2 Peter 1:2-7
Chapter 1
2
may grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus, our Lord.
3
Christian Vocation
His divine power has provided us with everything necessary for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power.
4
Through these things he has given us his precious and great promises, so that through them you may escape the corruption and evil desires of this world, and may become participants of the divine nature.
5
So, strive with the greatest determination and grow your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,
6
knowledge with moderation, moderation with perseverance, perseverance with piety,
7
piety with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.
Commentaries
Christian Vocation.
Expressions such as “divine nature,” “evil desires,” and “world” (4) are clearly influenced by Hellenistic philosophy. Only by choosing God’s plan can we overcome the world, a symbol of corruption and evil.
In verses 5-7, we find a list of the eight virtues typical of Hellenism, also seen elsewhere in the New Testament (Rom 5:3f; Gal 5:22f), beginning with faith and ending with love; seeds that only grow through knowledge of Jesus. Verses 10ff are an invitation to stay strong in the faith received, as an initial payment to enter the kingdom of Jesus.