2 Peter 1
BSB1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, 14 because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times. 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. 21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Study Notes — 2 Peter 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Peter 1
- Themes from 2 Peter 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Peter 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a greeting from the apostle Peter, who introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He addresses his letter to those who have received a faith as precious as theirs, emphasizing the equality of all believers in Christ. Peter then explains that God has given believers everything they need for life and godliness, and that they should make every effort to add to their faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers and a reminder of the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the second letter of Peter, which was written to encourage and warn believers in the face of false teaching and persecution. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life. It also connects to the Old Testament, which provides the foundation for the Christian faith and the understanding of God's character and will.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to make every effort to add to their faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This requires a deepening relationship with God, a commitment to spiritual growth and maturity, and a willingness to trust in God's power and provision.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about growing in faith and becoming more like Jesus. It reminds us that we have everything we need to live a godly life, and that we should make every effort to add to our faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. As Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3).
Voices from the Church
“The Christian life is not a static thing, but a dynamic and growing thing. We are called to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The knowledge of God is the foundation of all true wisdom and understanding. It is the starting point for spiritual growth and maturity, and it is the culmination of all Christian doctrine.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Greeting (1:1-2) — The chapter begins with a greeting from the apostle Peter, who introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.
- The Sufficiency of God's Power (1:3-4) — Peter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that this provision comes through their knowledge of God.
- The Importance of Spiritual Growth (1:5-7) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, and it encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
- The Warning against False Teachers (1:8-11) — The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.
- Conclusion and Final Thoughts (1:12-21) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, and the need to trust in God's power and provision.
Core Doctrines
- The Sufficiency of Scripture
- This chapter teaches that God has given believers everything they need for a godly life through their knowledge of Him, which is found in Scripture.
- The Importance of Spiritual Growth
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, and it encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
- The Dangers of False Teaching
- The chapter warns against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.
- The Power of God
- The chapter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that this provision comes through their knowledge of God.
Lessons from 2 Peter 1
- The Importance of Spiritual Growth — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, and it encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter warns against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.
- The Power of God — The chapter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that this provision comes through their knowledge of God.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and provision, even when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives.
- The Importance of Remembering God's Word — The chapter reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, and applying them to their lives.
Themes from 2 Peter 1
- Spiritual Growth and Maturity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, and it encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
- The Power of God — The chapter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that this provision comes through their knowledge of God.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter warns against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and provision, even when they face difficulties and challenges in their lives.
- The Importance of Remembering God's Word — The chapter reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, and applying them to their lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to have a faith as precious as ours, and how can we cultivate this kind of faith in our lives?
- How can we make every effort to add to our faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love?
- What are some common false teachings that we need to be aware of, and how can we protect ourselves against them?
- How can we trust in God's power and provision, even when we face difficulties and challenges in our lives?
- What are some practical ways that we can remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, and apply them to our lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-2)
| 1:1 | The chapter begins with a greeting from the apostle Peter, who introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. |
| 1:2 | Peter addresses his letter to those who have received a faith as precious as theirs, emphasizing the equality of all believers in Christ. |
2. The Sufficiency of God's Power (1:3-4)
| 1:3 | Peter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that this provision comes through their knowledge of God. |
| 1:4 | Through this knowledge, believers can participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world. |
3. The Importance of Spiritual Growth (1:5-7)
| 1:5 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, and it encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God. |
| 1:6 | Peter lists the qualities that believers should cultivate in their lives, including virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. |
| 1:7 | The chapter reminds believers that these qualities are essential for spiritual growth and maturity, and that they should make every effort to add them to their faith. |
4. The Warning against False Teachers (1:8-11)
| 1:8 | The chapter warns against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. |
| 1:9 | Peter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that they should not be deceived by false teachers. |
| 1:10 | The chapter encourages believers to confirm their calling and election, and to make every effort to be found spotless and blameless in the presence of God. |
| 1:11 | Peter reminds believers that they will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ if they persevere in their faith. |
5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (1:12-21)
| 1:12 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, and the need to trust in God's power and provision. |
| 1:13 | Peter reminds believers that they should always be mindful of the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. |
| 1:14 | The chapter encourages believers to be diligent in their pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity, and to make every effort to add to their faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. |
| 1:15 | Peter reminds believers that they should always be mindful of the fact that they will soon put off their earthly bodies, and that they should be diligent in their pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity. |
| 1:16 | The chapter reminds believers that they did not follow cleverly devised myths when they became believers, but that they were eyewitnesses of the majesty of Christ. |
| 1:17 | Peter reminds believers that they heard the voice of God when they were with Jesus on the mountain, and that they saw the glory of Christ. |
| 1:18 | The chapter encourages believers to pay attention to the prophetic word, and to remember the commandment of the Lord and Savior. |
| 1:19 | Peter reminds believers that the prophetic word is a lamp shining in a dark place, and that it will guide them until the day dawns and the morning star rises in their hearts. |
| 1:20 | The chapter reminds believers that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation, but that it was given by God. |
| 1:21 | Peter reminds believers that prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but that it was given by God as men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a faith as precious as ours?
