2 Peter 1:19

We have also. Or, “and we have,” which suggests that in the words that follow, Peter speaks of something additional to his unique experience at the Transfiguration, although in no way superseding it. Peter’s readers had not been present at the Transfiguration and might tend to doubt that it confirmed “the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 16). But there is something equally convincing to Peter, and perhaps more so to his readers — the “more sure word of prophecy.”

A more sure word of prophecy. Rather, “the prophetic word made more sure.” In large measure Peter and his companions derived their firm convictions concerning the mission of Christ from the way in which His life fulfilled OT prophecies (cf. Acts 2:22-36; 3:18; 4:10, 11, 23-28; etc.). This knowledge, added to their personal acquaintance with the Lord during His earthly ministry (cf. 1 John 1:1—3), gave them an unshakable basis for their Christian faith. They spent their lives sharing that faith with others, and thus built up the early church. Christ’s representatives today have the same mission to fulfill.

Whereunto ... heed. Peter here specifically addresses his readers, as the pronoun “ye” clearly indicates. By the relative pronoun “whereunto” he may be referring either to his entire line of reasoning (vs. 16-18), which connects the Transfiguration and the prophetic word in support of his convictions, or solely to the prophetic word which he has just mentioned. Both interpretations are valid, and either would direct the readers’ minds to the Scriptures as the source of guidance and authority.

Light. Gr. luchnos, “lamp” (see on Ps. 119:105; Matt. 5:15).

A dark place. Or, “a squalid place,” which may be dark as well as dirty. Peter’s readers lived in the squalid, dark environment of heathen society and needed all possible spiritual light in order to avoid the many pitfalls that beset them.

The day. Rather, “day,” although textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the inclusion of the definite article. Peter’s mind appears to have passed, quite naturally, from the Transfiguration, which prefigured the Lord’s glorious return, to the great “day” itself. He was not only reminding his readers of the spectacle that he had beheld on the mount, but was directing their minds to the glorious event it foreshadowed — the second coming of Christ in power and glory.

Dawn. Literally, “shine through,” as a light that pierces the gloom. The apostle knew his Lord’s coming would dispel the world’s darkness and usher in everlasting light. There would then not be the same need for the lamp; the Light of the world would give all the light necessary to His people. Peter may also have been thinking of the dawn of the day that brings salvation to the individual heart.

Day star. Gr. phosphoros, a compound of phos, “light,” and the verb pherd, “to bear,” hence, “light bearer,” or “light bringer.” Phosphoros, occurring only here in the NT, was used of the planet Venus, sometimes known as the morning star (cf. on Isa. 14:12). The apostle here doubtless refers to Christ (cf. on Mal. 4:2; Luke 1:78, 79; Rev. 2:28; 22:16).

In your hearts. Or, “in your minds.” Peter hereby stresses the experience of the believer when faith in Christ fully takes hold. This certainty of conviction is the focus of the line of reasoning followed in vs. 16-19.