In his second inspired letter the Apostle Peter writes that we can place confidence in what he taught about Jesus because he was an eyewitness of the events of Jesus’ life. In chapter 1, verses 16 through 18 he says, “ For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.”
But we can learn a great deal more from this passage than just that Peter was an eyewitness. By referring to this incident in the life of Jesus, Peter is telling his readers that what he has taught them about Jesus is in harmony with prophecy also. The incident which Peter mentions is the time when Jesus was transfigured. To understand what Peter is saying we need to remind ourselves about that incident. The Apostle Matthew writes, “…Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him”” (Matthew 17:1-5)
The words which came from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son” and “with him I am well pleased” point back to the prophecies in the second Psalm and in Isaiah chapter 42. This clearly identifies Jesus as the prophet whose coming was predicted in the Old Testament. The Jews acknowledged Moses and Elijah as the two greatest prophets. Yet the voice told the Apostles to listen to Jesus. This establishes that Jesus is an even greater prophet than Moses and Elijah.
Peter calls the place where the transfiguration occurred “the holy mountain.” This is another reference to the second Psalm. There it is written, “The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh [that is, the Lord], and against his Anointed, saying, “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.” (Psalm 2:2-7) Peter is saying that he witnessed the fulfillment of the second Psalm at the transfiguration. Jesus is God’s anointed king.
But the second Psalm clearly identifies Mount Zion in Jerusalem as the “holy mountain” while Jesus’ transfiguration most likely took place on Mount Hermon. So how can the transfiguration be the fulfillment of the second Psalm? The answer becomes apparent when we consider why Mount Zion was holy. Mount Zion was the place where Solomon built God’s temple. It is written that at the dedication of the temple, “The priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh [that is, the Lord] to its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place… when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of Yahweh, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh.” (I Kings 8:6, 10-11)
Mount Zion became holy because God’s glory dwelt there. It is this same glory that was revealed on the Mount of Transfiguration. By the revelation of His glory, and by the command to listen to Jesus, God was signifying the fulfillment of the Mosaic Covenant and the introduction of a New Covenant. It is worth noting that ‘Zion’ is also another name for Christ’s church. Just as God caused His glory to dwell in the temple built under the Mosaic Covenant, today His glory dwells in the church established by the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.
In verse 16 Peter says, “…we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” This does not refer to Jesus’ birth as a human being, but the time when Jesus will return to earth as Judge. Peter discuses this further in chapter 3.
In view of these things, we can test or evaluate whether the teaching we receive about Jesus is true. True teaching: 1) Will give Jesus precedence over Moses and Elijah. 2) Will be in agreement with the prophecies revealed in the Old Testament. 3) Will not contradict the testimony of the eyewitnesses. 4) Will acknowledge that there has been a change in covenants. Man is no longer saved by obeying the Law of Moses but by placing his faith in Christ. 5) Will recognize Jesus as the King. 6) Will acknowledge that Jesus will return.
In verse 19 Peter writes, “We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts:”
The eyewitness testimony of those who saw Jesus and the words of the prophets strengthen and corroborate each other. The Old Testament contains dozens of prophecies which speak of Jesus. Peter compares these prophecies to a light that shines in the darkness. Just as a lamp allows us to see our way on a dark night, the words of the prophets show the way through the darkness of error and false teaching. Psalm 119, verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
But while prophecy can give us direction, full illumination comes only from Christ. Peter calls him ‘the morning star.’ This is a reference to the words of the prophet Balaam, “…A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24: 17) In predicting the effects of Jesus’ ministry the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2) Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The purpose of the prophets’ message is to light our way until we come into the full light of the knowledge of Christ.