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
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
1:3 knowledge (i-19) Epignosis , 'full knowledge,' 'personal recognition,' as Colossians 1:9 . glory (k-27) Many read 'by (his) own glory.' read more
Greeeting. Thanksgiving. Exhortation to Progeess in Righteousness from One Who Remembers Jesus Christ2 Peter 1 may be subdivided into two parts: (a) 2 Peter 1:1-11, greeting followed by a declaration of the glory and virtue of the Christian life, which is a life of continual growth and progress, and requires diligent effort in those who would lead it; (b) 2 Peter 1:12-21, declaration of the Apostle’s care and authority to provide for his readers’ remembrance of these truths—he, who saw the... read more
(3) According as.—Better, seeing that This must not be made to depend on 2 Peter 1:2. In the canonical Epistles the address does not go beyond the blessing. Galatians is the only exception; there a relative clause is added to the blessing; but this is solemnly brought to a close with a doxology, so that the exception is one that almost proves the rule. In Hebrews, James, 1 and 3 John, there is no opening blessing; the remark holds good of all the rest. 2 Peter 1:3-4 are a brief introduction to... read more
(3-11) Exhortation to progress in spiritual graces in order to win eternal life at Christ’s coming. God has given us all we need for salvation; let us profit by it, and show ourselves worthy of it. read more
Steps to a Divine Goal 2 Peter 1:4 I. Peter reminds us of the end to be achieved by those manifold assurances to which the Divine fidelity is pledged. 'That through these ye may become partakers of the Divine nature,' What a profound and original conception is this that God has expressly given to His people promises through which they may reach a vital participation in His own sacred and glorious nature. In all human society there is an unhappy tendency to exclusiveness and self-absorption.... read more
Chapter 19 THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETERTHE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF GOD2 Peter 1:1-4IN the salutation of this second letter the Apostle describes himself in fuller form than in the first: "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ." Some have seen in this description a testamentary character, as though the Epistle contained his parting counsels. The words form an epitome of his whole life. As Simon, son of Jonas, he lived his life in Judaism until Christ’s call summoned him to be a fisher of... read more
Analysis and Annotations I. THE GRACIOUS PROVISIONS OF GOD CHAPTER 1 1. God’s gracious provisions in Christ (2 Peter 1:1-4 ) 2. The development of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:5-11 ) 3. The promises of prophecy (2 Peter 1:12-21 ) 2 Peter 1:1-4 We are not left in doubt who the writer is, not a pseudo Peter, but Simon Peter, the fisherman of Galilee. With this second Epistle he finishes the task given him by the Lord “to strengthen his brethren.” The opening verse of the third chapter shows... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
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