2 Peter 1:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1:5-11

In these words the apostle comes to the chief thing intended in this epistle?to excite and engage them to advance in grace and holiness, they having already obtained precious faith, and been made partakers of the divine nature. This is a very good beginning, but it is not to be rested in, as if we were already perfect. The apostle had prayed that grace and peace might be multiplied to them, and now he exhorts them to press forward for the obtaining of more grace. We should, as we have... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Peter 1:3-7

1:3-7 Since his divine power has bestowed upon us all things that are necessary for true life and true religion, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, and since through these gifts there have been bestowed upon us precious and very great promises, that through them we might escape the world's corruption caused by lust and become sharers in the divine nature--since still this is so, bend all your energy to the task of equipping your faith with courage,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Peter 1:3-7

Peter says that we must bend all our energies to equip ourselves with a series of great qualities. The word he uses for to equip is epichoregein ( Greek #2023 ) which he uses again in 2 Peter 1:11 when he speaks of us being richly gifted with the right of entry into the eternal kingdom. This is one of the many Greek words which have a pictorial background. The verb epichoregein ( Greek #2023 ) comes from the noun choregos ( Greek #5524 ), which literally means "the leader of a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Peter 1:3-7

Let us then look at the list of virtues which have to be added one to another. it is worth noting that in the ancient world such lists were common. It was a world in which books were not nearly so cheap and so readily available as they are today. Instruction, therefore, had for the most part to be carried in the pupil's head; and easily memorized lists were one of the commonest ways of inculcating instruction. One ingenious way of teaching the child the names of the virtues was by means of a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Peter 1:3-7

(iv) To this practical knowledge must be added self-control, or self-mastery. The word is egkrateia ( Greek #1466 ), and it means literally the ability, to take a grip of oneself. This is a virtue of which the great Greeks spoke and wrote and thought much. In regard to a man and his passions Aristotle distinguishes four states in life. There is sophrosune ( Greek #4997 ), in which passion has been entirely subjugated to reason; we might call it perfect temperance. There is akolasia,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Peter 1:5

And besides this, giving all diligence ,.... "Or upon this", as the Syriac and Arabic versions read, bestow all your labour, diligence, and care; namely, on what follows, and that from the consideration of what goes before; for nothing can more strongly animate, and engage to the diligent exercise of grace and discharge of duty, than a consideration of the high favours, and free grace gifts of God, and the exceeding great and precious promises of his Gospel: add to your faith virtue ; or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Peter 1:5

And beside this - Notwithstanding what God hath done for you, in order that ye may not receive the grace of God in vain; Giving all diligence - Furnishing all earnestness and activity: the original is very emphatic. Add to your faith - Επιχορηγησατε· Lead up hand in hand; alluding, as most think, to the chorus in the Grecian dance, who danced with joined hands. See the note on this word, 2 Corinthians 9:10 ; (note). Your faith - That faith in Jesus by which ye have been led to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Peter 1:5

Verse 5 5And besides this. As it is a work arduous and of immense labor, to put off the corruption which is in us, he bids us to strive and make every effort for this purpose. He intimates that no place is to be given in this case to sloth, and that we ought to obey God calling us, not slowly or carelessly, but that there is need of alacrity; as though he had said, “Put forth every effort, and make your exertions manifest to all.” — For this is what the participle he uses imports. Add to your... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Peter 1:5

And beside this, giving all diligence; rather, but for this very cause also. αὐτὸ τοῦτο is frequently used in this sense in classical Greek, but in the New Testament only here. It refers back to the last verse. God's precious gifts and promises should stimulate us to earnest effort. The verb rendered "giving" means literally "bringing in by the side;" it is one of those graphic and picturesque expressions which are characteristic of St. Peter's style. God worketh within us both to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Peter 1:5-7

True Christian character. This notable passage, growing very evidently out of what precedes and into what follows, has a wealth of instruction. I. True Christian character CONSISTS OF MANIFOLD ELEMENTS . Here is a chain no link of which may be omitted, a structure no stone in which may be lacking, a body no member of which may be wanting. 1 . Whether the general order is to be insisted on or not, it is certain that faith is the primary essential of the whole character. It... read more

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