THIS WEEKS WATCHTOWER STUDY...
It was brought to my attention that in paragraph 12, the Society says the 'glorious ones' mentioned at 2 Peter 2:8,9 are the elders. So I decided to analyze this thoroughly.
I listed to the Watchtower study that Lizzy had posted, and this part of the study didn't quite seem to jive. Nowhere in the scriptures are humans ever called 'glorious ones'. So, I read the entire passage, comparing these verses in particular, among the various translations along with the ... moreTHIS WEEKS WATCHTOWER STUDY...
It was brought to my attention that in paragraph 12, the Society says the 'glorious ones' mentioned at 2 Peter 2:8,9 are the elders. So I decided to analyze this thoroughly.
I listed to the Watchtower study that Lizzy had posted, and this part of the study didn't quite seem to jive. Nowhere in the scriptures are humans ever called 'glorious ones'. So, I read the entire passage, comparing these verses in particular, among the various translations along with the original Greek.
In 2 Peter 2, the term often translated as “glorious ones” is the same word used for “dignitaries”, or “celestial beings”, depending on the Bible version, and it comes from the Greek word:
δόξας (doxas) → literally “glories,” implying beings of great honor, majesty, or spiritual rank.
One thought conveyed by scholars is that this is possibly speaking of fallen angels, or angels with great spiritual rank in general.
When considering the broader context of the entire chapter 2 of 2 Peter, it is about:
- Rebellion,
- False teachers,
- Presumption, and
- Disrespect for authority.
Peter apparently is contrasting arrogant humans who dare to “slander the glories” with angels, who—despite their greater power and rank—do not speak abusively against such beings before God.
Peter's argument is essentially that "Even angels, who are stronger and holier, don’t rail against these powerful spiritual beings before God… but these presumptuous men do so boldly."
This being said, these glorious ones are most certainly:
- Not human rulers,
- Not ordinary believers, and
- NOT congregation elders.
When cross-referencing a comparison with Jude 1:8-9, it indicates angels refusing to insult powerful spiritual authorities, again reinforcing the non-human, supernatural identity of the “glories.”
MY FINAL TAKE...
The Governing Body is continuing to mold their specific narrative without regard to what the actual scripture is really indicating.
AdminIt seems to represent those such as Angels or those with divine power such as the apostles who were inspired. For the elders to refer to themselves as “Glorious Ones” again is going beyond what is written and lacks humility.
By “dignities,” or glories, are meant unseen powers worthy of reverence. The Greek word is rare in the New Testament; only here, 2Peter 2:10, and 1Peter 1:11. Earthly dignities, whether ecclesiastical or civil, are not included. (Comp. the doctrine of Menander, Irenæus, I. ... moreIt seems to represent those such as Angels or those with divine power such as the apostles who were inspired. For the elders to refer to themselves as “Glorious Ones” again is going beyond what is written and lacks humility.
By “dignities,” or glories, are meant unseen powers worthy of reverence. The Greek word is rare in the New Testament; only here, 2Peter 2:10, and 1Peter 1:11. Earthly dignities, whether ecclesiastical or civil, are not included. (Comp. the doctrine of Menander, Irenæus, I. xxiii. 5.) [1]
and “the glorious ones” (Jude 1:8) —the angels who have brought visions and dreams and revelation from God (eg Revelation 1:1)
When these men speak such evil they blaspheme because these apostles and angels are messengers of Christ. To speak evil of them is to “deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” who sent them (Jude 1:4). [3]
