Apostolic Testimony
Thos. Adams. 2 Peter 1:16-20 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ… I. A DISCLAIMING OF ALL FABULOUS MIXTURES WITH THE SACRED TRUTH. II. A PROCLAIMING OF THE VIRTUE AND EXCELLENCY OF CHRIST. 1. The manifestation itself. "We made known unto you." The apostles did not hide the mysteries of salvation revealed to them (Romans 16:25, 26). (1) This doctrine makes to the conviction of them that conceal the way of the Lord (Matthew 23. 13; Romans 1:18). (2) This reproves them also that content themselves with their ignorances, and never labour for knowledge. 2. The matter manifested. "The power and coining of our Lord." By this the apostle intends the sum of the gospel, and the full salvation that is given us by Christ, in whom are all the treasures of blessedness. Of this he makes two distinct parts. (1) That Christ came in the flesh, suffered for our sins, and rose again for our justification. (2) The virtue and efficacy of this in our hearts, when we manifest the fruit of it in our well living and well believing. III. A TESTIFYING OF THIS AND THAT FROM THE SUREST WITNESSES. In witnesses there are three things especially required. 1. That they be of good report and repute; for a bad and vicious life enervates their testimony. But these were holy men; He that sent them to give testimony did not deny them sanctimony (John 17:17). 2. That they be eye witnesses; so were these. 3. That they agree in their testimony. (Thos. Adams.) Parallel Verses KJV: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. WEB: For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.