2 Peter 1

2 Peter 1, the opening chapter of the epistle of 2 Peter, written around AD 64–67 by the apostle Peter, likely from Rome, to Christians facing false teachers and persecution, establishes the foundation for a godly life rooted in faith. Peter greets his readers, affirms the divine power for growth in virtue, urges diligence in confirming their calling, and reminds them of his eyewitness testimony to Christ’s glory, emphasizing the reliability of prophetic scripture as they await the Lord’s return.
Key Sections
Greeting and Divine Power (1:1–4): Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to those with equal faith, obtained through God’s righteousness, wishing grace and peace through knowledge of God and Jesus. God’s divine power grants all needed for life and godliness via His promises, enabling escape from worldly corruption and participation in the divine nature.
Growth in Godly Virtues (1:5–11): Supplement faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities ensure fruitfulness in knowing Christ; lacking them blinds believers, forgetting their cleansing from sins. Be diligent to confirm your calling and election, ensuring entry into Christ’s eternal kingdom.
Eyewitness Testimony (1:12–18): Peter reminds readers of truth, knowing his death is near, as Jesus revealed. He and others were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty, seeing His transfiguration and hearing God’s voice proclaim Him the beloved Son (Matthew 17:5), confirming prophetic words.
Reliability of Scripture (1:19–21): Prophetic scripture is a lamp shining in darkness, more sure than experience, guiding until the day dawns and the morning star rises. No prophecy comes from human will; men spoke from God, moved by the Holy Spirit.
Cross-References
Equal Faith: 
Ephesians 2:8–9: Faith as gift.

Romans 3:22: Righteousness through faith.

Titus 1:4: Common faith.
Divine Promises: 
2 Corinthians 1:20: Promises in Christ.

Romans 8:29: Conformed to Christ.

John 17:22–23: Share in glory.
Virtues for Growth: 
Galatians 5:22–23: Fruit of Spirit.

Colossians 3:12–14: Put on virtues.

Philippians 4:8: Think on these things.
Confirming Calling: 
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14: Called to glory.

Romans 8:30: Called, glorified.

Hebrews 3:1: Heavenly calling.
Transfiguration Testimony: 
Matthew 17:1–8: Christ’s glory.

John 1:14: Beheld His glory.

Mark 9:2–7: Voice from cloud.
Prophetic Scripture: 
2 Timothy 3:16: Inspired scripture.

Psalm 119:105: Lamp to feet.

Romans 15:4: Written for hope.
Holy Spirit’s Role: 
John 16:13: Spirit guides truth.

1 Corinthians 2:10–13: Spirit reveals.

Acts 1:16: Spirit through prophets.
Theological Meaning
Equal Faith: All believers share faith through Christ’s righteousness, uniting them (1:1; Ephesians 4:5).

Divine Enablement: God’s power and promises equip for godliness, escaping corruption (1:3–4; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Active Faith: Virtues build on faith, proving fruitful salvation (1:5–8; James 2:17).

Assured Salvation: Diligence confirms calling, securing eternal entry (1:10–11; Philippians 2:12).

Christ’s Glory: Peter’s eyewitness account affirms Jesus’ divine Sonship (1:16–18; John 20:31).

Scripture’s Authority: Prophecy, Spirit-inspired, guides reliably until Christ’s return (1:19–21; Revelation 22:18–19).
Questions and Answers
Who receives equal faith (1:1)?
All believers, through God’s impartial righteousness (1:1; Acts 10:34–35).

What does divine power grant (1:3)?
All needed for life, godliness, and escape from corruption (1:3; 2 Timothy 1:7).

Why list virtues (1:5–7)?
To show faith’s growth into fruitful, Christlike character (1:5–7; Ephesians 4:13).

What blinds believers (1:9)?
Lacking virtues, forgetting past forgiveness (1:9; Hebrews 12:15).

What was the transfiguration (1:16–18)?
Christ’s revealed glory, witnessed by Peter, with God’s voice affirming Him (1:16–18; Luke 9:28–36).

Why is scripture a lamp (1:19)?
It guides in darkness, Spirit-inspired, until Christ’s return (1:19; Psalm 119:130).

How does this apply today?
Grow in virtues, trust scripture, and confirm faith for Christ’s kingdom (1:10; Colossians 1:10).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written to Christians, likely in Asia Minor, facing false teachers (2 Peter 2:1) and persecution under Nero (AD 64–67). Peter, nearing martyrdom (1:14), writes from Rome (1 Peter 5:13), countering doubts about Christ’s return (3:4).

Cultural Questions: “Equal faith” (1:1) challenges Greco-Roman hierarchy, bold for diverse churches (Galatians 3:28). “Divine nature” (1:4) counters Greco-Roman deification, rooted in Jewish theology (Psalm 82:6). “Virtues” (1:5–7) echo Stoic ethics, adapted for Christian growth (Romans 5:3–5). “Transfiguration” (1:16–18) uses Jewish theophany language, vivid for synagogue readers (Exodus 24:15–17). “Lamp” (1:19) evokes Jewish wisdom, resonant in diaspora (Proverbs 6:23). “Holy Spirit” (1:21) affirms Jewish prophetic tradition, pivotal for believers (Joel 2:28).

Application: 2 Peter 1 calls believers to grow in godly virtues, trust inspired scripture, and confirm their faith. It challenges spiritual laziness, false teaching, and worldly corruption, urging diligence for Christ’s eternal kingdom in a deceptive world (Romans 12:11; Ephesians 5:15–16).