This lesson from 2 Peter 1:12-21 explores the apostle Peter’s final words as he neared the end of his life. Framed as a spiritual “last will and testament,” Peter’s message is a powerful call to remember and remain anchored in the truth of the gospel. Rodriguez unpacks Peter’s reminders about living out godly virtues, the reliability of eyewitness testimony regarding Jesus’ power and glory, and the enduring trustworthiness of Scripture. He emphasizes how prophecy was not born of human will but divinely inspired through the Holy Spirit, working through both prophets and apostles to reveal God’s unified message. Listeners are invited to reflect on how we pass on faith, how we view our mortal lives as temporary “tents,” and the importance of grounding our lives in the Word of God. This episode challenges and encourages believers to continue growing, remembering, and bearing witness, just as Peter did.
I. Introduction
A. Context: 2 Peter was written around 60 AD; Peter’s impending death (c. 64 AD)
B. Central Question: What would you say if you knew you were dying soon?
II. Peter’s Urgency to Remind (2 Peter 1:12-15)
A. The importance of reminders in faith
B. Living in the “tent” of the body
C. Peter’s commitment to ensure remembrance after his death
III. The Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony (2 Peter 1:16-18)
A. Apostolic testimony is not based on myths
B. Peter as an eyewitness of Christ’s majesty (Transfiguration)
C. Legal and biblical significance of multiple eyewitnesses
IV. The Trustworthiness of Prophetic Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21)
A. The prophetic message as a light in darkness
B. Scripture’s divine origin, not human interpretation
C. Role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring prophecy
D. Unity between prophets and apostles in revealing God’s message
V. Key Themes of Peter’s Final Testimony
A. The Word of God is completely reliable
B. Faith must be grounded in both personal witness and Scripture
C. The unified work of the Holy Spirit through history
VI. Reflection & Discussion Questions
A. How does the metaphor of a tent change our view of life and death?
B. Are we clearly communicating our faith to those we influence?
C. Why is it crucial to affirm the reliability of Scripture today?
D. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit worked through both prophets and apostles?
VII. Additional Scriptures
Deuteronomy 6:6–9, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:1–2, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35, John 14:26, Acts 1:8, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Hebrews 2:1–4, Revelation 1:3