2 Peter 1:1

I. EARNEST APPEAL FOR CHRISTIAN GRACES AND SOLEMN DILIGENCE, 2 Peter 1:1-21.

1. Peter’s address to those of like faith; and benediction, 2 Peter 1:1-2.

1. Simon Greek, Symeon, used only here and by James in Acts 15:14.

Servant So St. Paul, Romans 1:1.

An apostle See on 1 Peter 1:1. The assertion of apostolic authority is here eminently important in view of the purpose to se t forth the true doctrine of Christ in opposition to the heresies of false teachers.

To them The same persons primarily as are addressed in the first epistle, (chap. 2 Peter 3:1,) yet including all believers in Christ. It is, thence, a catholic epistle.

Have obtained As a gracious gift, as if by divine allotment.

Like precious faith A faith of equal value with that which the apostles themselves possessed, procuring the same salvation and on the same terms.

Through the righteousness Rather, in the righteousness. Righteousness is not the instrument by which faith results, but the element in which it rests. Nor do we understand by it God’s attribute of righteousness, or his righteous way of dealing, but the righteousness which he gives to the believer. To those in this state of salvation this epistle is addressed.

Of God and our Saviour In the English form the first term signifies the Father and the second the Son; but the Greek requires us to read, Of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, thus identifying God with Christ. Note on Titus 1:3. At the outset the apostle asserts the Godhead of Christ, in view of the errorists against whom he is writing.