2 Peter 1

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:2

The first half of Peter’s benediction on his readers is identical with the one he gave in his first epistle (1 Peter 1:2). Grace and peace were the typical greetings the Greeks and Jews used respectively. This probably suggests that Peter wrote this epistle to a mixed audience of Christians, as he did his former letter. Both grace and peace come to us through the full knowledge (Gr. epignosei) of God and of Jesus (again equal, cf. 2 Peter 1:1). The Greeks, and especially the Gnostics, prided... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:3

Grace and peace are possible since God has given us (all Christians) everything we need to live godly lives."’Power’ is one of the key-words of the epistle." [Note: Sidebottom, p. 105.] It is possible that Peter meant the apostles specifically when he wrote "us" in 2 Peter 1:3-4. [Note: R. H. Strachan, "The Second Epistle General of Peter," in The Expositor’s Greek Testament, 5:124.] The apostles are evidently in view in 2 Peter 1:1 ("ours"), and they may contrast with the readers ("you") in 2... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:3-4

A. The Believer’s Resources 1:3-4Peter reminded his readers of God’s power and promises that were available to them. He did this to rekindle an appreciation for the resources God had given them in view of their present needs. This epistle begins and ends on a note of victory (cf. 2 Peter 3:14-18). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:3-11

II. THE CONDITION OF THE CHRISTIAN 1:3-11"The first chapter vividly portrays the nature of the Christian life with its challenge to spiritual growth and maturity, built on a sure foundation. The second part of the epistle is a ringing polemic against the false teachers who would allure and seek to mislead God’s people, while the third chapter deals with the heretical denial of the return of Christ and concludes with some fitting exhortation to the readers." [Note: D. Edmond Hiebert, "The... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:4

The Lord’s promises come to us through Christ’s divine power and the true knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3). We learn of these promises as we get to know Him better, and the power for fulfilling what He has promised comes from Him. "Granted" translates a Greek word (doreomai), also found in 2 Peter 1:3, that stresses the great worth of what God has given. "Promises" refers to promises that all believers can know about, not secret promises. They are in the Scriptures. The ones Peter referred to in... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:5

Since believers have resources that are adequate for a godly life, we should use them diligently to grow in grace (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). Escaping the corruption of lust takes effort (cf. 1 Timothy 6:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:2). It is possible to frustrate the grace of God by having "faith without works" (James 2:20). [Note: Hiebert, Second Peter . . ., p. 51.] Therefore we must apply all diligence. This is the most basic requirement for experiencing effective Christian growth (cf. 2 Peter 1:10; 2 Peter... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:5-9

B. The Believer’s Needs 1:5-9Having established the believer’s basic adequacy through God’s power in him and God’s promises to him, Peter next reminded his readers of their responsibility to cultivate their own Christian growth. He did so to correct any idea that they needed to do nothing more because they possessed adequate resources."In this beautiful paragraph Peter orchestrates a symphony of grace. To the melody line of faith he leads believers to add harmony in a blend of seven Christian... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:6

"Self-control" (Gr. egkrates) means mastery of self, disciplined moderation, controlling one’s desires and passions (cf. Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 25:28; Acts 24:25; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 5:23; Philippians 3:12-16; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; James 4:17). Many of the early Christian heresies taught that since the body was evil (some claimed) or unimportant (others claimed) it was not necessary to curb fleshly lusts, only to think correctly."Any religious system which claims that religious... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:7

"Brotherly kindness" (Gr. philadelphia) is thoughtful consideration of fellow believers (cf. 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8; Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 12:25-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1). Overt acts of kindness manifest this characteristic (Galatians 6:10)."Love" (Gr. agape) is the highest form of love, God’s kind, that seeks the welfare of the person loved above its own welfare (John 3:16; John 13:35; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 4:8; et al.). It reaches out to all people, not just fellow... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:8

We must continue to grow in these qualities as well as possessing them; we must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). Failure to do so will make us "useless" (Gr. argous) in God’s hands as His tools in the world (cf. James 2:20; cf. Matthew 20:3; Matthew 20:6), and "unfruitful" (Gr. akarpous) as communicators of His life (John 15:2; John 15:4; cf. Mark 12:12-14; Mark 12:20-26). This is so even though we have received everything necessary for godly living through the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:3).... read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:2

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:3

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:3-4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:3-11

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:5-9

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:6

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Peter 1:8

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