2 Peter 1:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Peter 1:3-4

The beginning of soul-salvation. These words, read in connection with what immediately follows (specially if we, following Ellicott and Farrar, place a period at the end of the second verse), distinctly predicate certain things about the beginning of soul-salvation. I. GOD HAS GIVEN ALL THINGS NECESSARY for soul-salvation. Note: 1 . The idea of soul-salvation. "Life and godliness." Observe the order. Vitality, then external piety. 2 . The means of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Peter 1:4

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; rather, as in the Revised Version, whereby he hath granted unto us h is precious and exceeding great promises. Does the word "whereby" ( δἰ ὧν , literally, "through which things") refer to the immediately preceding words, "glory and virtue"? or is its antecedent to be found in the more distant "all things which pertain unto life and godliness"? Both views are possible. God first granted unto us all things necessary for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Peter 1:4

Partakers of a Divine nature. Readers of classic literature are aware that, the cultivated pagans of antiquity broke down the distinction between the human and the Divine, by representing their emperors and other great men as taken after death into the rank of the gods. But this apotheosis was rather an exaltation in rank than an assimilation to, an incorporation in, a higher moral nature. The religion of Christ, on the other hand, evinces its immeasurable superiority to these human... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Peter 1:4

The sanctifying power of the promises. The text is a continuation of the two previous verses; indeed, from the second verse to the eleventh is one paragraph. God has given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, whereby grace and peace may be multiplied to us, and we may be made partakers of the Divine nature, and have an abundant entrance ministered unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I. THE GREATNESS AND PRECIOUSNESS OF THE ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Peter 1:4

Whereby - Δἰ ὧν Di' hōn. “Through which” - in the plural number, referring either to the “glory” and “virtue” in the previous verse, and meaning that it was by that glorious divine efficiency that these promises were given; or, to all the things mentioned in the previous verse, meaning that it was through those arrangements, and in order to their completion, that these great and glorious promises were made. The promises given are in connection with the plan of securing “life and godliness,”... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Peter 1:3-4

2 Peter 1:3-4. As his divine power hath given us all things There is a wonderful cheerfulness in this exordium, which begins with the exhortation itself; that pertain to life and godliness To the present natural life, and to the continuance and increase of spiritual life, termed here godliness; through the knowledge The divine and saving knowledge; of him Christ; that hath called us to glory Eternal glory hereafter, as the end; and to virtue Or holiness, as the way leading... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Peter 1:1-15

1:1-21 GOD’S POWER AT WORK IN BELIEVERSThe truly Christian character (1:1-15)In his righteousness, God has given all Christians, from elderly apostles to new converts, equal blessing through the gospel (1:1-2). He has also given them everything they need to live lives of holiness in a world that is corrupt through uncontrolled passions. The lives of believers must be in keeping with the life of God that has been given them. God’s promises are the assurance of his help in reaching this goal... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Peter 1:4

Whereby = By ( App-104 . 2 Peter 1:1 ) which. exceeding = the exceeding. promises . Greek. epangelma. Only here and 2 Peter 3:13 . that = in order that. Greek. hina. by . App-104 . 2 Peter 1:1 . be = become. partakers . See 1 Corinthians 10:18 . escaped . Greek. apopheugo. Only here and 2 Peter 2:18 , 2 Peter 2:20 . corruption . Greek. phthora. See Romans 8:21 . in . App-104 . world . App-129 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Peter 1:4

whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.Whereby ... "This refers to the things mentioned in the previous verse, meaning that it was through those arrangements,"[16] of the apostles being guided into all truth, etc., that all Christians have the privilege of partaking of the divine nature.Partakers of the divine nature ... As Strachan... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Peter 1:4

2 Peter 1:4. Whereby— By means of which; namely, of the illustrious seal of the Spirit set to the declaration of the gospel. By partaking of the divine nature, we are to understand a participation of the divine holiness; or a being holy, as the Lord our God is holy; enjoying such communion with God in his holiness, as, on account of its resemblance of him, derivation from him, tendency towards him, and complacency in him, may be called a divine nature. Thus it will connect with what follows:... read more

Group of Brands