2 Peter 1

2 Peter 1 focuses on reminding believers of their calling to live a godly life through the divine power given to them. Peter emphasizes the importance of growing in faith and virtues, which lead to a fruitful and secure life in Christ. He also highlights the importance of remembering the truths of the gospel and holding fast to the prophetic word, which is divinely inspired.

2 Peter 1:1 (NKJV)
Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Peter introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Christ, writing to those who have received the same precious faith. This faith is based on the righteousness of Jesus, who is both God and Savior. He emphasizes that their faith is not earned but given by God's grace through Christ's righteousness, placing all believers on equal footing.

2 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

Peter wishes the readers an abundance of grace and peace, which come through knowing God and Jesus. This knowledge is not just intellectual but experiential, where believers encounter God's character and goodness personally. The more believers grow in their relationship with God, the more they experience His grace and peace.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Peter explains that God's divine power provides everything believers need for living a godly life. This comes through knowing Christ, who calls us by His glory and goodness. Through Christ's promises, believers partake in the divine nature, meaning they are transformed to reflect God's character, escaping the corruption of the sinful world. This passage highlights the completeness of God's provision and the high calling to which believers are invited.

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Peter urges believers to be diligent in their spiritual growth, building on their faith by cultivating various virtues. These qualities—virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—are progressive and interconnected. This development is not passive but requires active effort, as believers strive to become more like Christ in every aspect of their lives.

2 Peter 1:8 (NKJV)
For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Peter encourages believers by showing that growing in these virtues will lead to a fruitful life in Christ. When these qualities abound in a believer's life, they prevent spiritual barrenness or unfruitfulness. It demonstrates that knowing Christ should produce visible, transformative results in a person's character and actions.

2 Peter 1:9 (NKJV)
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Peter warns that those who do not grow in these virtues are spiritually shortsighted, failing to see the big picture of their salvation. This neglect causes them to forget the significance of being cleansed from past sins. Growth in godliness is essential to continually walking in the newness of life.

2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV)
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter exhorts believers to confirm their calling and election by diligently pursuing spiritual growth. This diligence ensures stability and perseverance in the faith, preventing stumbling. Additionally, it guarantees a rich welcome into Christ's eternal kingdom. This passage emphasizes that spiritual growth and steadfastness are critical for entering God's kingdom victoriously.

2 Peter 1:12-13 (NKJV)
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,

Peter acknowledges that his readers already know these truths, but he is committed to continually reminding them. He views it as his responsibility to keep them spiritually alert and focused on these foundational truths while he is still alive. Peter sees his role as a reminder and encourager, ensuring that believers stay grounded in the gospel.

2 Peter 1:14-15 (NKJV)
knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

Peter refers to his impending death, which the Lord had revealed to him. Despite knowing that his time is short, he is determined to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that believers have a constant reminder of the truths he has taught them. This reveals Peter's deep concern for the continued spiritual growth of the believers after he is gone.

2 Peter 1:16 (NKJV)
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Peter asserts that the message of Jesus’ power and second coming is not a myth or cleverly invented story. He and the other apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ’s majesty, referring specifically to the transfiguration where they saw Jesus in His glorified state. This assures believers of the truth and reliability of the gospel.

2 Peter 1:17-18 (NKJV)
For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Peter recounts the transfiguration event, where God the Father affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son, and Peter himself witnessed this event. This moment was a divine confirmation of Jesus’ identity and mission, further establishing the truth of the gospel message that the apostles proclaimed.

2 Peter 1:19 (NKJV)
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

Peter highlights the reliability of prophecy, which is like a light in a dark world. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to the prophetic word until Christ’s return, symbolized as the dawning day and the morning star rising in their hearts. The imagery underscores the hope and certainty of Christ’s return, shining light into the darkness.

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV)
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Peter emphasizes that prophecy does not originate from human will or interpretation. Instead, it is the result of God’s Spirit moving men to speak His words. This statement affirms the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture, reminding believers to trust in the reliability of God's Word as being from the Holy Spirit.