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
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
1:4 given (l-5) Or 'have been given.' partakers (m-19) Koinonos . Hebrews 2:14 . 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
(3-11) 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
(4) Whereby.—By God’s “glory and virtue;” not by “all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” although the latter is possible, and is preferred by some.Are given unto us.—Better, He hath given unto us, viz., He who called us, God. Wiclif, “He gaf;” Rheims, “He hath given.”Promises.—The Greek word occurs here and in 2 Peter 3:13 only. Its termination indicates the things promised rather than the act of promising. They are “exceeding great,” or rather “the greatest,” because they contain an... 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
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Peter 1:4
4. Whereby, c.—By His glory and virtue: His glory making the "promises" to be exceeding great His virtue making them "precious" [BENGEL]. Precious promises are the object of precious faith. given—The promises themselves are a gift: for God's promises are as sure as if they were fulfilled. by these—promises. They are the object of faith, and even now have a sanctifying effect on the believer, assimilating him to God. Still more so, when they shall be fulfilled. might, c.—Greek, "that ye MAY... read more