Abstract

BREED, Douw G.. The reliability of the apostles and their testimony according to 2 Peter 1:3-4 and its significance for the writings of the New Testament: An exegetical study. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2021, vol.55, n.3, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v55i3.2703.

In this exegetical article, it is shown that, in 2 Peter 1:3-4, Peter indicates that the apostles were reliable witnesses of Jesus Christ. As the New Testament writings are bearers of the apostolic testimony, 2 Peter 1:3-4 also provides important testimony regarding the Bible and, in particular, regarding the New Testament. The aim of this article is to show that, according to 2 Peter 1:3-4, the apostles and their testimony are reliable and that these testimonies are significant for the writings of the New Testament. This study follows an exegetical method and follows the grammatical-historical model. From 2 Peter 1:3-4, it is clear that the reliability of the apostles is the result of divine power. Jesus Christ worked through his Spirit with divine power in the apostles. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ provides the apostles with everything that leads to true life, as well as to godliness. To the apostles, this was all given within their intimate and personal relationship with the glorified Christ. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, Jesus Christ himself called his apostles to proclaim the message of God's grace. As eye- and earwitnesses of Jesus Christ's divine power, they could reliably reveal the meaning of what they witnessed of him. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, Peter testifies that the apostles received promises from Jesus Christ. These are great promises that have profound significance for anyone who accepts them in faith. CONTRIBUTION: The contribution of this article is to show that 2 Peter 1:3-4 gives important information about the reliability of the apostles and their testimony

Keywords : 2 Peter 1:3–4; apostels; goddelike krag; betroubaarheid; Ἐπίγνωσις; beloftes; Nuwe Testament; roep.

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