For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is directly contrasting the "cleverly devised myths" of the world with the undeniable reality he and the other apostles witnessed. The real game-changer here is the phrase "eyewitnesses of his majesty," highlighting that their proclamation wasn't based on rumor or hearsay, but on a direct, personal encounter with the glorious presence of Christ himself.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is defending the authenticity of the Gospel message he and the other apostles are proclaiming, pushing back against false teachers who were spreading lies. He’s emphasizing that their message isn't based on made-up stories, but on their personal, transformative encounters with Jesus, especially during His earthly ministry and on the Mount of Transfiguration, which directly precedes this statement. This personal testimony is the bedrock of their authority and the truth of the Christian faith.
Ever feel like the world tries to sell you on ideas that just don't hold up? Peter tackles this head-on, assuring us that the Christian message isn't some made-up story.
Peter contrasts the Christian message with 'cleverly devised myths.'
The Power of Truth
Myths, by definition, are stories created to explain things or convey a message, often without a basis in fact. Peter is saying the gospel isn't like that. It’s not a product of human imagination or clever storytelling designed to deceive.
The Foundation of Eyewitness Testimony
The bedrock of the Christian faith, Peter asserts, is actual experience: 'we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.' This isn't hearsay; it's direct observation. The apostles saw Jesus’ glory firsthand. This eyewitness testimony is what gives their message its unshakeable authority.
Peter doesn't just say they saw Jesus; he says they saw his majesty. What does that truly mean, and why is it so significant?
The word 'majesty' here points to something far beyond mere impressiveness. It signifies divine glory, supreme authority, and awesome power.
Experiencing God’s Presence
Peter and the other apostles witnessed Jesus in moments that revealed his divine nature – perhaps his transfiguration, his miracles, or his post-resurrection appearances. These weren't just amazing sights; they were encounters with the breathtaking reality of God Himself.
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The Source of Our Hope
Understanding this 'majesty' is crucial because it's the very power and authority of the returning Christ that the apostles proclaimed. Our hope in his coming isn't based on wishful thinking, but on the proven, glorious power of the One who is coming back.
Understand the original words
mythos · Greek Noun
Refers to fables, legends, or invented stories that lack historical reality or divine truth. In Scripture, it is often contrasted with the authoritative truth of the Gospel.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The absolute, divine authority and manifestation of authority belonging to Jesus Christ. It denotes His active rule and the demonstration of His divine nature.
parousia · Greek Noun
The second coming (Parousia) of Christ, representing His future arrival in glory to judge the living and the dead and establish His kingdom.
epoptēs · Greek Noun
Refers to those who have personally witnessed an event, particularly the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ. It carries the weight of authoritative, first-hand testimony.
megaleiotēs · Greek Noun
The inherent splendor, greatness, and royal radiance of God. It signifies the divine presence and supreme status that commands reverence and awe.
Peter emphasizes the eyewitness reality of Jesus' power and return, contrasting it with fabricated stories, at a time when the apostles' direct testimonies were still the primary basis for belief and some were beginning to distort the message.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Jesus Christ concludes his public ministry, is crucified, and is believed by his followers to have been resurrected, appearing to many.
c. AD 30-60
Eyewitness Testimonies Spread
The apostles and early followers of Jesus share their accounts of his life, death, resurrection, and teachings throughout the Roman world.
c. AD 64-67
Peter Writes His First Letter
Peter likely writes his first epistle from Rome, addressing believers scattered throughout the Roman Empire who are facing persecution.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Peter Writes His Second Letter
Peter writes his final letter, likely shortly before his impending death, to reaffirm the truth of the gospel and warn against false teachers.
This passage also emphasizes the reality of Christ's resurrection and appearances to many witnesses, mirroring Peter's emphasis on eyewitness testimony to establish truth.
Luke 1:1-4Luke meticulously explains his own process of gathering information from eyewitnesses to write his Gospel, similar to Peter's assertion that his message is based on reliable, firsthand accounts, not myths.
John 1:14This verse directly states that the Word became flesh and 'dwelt among us,' highlighting the incarnate reality of Jesus that the apostles, including Peter, personally witnessed.
Acts 4:19-20Peter and John, facing opposition, declare that they 'cannot but speak of what they have seen and heard,' demonstrating their unwavering commitment to sharing their eyewitness testimony, just as Peter defends here.
Peter is directly contrasting the "cleverly devised myths" of the world with the undeniable reality he and the other apostles witnessed. The real game-changer here is the phrase "eyewitnesses of his majesty," highlighting that their proclamation wasn't based on rumor or hearsay, but on a direct, personal encounter with the glorious presence of Christ himself.
Peter is defending the authenticity of the Gospel message he and the other apostles are proclaiming, pushing back against false teachers who were spreading lies. He’s emphasizing that their message isn't based on made-up stories, but on their personal, transformative encounters with Jesus, especially during His earthly ministry and on the Mount of Transfiguration, which directly precedes this statement. This personal testimony is the bedrock of their authority and the truth of the Christian faith.
Peter is defending the authenticity of the Gospel message he and the other apostles are proclaiming, pushing back against false teachers who were spreading lies. He’s emphasizing that their message isn't based on made-up stories, but on their personal, transformative encounters with Jesus, especially during His earthly ministry and on the Mount of Transfiguration, which directly precedes this statement. This personal testimony is the bedrock of their authority and the truth of the Christian faith.
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." — Peter is directly contrasting the "cleverly devised myths" of the world with the undeniable reality he and the other apostles witnessed. The real game-changer here is the phrase "eyewitnesses of his…
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Last reviewed October 2026