“when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.”
2 Peter 1:17-18 NLT
As Peter talks of the glory of God that he bore witness to, this isn’t a statement of mere interaction with the human Jesus. He did bear witness to his manifestation, like many of that day, but Peter also note witness to an important theological event that would help to inform his doctrinal understanding later. He witnessed an event theologians call the transfiguration. In this event, Peter witnessed Gods glory revealed in Jesus as he began to physically shine. This is reminiscent of what happened to Moses when he was with God. Interestingly, Moses was also present in this moment. As we don’t know where Moses was buried, or what happened after Elijah was taken up, they would’ve been available as witnesses. Their significance is also of note because they were considered the foremost in to theological functions. Moses was established law and Elijah was the most powerful of prophets. In this moment, Peter became part of a complete testimony where Apostles, the Law, and the Prophets were all there to see who Jesus actually was. They saw this by the confirmation of the voice of God the Father. In terms of earth shaking theological events, there might not have been one in history better attested. It is one that Peter pondered for the rest of his life and undoubtedly informed The stalwartness of the early church. We must rely on that testimony as we remember who Jesus is. Its significance in human history cannot be understated.
JOSH McGARY. COM 