2 Peter Chapter 1 — Growing in Godliness and Prophecy
Peter encourages believers to grow in spiritual maturity and reminds them that the scriptures are reliable because they come from the Holy Spirit.
1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,*“Christ” means “Anointed One”. to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
2Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
3seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue,
4by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
5Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;
6and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness;
7and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.
8For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
10Therefore, brothers,†The word for “brothers” here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters” or “siblings.” be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
11For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
12Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the present truth.
13I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,
14knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
15Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.
16For we didn’t follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17For he received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”✡Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35
18We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
19We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts,
20knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.
21For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2_Peter 1:3
“seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue,”
This verse establishes that God provides the resources necessary for living a godly life.
2_Peter 1:5-7
“Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness; and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.”
These verses list the specific qualities believers are encouraged to develop to mature in their faith.
2_Peter 1:21
“For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.”
This verse explains the divine origin and inspiration of biblical prophecy.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, Simon Peter addresses those who share a common faith, emphasizing that God’s divine power provides everything necessary for a life of godliness. He outlines a progression of spiritual growth, urging believers to supplement their faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Peter explains that these qualities prevent spiritual idleness and blindness. He expresses a sense of urgency regarding his own approaching death, wanting to remind his readers of the truth while he is still able. He reinforces the authority of his message by citing his own experience as an eyewitness to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he heard the voice of God. Finally, Peter affirms the certainty of biblical prophecy, stating that it does not originate from human will but from holy men moved by the Holy Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peter instructs believers to supplement their faith with moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. He states that having these qualities in abundance will prevent a person from being idle or unfruitful.
Peter uses the metaphor of a 'tent' to refer to his physical body and earthly life. He writes that he knows he will soon be 'putting off' this tent, indicating his awareness of his approaching death.
Peter refers to the Transfiguration, where he heard a voice from heaven saying, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' He uses this firsthand experience on the 'holy mountain' to validate his teaching about the power and coming of Jesus.
Peter explains that no prophecy of Scripture comes from a person's private interpretation or human will. Instead, he asserts that holy men spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Study Note
The Greek word for 'knowledge' (epignosis) used here suggests a deep, experiential understanding rather than just intellectual facts.
Related Chapters
Matthew 17
This chapter provides the Gospel account of the Transfiguration which Peter references as an eyewitness.
1 Peter 1
Peter's first letter also focuses on the themes of holiness and the precious nature of faith.
2 Timothy 3
This chapter similarly discusses the divine inspiration and purpose of Scripture.
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