Connect 2 Peter 1:18 with other biblical instances of divine voice revelation. Grounding the Study: Peter’s Eyewitness Testimony • 2 Peter 1:18: “And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” • Peter is recalling the Transfiguration (cf. Matthew 17:1-8), underscoring that he did not follow “cleverly devised myths” (v. 16). • The audible voice of the Father is Peter’s proof that Jesus’ majesty is real and that prophetic Scripture is “more fully confirmed” (v. 19). Tracing the Father’s Voice through Scripture 1. At Jesus’ Baptism • Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22 • Voice: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” • Purpose: Public affirmation of Jesus at the outset of His ministry. 2. On the Mount of Transfiguration (the event Peter cites) • Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35 • Voice: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” • Purpose: Confirmation to Peter, James, and John that Jesus fulfills the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). 3. Before the Crucifixion • Voice: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” • Purpose: Reassurance that the impending cross will magnify God’s glory. 4. At Sinai • Exodus 19:9, 19; 20:1; Deuteronomy 4:12 • Voice: God speaks audibly to the nation, establishing covenant and law. • Purpose: Foundational revelation; the people “heard the sound of words” (Deuteronomy 4:12). 5. Calling the Young Prophet • Voice calls “Samuel! Samuel!” • Purpose: Transition of prophetic leadership from Eli to Samuel. 6. Whisper to Elijah • A “still, small voice” (literally, a “whispering of a thin silence”). • Purpose: Personal encouragement and directive after Elijah’s exhaustion. 7. Conversion of Saul of Tarsus • Acts 9:4-6; 22:7; 26:14 • Voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” • Purpose: Confrontation and commissioning of the future apostle Paul. 8. Vision on Simon’s Rooftop • Acts 10:13-16; 11:7 • Voice: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat.” • Purpose: Opening the gospel to the Gentiles, tearing down ceremonial barriers. Consistent Themes in Divine Voice Revelations • Affirmation of God’s chosen servant (Jesus, prophets, apostles) • Revelation of covenant truth or new direction • Confirmation before or during pivotal moments • Invitation to listen and obey (“Listen to Him!”) • Public or personal—yet always unmistakably from heaven Why Peter’s Reminder Matters Today • Eyewitness testimony anchors faith in historical reality, not myth. • The same God who spoke audibly still speaks with absolute authority through the written Word (2 Peter 1:19-21). • Each biblical instance shows God’s initiative to reveal, affirm, and direct—assuring believers that He remains both transcendent and relational. |
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