LXX uses HEOSPHOROU. (The Latin is luciferum.) [“in your hearts” may occur after “pay attention.”]

2PE1:20 But be aware this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not from some personal release, 57

57

Be aware this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not from some personal release: KJV: no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation; GDS: (not) understood through one’s own power; MOF: (does not) allow a man to interpret it by himself; PME: individual’s interpretation. It seems Peter is referring to the origin of prophecy not its understanding. See the Biblical Article, The Prophetic Horizon.

2PE1:21 nor borne from human will at any time, 58 but rather humans spoke from God being borne along by holy Pneuma. 59

58	Nor borne from human will at any time: Or, KJV: for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; GDS: originated in human will; BER: no prophecy ever resulted from human design. The original prophecies were inspired by God.

59

Humans spoke from God being borne along by holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; GDS: under the influence of; MOF: carried away; NEB: impelled. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Samuel 23:2; Ezekiel 2:2; Acts 1:16;) Here ANTHROPOS is rendered as “humans” because women were also involved. (Compare Exodus 15:20, 21; Judges chapter 5; Proverbs chapter 31) 1 Peter 1:10-12, “Concerning this salvation the Prophets – prophesying about the Grace [shown you] – explored and searched, searching into what [season] – or what type of season – the Messianic inspiration in them was pointing to when giving advance evidence of Messiah’s sufferings, as well as the glories to follow these [sufferings]. It was revealed to [the Prophets] that they ministered, not regarding themselves, but rather they were ministering unto us. [Ministering the very things] that have been proclaimed to you by those who have declared the Good News to you by means of the holy Pneuma sent forth from heaven. Into these very matters angels desire to obtain a closer look.”