ScriptureDepth

2 Peter 1

Read 2 Peter 1 (WEB)+

1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, 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 be not 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, 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 did not 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.” 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.

World English Bible (public domain)

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”

2 Peter 1:3

Summary

In 2 Peter chapter 1, the apostle Peter addresses believers, beginning with a reminder of their shared precious faith and the divine power that has granted them everything needed for life and godliness. He emphasizes the importance of growing in virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love, assuring that these qualities will keep them effective and productive. Peter underlines the importance of remembering and following the truth about Jesus Christ, which he had witnessed personally. He writes about the significance of the prophetic message, affirming that it did not originate from human will but was inspired by the Holy Spirit. This chapter is both an encouragement and a call to diligence, grounding believers in the reliable testimony of Jesus and the Scriptures. It reinforces the inheritance of God's promises and the call to live a life reflecting these truths.

Go deeper

Ask the AI about 2 Peter 1

Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.

Ask the AI about 2 Peter 1

Daily Scripture study

Get a short devotional by email

One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.

Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).

One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.

Studying 2 Peter with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for women.

Chapter outline

How 2 Peter 1 unfolds

  1. 2 Peter 1:1–2 Greeting and Faith in Christ

    Peter introduces himself and addresses believers who share a precious faith, wishing them grace and peace through knowledge of God.

  2. 2 Peter 1:3–4 Divine Power and Promises

    He describes how God's divine power provides everything necessary for life and godliness, enabling believers to partake in His divine nature.

  3. 2 Peter 1:5–7 The Call for Growth

    Peter urges diligence in developing virtues like moral excellence, knowledge, and love, highlighting their importance in the Christian life.

  4. 2 Peter 1:8–9 The Consequence of Abundance

    He explains that possessing these qualities ensures believers are fruitful and not blind to their past sins.

  5. 2 Peter 1:10–11 Assurance of Calling

    Peter encourages believers to confirm their calling and election, promising that doing so will prevent them from stumbling.

  6. 2 Peter 1:12–15 Reminders of Truth

    He emphasizes his role in reminding them of these truths, especially as he nears his death.

  7. 2 Peter 1:16–21 Eyewitnesses and Prophecy

    Peter asserts their message is based on eyewitness accounts of Jesus's majesty and the reliable nature of prophetic scripture.

Key verses

  • 2 Peter 1:3This verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on God's provision for a godly life through knowledge of Him.

Main themes in 2 Peter 1

Divine Power

The theme of divine power is prominently presented in verses 3-4, where Peter asserts that God's power equips believers with everything essential for life and godliness. This assertion highlights the completeness of God's provision, ensuring that believers have the necessary resources for their spiritual journeys. The chapter's movement reassures readers that they are not alone in their efforts to grow, as they are empowered by divine strength in every aspect of their lives.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is a focal point in verses 5-7, where Peter outlines specific virtues that believers are encouraged to develop. He illustrates how these qualities are essential for an effective and fruitful knowledge of Jesus Christ, along with a warning about the dangers of spiritual stagnation. The chapter emphasizes that believers must actively pursue growth, demonstrating that spiritual maturity is not passive but requires intentional effort and commitment to their faith.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a recurring theme in the chapter, particularly in verses 10-11, where Peter encourages believers to be diligent in confirming their calling and election. He draws on his own commitment to truth and the shared faith of the community as examples of what it means to be faithful. This theme serves to reinforce the necessity of perseverance and steadfastness in the believer's life, reminding them to remain true to their commitments and responsibilities.

Prophetic Word

The prophetic word is highlighted in verses 19-21, where Peter affirms the divine origin and reliability of prophecy. He stresses the importance of holding firmly to these prophetic messages as a source of light in a world filled with darkness. This theme underscores the authority of scripture, positioning it as essential for guiding believers in their faith and helping them navigate challenges with confidence.

Cross-references

Passages that echo 2 Peter 1

Study questions

Questions for studying 2 Peter 1

  1. Who is the intended audience of this letter?
  2. What virtues does Peter encourage believers to develop?
  3. How does Peter describe the source of his authority?
  4. What does it mean to make one's calling and election sure?
  5. Why is the prophetic word significant in this chapter?
  6. How does Peter's personal witness shape his message?

2 Peter 1: frequently asked questions

What is 2 Peter 1 about?+
In 2 Peter chapter 1, the apostle Peter addresses believers, beginning with a reminder of their shared precious faith and the divine power that has granted them everything needed for life and godliness. He emphasizes the importance of growing in virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love, assuring that these qualities will keep them effective and productive. Peter underlines the importance of remembering and following the truth about Jesus Christ, which he had witnessed personally. He writes about the significance of the prophetic message, affirming that it did not originate from human will but was inspired by the Holy Spirit. This chapter is both an encouragement and a call to diligence, grounding believers in the reliable testimony of Jesus and the Scriptures. It reinforces the inheritance of God's promises and the call to live a life reflecting these truths.
What is the key verse in 2 Peter 1?+
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;"
What are the main themes of 2 Peter 1?+
The main themes of 2 Peter 1 are Divine Power, Spiritual Growth, Faithfulness, Prophetic Word.

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with 2 Peter 1

Study Notes

← 1 Peter 5All chaptersChapter 2 →