2 Peter 1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1

In this chapter we have, I. An introduction, or preface, making way for, and leading to, what is principally designed by the apostle, 2 Pet. 1:1-4. II. An exhortation to advance and improve in all Christian graces, 2 Pet. 1:5-7. III. To enforce this exhortation, and engage them seriously and heartily to comply with it, he adds, 1. A representation of the very great advantage which will thereby accrue to them, 2 Pet. 1:8-11. 2. A promise of the best assistance the apostle was able to give to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1

THE penman of this epistle appears plainly to be the same who wrote the foregoing; and, whatever difference some learned men apprehend they discern in the style of this epistle from that of the former, this cannot be a sufficient argument to assert that it was written by Simon who succeeded the apostle James in the church at Jerusalem, inasmuch as he who wrote this epistle calls himself Simon Peter, and an apostle (2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1), and says that he was one of the three apostles... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1:1-4

The apostle Peter, being moved by the Holy Ghost to write once more to those who from among the Jews were turned to faith in Christ, begins this second epistle with an introduction, wherein the same persons are described and the same blessings are desired that are in the preface to his former letter; but there are some additions or alterations which ought to be taken notice of, in all the three parts of the introduction. I. We have here a description of the person who wrote the epistle, by the... read more

Matthew Henry

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1:12-15

I. The importance and advantage of progress and perseverance in grace and holiness made the apostle to be very diligent in doing the work of a minister of Christ, that he might thereby excite and assist them to be diligent in the duty of Christians. If ministers be negligent in their work, it can hardly be expected that the people will be diligent in theirs; therefore Peter will not be negligent (that is, at no time or place, in no part of his work, to no part of his charge), but will be... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1:16-18

Here we have the reason of giving the foregoing exhortation, and that with so much diligence and seriousness. These things are not idle tales, or a vain thing, but of undoubted truth and vast concern. The gospel is not a cunningly devised fable. These are not the words of one who hath a devil, nor the contrivance of any number of men who by cunning craftiness endeavour to deceive. The way of salvation by Jesus Christ is eminently the counsel of God, the most excellent contrivance of the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Peter 1:19-21

In these words the apostle lays down another argument to prove the truth and reality of the gospel, and intimates that this second proof is more strong and convincing than the former, and more unanswerably makes out that the doctrine of the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a mere fable or cunning contrivance of men, but the wise and wonderful counsel of the holy and gracious God. For this is foretold by the prophets and penmen of the Old Testament, who spoke and wrote under the... read more

William Barclay

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

1:1 Symeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, writes this letter to those to whom there has been allotted a faith equal in honour and privilege with our own, through the impartial justice of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The letter opens with a very subtle and beautiful allusion for those who have eyes to see it and knowledge enough of the New Testament to grasp it. Peter writes to "those to whom there has been allotted a faith equal in honour and privilege with our own" and... read more

William Barclay

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

Peter calls himself the servant of Jesus Christ. The word is doulos ( Greek #1401 ) which really means slave. Strange as it may seem, here is a title, apparently one of humiliation, which the greatest of men took as a title of greatest honour. Moses the great leader and lawgiver was the doulos ( Greek #1401 ) of God ( Deuteronomy 34:5 ; Psalms 105:26 ; Malachi 4:4 ). Joshua the great commander was the doulos ( Greek #1401 ) of God ( Joshua 24:29 ). David the greatest of the... read more

William Barclay

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

1:2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you by the knowledge of God, and of Jesus, our Lord. Peter puts this in an unusual way. Grace and peace are to come from knowledge, the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Is he turning Christian experience into something dependent on knowledge? Or is there some other meaning here? First, let us look at the word which he uses for knowledge (epignosis, Greek #1922 ). It can be interpreted in two directions. (a) It can mean... read more

Group of Brands