Key word in 2 Peter: parousia, “coming” as in verse 16. “Parousia” was a technical germ for a visit to a city by a god, a ruler, or an important person to dispense rewards, or mete out judgment; in Christianity, parousia came to refer to the return of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead (Matt. 24:3, 1 Thess. 2:19).

• This passage recalls the previous event of transfiguration which was in itself a proleptic vision of God’s installation of Jesus as God’s eschatological viceroy.

• Important Clue. Majestic Glory (1:17) is quoted from Psalm 2:7, the psalm used to install a king of Israel (later interpreted as the Messiah); its place in the transfiguration story indicates that God was not simply revealing Jesus’ kingship, but installing him as king-Messiah. The transfiguration provided the historical basis for the proclamation of the parousia, when Jesus returns as eschatological king.

• Hilary of Arles (5^{th century):}

The one who received glory and honor [Jesus] was not inferior to the one who bestowed these things, because it was in his flesh that the Son received them, not in his eternal divinity.

 

Possible homily title? Meeting Point of Heaven and Earth (Transfiguration)

• Ever wonder how prophets get their messages? This passage provides some insight for us. Prophecies came through many avenues-directly from God (Amos 3:8), through receiving a sign (Jer. 1:11, 13), or in a dream (Zech. 1:8-6:15, or by a vision (Ez. 37:1-14); but they all came with the assistance of the Spirit. Prophecies that by-passed the Spirit (Jer. 23:16), or sought to play to the crowd (Jer. 23:25-26), were simple “false.”

• Could it be that some of the same misinterpretations hinder our work today? Isn’t it possible to muffle God’s voice due to special interests, criticism, and playing to a comfortable future? Such may be the reason for a dearth of transformative moments in the life of our congregations-and we may not be able to hear the truly prophetic, transforming, mission-sending voice from heaven.

 

Discuss the place afforded Scripture in Christian worship. If you have a pulpit and lectern, you may wish to explain that even sermons-which are based on Scripture-are to be distinguished from the pure Word of God.

• But isn’t personal experiences just as important? You may want to allude to yours or another’s personal spiritual experience - out of body phenomena or refer to popular movies that showcase spiritual experiences.

• Shift to Transfiguration-describe this luminous experience; so indelibly planted is this scene among the earliest Christians that it was included in all the synoptic evangelists’ accounts. The writer purportedly Peter, now an old man remembers back-he can still recall this incredible experience.

• Learning moment-Notice what the writer of 2 Peter says of experience in the light of Scripture: ”We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed . . . you will do well to be attentive to this.” The spiritual experience of Peter, James, and John confirms the Scripture; experiences are at best confirmatory, not predominate.

• Balance: you may want to refer to the use of the quadrilateral, the four ways that we arrive at truth-Scripture, Reasoning, Experience, and Tradition.