DG Interpretation in 2 Peter
.docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Dallas Theological Seminary *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
107
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by DrThunder9665
The Meaning of Interpretation 2 Peter 1:20
___________________
A Paper
Presented to
Dr. Stephen Kim
Dallas Theological Seminary
___________________
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
BE107 Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation
___________________
by
De’Shearer Gilbert
October 2023
I believe that in 2 Peter 1:20, the Apostle Peter, intended to provide further
confirmation for he had previously expressed in 2 Peter 1:16. Some readers might initially
interpret Peter's words as pertaining to how certain people interpret the scripture's meaning for
themselves. However, Peter's primary aim is to affirm that he indeed had personal experiences
with Christ, witnessed miracles, and is now relaying these experiences. This is evident through
passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which shed light on the purpose of scripture.
It is reasonable to assert that Peter is addressing the issue of false teachers or prophets
who misuse the scripture. This becomes apparent a few sentences later in 2 Peter 2:1 when he
explicitly addresses these types of people. These are individuals who distort the scripture to
promote their own ideologies and opinions. This concern is not unique to this passage, as various
passages in the New Testament also highlight the presence of false teachers and prophets
(Matthew 24:24, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 John 4:1). Furthermore, the etymology of the Greek word for
"Interpretation," which means "to loose, solve, explain," strongly supports its contextual usage in
this specific passage, “a word should be said about “interpretation” (epilysis). Despite the
suggestions by some exegetes, the term almost certainly refers to “interpretation”
i
.
So, what is the underlying message of this scripture passage if not what was already
understood? As we have seen in the broader context of 2 Peter 1:16-21, Peter is emphasizing to
the readers that scripture is divinely inspired but expressed through the penmanship of human
authors. These chosen men, inspired by God, recorded biblical history, law, the life and ministry
of many prophets, and the cycle of the rise and fall of God’s people. I believe that Peter is not
addressing the "what" of prophecy and interpretation but, rather, the "how" these elements of
scripture came into being.
1
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help