We [Peter and the Apostles] were eyewitnesses of his majesty. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain. (2 Peter 1:16, 19, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Not “cleverly invented stories.” (2 Peter 1:16, NIV 1984). Certified dead by His executioners and sealed in a tomb guarded by soldiers. Yet, “He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me [Apostle Paul] also, as to one abnormally born.” (1 Corinthians 15:5–8, NIV 1984). Not one eyewitness recanted their testimony stating it was invented. Not one confessed to an invented story conspiracy. Many of whom were martyred for telling the truth. Not something they would do for a lie or “cleverly invented stories.”
“Made more certain” by the fulfillment of prophecies made hundreds of years beforehand. Bible scholars differ in how they count the Messianic prophecies, but estimates range from about 200 to 400. Clearly too many to be considered coincidental or staged. No prophecy left unfulfilled, where missing only one link would break the chain. “Many prophets and righteous men longed to see what [we have seen] but did not see it, and to hear what [we have heard] but did not hear it.” (Matthew 13:17, NIV 1984). Not merely certain (free from doubt or reservation) but more (to a greater or higher degree) certain.
My Advice – “I [God] will make your [Abraham] descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring [Jesus] all nations on earth will be blessed.” (Genesis 26:3–4, NIV 1984). It is impossible for it to have been “made more certain” than it has been. How could we possibly believe they were “cleverly invented stories?” There is no plausible deniability, so why not believe?
The Brew Is A Musing 