Bible In Poetry: Gospel Of St. Peter 2 (Chapter 1) Poem by Dr John Celes

An apostle and slave of Jesus Christ,
Simon Peter to those with faith like ours
From Jesus Christ and righteousness of God:
‘May grace and peace be yours in abundance
Through knowledge of God and Jesus, our Lord’

His divine power has bestowed on us,
All things pertaining to life, godliness,
By His own glory and divine power.

He has bestowed on us great promises,
To help us share in the divine nature
Escaping the corruption of the world,
That exists because of evil desire.

So, make efforts to supplement
Your faith with virtue;
The latter with knowledge;
Knowledge with self-control;
The latter with endurance;
Endurance with devotion;
The latter with mutual affection
And mutual affection with love.

If these things in you abound,
You shall be neither barren,
Or in idleness remain,
Nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ.

One who lacks these is blind and short-sighted;
And forgets the cleansing of his past sins;
Be eager and firmer in your call,
So that you never fall;
And your entry into the kingdom
Of Christ will be richly provided.

Hence, I will always remind you of these
Although you are aware and firm in truth;
I’ll remind as long I’m in this tent;
I exhort you to remember these things
Even after my departure from earth.

We did not use cleverly devised myths,
When we announced the power,
The coming of Jesus Christ,
For whom, we were eyewitnesses.

He therefore received glory and honor
From God, the Father in heaven,
When the voice from above spoke loud:
‘This is my Son, in whom I am well-pleased.’

We also heard this voice from heaven,
When we were with Him in the holy mount.

We possess a reliable prophecy;
You ought to be attentive to it-
That lamp that shines in dark a place,
Until day dawns and morning star
Is seen to rise up in your hearts.

There is no prophecy in the scripture,
Subject to personal interpretation;

For, prophecy didn’t come through human will,
But Holy Spirit moved human beings,
To speak under the influence of God.


(6-19-2007)