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… In the midst of the darkest scenes of humiliation, a peculiar majesty was seen to accompany our Lord. These signs of heavenly greatness confirmed the faith of His disciples when sinking under the pressure of disappointment and affliction. I. The apostles were witnesses of His majesty when they witnessed His matchless CHARACTER. 1. He was made in the likeness of man, and He took on Him the infirmities of our nature; but He was unstained by our sins and imperfections. 2. But in Christ we not only see a character without sin, but perfect in its nature; manifesting the highest virtues in transcendent excellence. 3. With these celestial excellencies of character is joined an habitual and singular elevation above the world. His affections and labours are directed to spiritual and eternal objects. They elevate Him in the midst of ignominy; and give glory and majesty to His shameful death. 4. In Christ the various and seemingly opposite graces of character combine; and everywhere appear in their due place and on their proper occasion. II. That in correspondence with the perfection of the character of Christ, is HIS MANNER while fulfilling the work which His Father had given Him to do. There was a calm and simple, yet deep solemnity, in His demeanour and words, suited to the truths which He declared, and the office which He sustained — which manifested also His sense of their infinite importance, and tended powerfully to affect the minds of those whom He addressed. Without the slightest tendency to haughtiness or pride, a Divine authority. He manifested the native greatness of His character. III. There were EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS AND WONDERS in heaven and on earth, which in the midst of the deepest humiliation, gave indications of the majesty of Christ. (S. MacGill, D. D.) 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. |
    |