Having a faith as precious as ours means that we have been given the same faith as the apostles and the early church, and that we have been called to the same mission and purpose. As Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3).
How can we make every effort to add to our faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love?
We can make every effort to add to our faith these qualities by pursuing a deeper relationship with God, by studying Scripture, and by practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and service to others. As Peter writes, "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:8).
What are some common false teachings that we need to be aware of, and how can we protect ourselves against them?
Some common false teachings include the idea that we can earn our salvation through good works, or that we can achieve spiritual growth and maturity through our own efforts. We can protect ourselves against these false teachings by studying Scripture, by seeking guidance from mature believers, and by being mindful of the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. As Peter writes, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them" (2 Peter 2:1).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 1:3 → Psalm 16:11 | Both passages emphasize the importance of knowing God and experiencing His power and provision in our lives. |
| 2 | 2 Peter 1:5 → Matthew 5:48 | Both passages emphasize the importance of pursuing spiritual growth and maturity, and of becoming like God in our character and conduct. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 1:10 → 1 Peter 1:10 | Both passages emphasize the importance of confirming our calling and election, and of making every effort to be found spotless and blameless in the presence of God. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 1:16 → Matthew 17:1-13 | Both passages describe the transfiguration of Christ, and emphasize the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 1:20 → 2 Timothy 3:16-17 | Both passages emphasize the importance of Scripture and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us into all truth. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 1:21 → Acts 1:16 | Both passages emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding us into all truth, and in empowering us for service and ministry. |
| 7 | 2 Peter 1:3 → John 1:12 | Both passages emphasize the importance of knowing God and experiencing His power and provision in our lives. |
| 8 | 2 Peter 1:5 → Ephesians 4:13 | Both passages emphasize the importance of pursuing spiritual growth and maturity, and of becoming like God in our character and conduct. |
| 9 | 2 Peter 1:10 → 1 John 3:2-3 | Both passages emphasize the importance of confirming our calling and election, and of making every effort to be found spotless and blameless in the presence of God. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 1:16 → Mark 9:2-13 | Both passages describe the transfiguration of Christ, and emphasize the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. |
Sermons on 2 Peter 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1 Cor 13 (Version 1) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about his experience with his children and a tennis game. He then transitions to discussing the concept of love, specifically |
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Getting Ready for the End of All Things by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing for the end times by focusing on spiritual readiness rather than physical provisions. It highlights the need for forgiveness, lov |
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No Stopping the Holy Spirit by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Ho |
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(Hebrews) 5-Abel and Enoch by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who committed adultery and ended up in prison. The man confesses his crime and expresses remorse for his actions. The preach |
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Christ Imparts Life by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fallen nature of humanity and the expectations that God has for us. He emphasizes that in our flesh, apart from Christ, we are destined f |
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The Timelessness of God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our sinful condition and the consequences it brings. He highlights that God, in His kindness a |
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Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a pow |
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Life of Elijah - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker rebukes the theologians of his day, referencing John 5:39 where Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees that they search the scriptures but refuse to come |
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The Holy Spirit's Power and Our Effort - Part 1 by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on developing godly character qualities, such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, a |
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Peter 1
In this chapter, Peter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life. He reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that they should make every effort to add to their faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Peter also warns against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, and of confirming our calling and election. As Matthew Henry writes, "The apostle Peter, having spoken of the dignity and excellency of the Christian faith, and the privileges and advantages that come with it, now proceeds to exhort believers to make a due improvement of their faith, and to add to it the other Christian graces and virtues, that they may be complete and perfect in their faith, and may abound in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Spiritual Growth
The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, and it encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
The Sufficiency of God's Power
The chapter reminds believers that they have been given everything they need for a godly life, and that this provision comes through their knowledge of God.
The Warning against False Teachers
The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.