DG Interpretation in 2 Peter
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Dallas Theological Seminary *
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by DrThunder9665
The Meaning of Interpretation 2 Peter 1:20
___________________
A Paper
Presented to
Dr. Stephen Kim
Dallas Theological Seminary
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In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
BE107 Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation
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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
The perspective presented earlier appears to reflect the majority consensus
regarding what the Apostle Peter is conveying to his audience. Nevertheless, it is important to
note that when examining different translations of scriptures and considering the interpretations
put forth by various scholars, one may come across alternative meanings or interpretations of the
passage. The KJV interpretation highlights the richness and complexity of biblical texts,
allowing for diverse insights and perspectives to emerge. Scholars and readers often bring their
unique backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives to the study of scripture, contributing to the
different views, “This passage has been interpreted in many ways… in both instances it means to
unravel a problem. The two main ways of taking it are, first, no prophecy arises from the
prophet’s own interpretation—i.e. it is given by God; and second, no prophecy is to be
understood by private interpretation—i.e. but as the church interprets it. In the first case it is the
prophet’s understanding of his prophecy which is at issue, in the second it is our interpretation of
the prophet’s words
ii
.” The issue therein lies when people begin to read what they personally see
into scripture for their lives.
What we know to be true no matter what meaning the word “interpretation” you may
land on is, all scriptures came from God. Given to man to record for God’s chosen people to
follow and abide by. Passages of scripture are not to be used by any person for their own gain but
to the glory of God.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2
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i
Thomas R. Schreiner,
1, 2 Peter, Jude
, vol. 37, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman
Publishers, 2003), 322.
ii
Michael Green,
2 Peter and Jude: An Introduction and Commentary
, vol. 18, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 111
.
Gene L. Green —
Jude and 2 Peter
(Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2008)
Richard Bauckham —
2 Peter and Jude
(Word Biblical Commentary, 1983)