2 Peter 1:3-11
Summary for 2Pet 1:3-11: 1:3-11 a An explanation of all that God has given us in Christ (1:3-4 b) forms the basis for an urgent exhortation to grow in the knowledge of Christ (1:5-11 c). 1:3 d By his divine power, God has (literally His divine power has): The name of God does not occur in the Greek text; Peter could be referring to the divine power of “Jesus our Lord” (1:2 e).1:4 f enable you to share his divine nature: Peter probably did not mean that our souls are merged with God but that believers share God’s qualities (cp. Lev 11:44 g; Matt 5:43-48 h; Eph 4:24 i; 5:1 j).
Summary for 2Pet 1:5-7: 1:5-7 k The stair-step structure of these verses, with each virtue leading to another, is a common literary device called a sorites. The sequence in such passages is not stressed—e.g., Peter does not imply that moral excellence must come before knowledge. Yet love is the pinnacle of the virtues (1:7 l).
1:10 m dear brothers and sisters: This Greek term (adelphoi) refers to people, both male and female, who are members of the same family.
• Work hard to prove (literally Be zealous to make certain): Peter did not mean that our being chosen by God for salvation depends on what we do, but that our zeal to grow in Christian virtue confirms that we have, indeed, been chosen by God.
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