2 Peter 1:1–11

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Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

GROWTH IS INTENTIONAL
2 Peter 1:1–11

Introduction (1–2)
The author identified himself as Simeon (a rare form for Simon, transliterated directly from Hebrew) Peter, but no geographical location for the audience was indicated here. His audience had obtained a faith “equal to” (RSV) or “of the same kind as” (NASB) that of all other believers irrespective of class, time or place. God’s “fair dealing, without favoritism” (His “righteousness”) made this possible. Although verse 2 distinguishes between God and Jesus Christ, the latter part of verse 1 is one of the clearest statements in the New Testament about the deity of Jesus. Clearly “God and Savior” both refer to Jesus Christ. Peter prayed that grace and peace would be lavished on them in the “full knowledge” of God, i.e. the more complete knowledge of God and His ways that comes after conversion. Only that kind of knowledge is a certain safeguard against false teaching and moral failure.

Some false teachers, Gnostics, held that the body was so evil that nothing could make it worse so they indulged in sin. Only the soul was going to heaven, and the filth of bodily sin could not defile it. On the other hand, Peter called for growth leading to godliness.

Provision for Growth (3–4)
Peter expanded the theme of “the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Through His divine power active in Jesus Christ, God gives believers everything they need for “a godly life.” Divine provision comes through “full knowledge” of “Him who called us” — Christ. Initially Christ calls us to personal faith in Him, but He expects a believer to gain a deeper understanding of who the Lord is and what He demands by way of maturity and service.
The call to faith that results in conversion comes by means of Christ’s own “glory and goodness.” “Goodness (arête),” as applied to God, means His divine, miracle-working power. Through “glory and goodness,” Christ also gives great and costly promises that enable believers to “participate in the divine nature” after having turned their backs on the corruption of the world. Peter’s language does not mean a man may become a god, but it means that the infinite, personal God comes to dwell in a man (cf Eph. 3:19).

Elements of Growth (5–7)
Because all a believer needs to live a godly life is available in Christ, and in view of the great prospect of sharing in the divine nature, every believer must develop spiritually. In its historical background, the Greek for “add” implied “spare no expense.” Believers must lavish time and effort to grow up in Christ.

Peter stacked seven Christian virtues one upon the other, each to be supplemented by the next. “Faith,” a person’s initial response to God, is the beginning. As his or her new life develops, the believer will add “goodness,” or moral excellence. “Knowledge” is increased understanding of the will and ways of God (Eph. 5:17, Phil. 1:9, Heb. 5:14) that leads to decisions and deeds that are right in God’s sight. Growing awareness of divine standards leads to the exercise of “self-control.” From the practice of self-control develops “perseverance,” i.e. patient endurance, trusting that God will see to it that in the end, all will be well. The word translated “godliness” means “putting loyalty to God above all else.” This leads on to “brotherly kindness” (philadelphia) and self-sacrificial love (agape).

Fruitfulness from Growth (8–11)
Growth, or a lack of it, invariably shows up in a Christian’s life. Growth keeps a believer from being ineffective, inactive and unproductive, bearing no spiritual fruit. One who lacks the qualities of growth has “screwed up his eyes against spiritual light” and, in a sense, turned his back on the stand he took for Christ at the first.

Verse 10 reflects the opposing laws of election and free will. Both are taught in the New Testament. To confirm one’s call and election is to live in such a way as to validate belief that one is among the elect. “Fall” means to “stumble into sin.”

Verse 11 refers to the future fulfillment of salvation.