Mythology's Masquerade

The Graeco-Roman world had an extensive tradition of mythical characters who tended to reflect the characteristics of those who invented them. Peter's reference in this text made it plain that there were enemies of Christ and the Gospel who sought to relegate Jesus of Nazareth to the realm of the fable or myth. In the 19th century, higher critics picked up that very theme as they tried to separate what they called "the historical Jesus" from the apostolic myths. Peter asserted powerfully in this text that he and the other apostles had not followed myths and legends. What they had proclaimed about Christ was absolutely true and completely reliable.