2 Peter 1:17 – He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Peter is reminding his readers of a very specific and powerful moment when God the Father publicly honored and glorified Jesus. Peter is referring to the event known as the Transfiguration (recorded in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36).
At that moment, Jesus’ appearance changed, and His face and clothes shone like light. God’s voice spoke from heaven, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Peter, along with James and John, was there and witnessed this firsthand.
Peter’s point is clear: he is not passing along a rumor or secondhand story. He heard God’s own voice confirm who Jesus is. Jesus is the Son of God, loved and approved by the Father, filled with divine honor and glory.
Historical Context
Peter was writing to believers who were surrounded by false teachers who were denying or twisting the truth about Jesus’ identity and His promised return.
In this letter, Peter wants his readers to know that his message is not based on human invention or speculation. He is an eyewitness of Jesus’ glory and God’s clear declaration of who Jesus is.
The Transfiguration was a key moment in Jesus’ ministry. It gave Peter and the other apostles a glimpse of Jesus’ divine majesty and prepared them for His suffering, death, resurrection, and promised return.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that:
- Jesus is the beloved Son of God. This is not a title given by people but a declaration from God the Father Himself.
- Jesus possesses honor and glory. His identity is not only as a man but as the glorious Son of God.
- Revelation comes from God. The truth about who Jesus is does not come from human opinion but from God’s own voice.
This verse underscores that Jesus’ authority and majesty are not up for debate—they were declared by God Himself.
Literary Analysis
Peter’s words here are both personal and weighty:
- He received honor and glory – Speaking of Jesus’ divine identity.
- From God the Father – The source of this recognition is God, not man.
- The voice came to him from the Majestic Glory – A poetic way of describing God’s presence.
- This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased – The direct words from God at the Transfiguration.
Peter is recounting a firsthand experience that shaped his faith and ministry.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 17:1-8 – The Transfiguration account.
- Mark 9:2-8 – Another account of the same event.
- Luke 9:28-36 – Third Gospel account of the Transfiguration.
- Matthew 3:16-17 – At Jesus’ baptism, God speaks similar words: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
- John 1:14 – “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is. He is not just a good teacher, a wise man, or a spiritual leader. He is the beloved Son of God, publicly honored by the Father.
It also encourages believers to trust the testimony of Scripture and the apostles. Peter’s account is not a legend or a myth; it is an eyewitness report of God’s clear declaration.
This verse helps believers remember that their faith is based on real events and real truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in how He reveals the truth about His Son. God does not leave people guessing about who Jesus is. He openly declares His love for Jesus and His pleasure in Him.
It also shows God’s love in how He made this known not only to Jesus but to the disciples and, through them, to the whole world.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is directly about Jesus and His identity:
Relevant Scriptures:
- Colossians 1:15-20 – Speaks of Jesus’ supremacy and glory.
- Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory.”
- John 5:20-23 – Jesus speaks of the Father’s love for the Son and the honor due to Him.
Peter is pointing believers back to the unshakable truth of who Jesus is.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter wanted to remind his readers about the Transfiguration?
- How does hearing God’s direct declaration about Jesus strengthen your faith?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father?
- How can you remind yourself daily of who Jesus is and what God says about Him?
- How does knowing that Peter was an eyewitness encourage you to trust the truth of the gospel?