ScriptureDepth's study of 2 Peter 1
“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;”
2 Peter 1:3
Peter writes to believers about God's divine power granting all things necessary for life and godliness, which assures them of their growth in faith.
What 2 Peter 1 is about
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, greets those who have obtained faith in Jesus (vv. 1-2). He emphasizes that God's divine power has given believers all they need for life and godliness through knowledge of Him (vv. 3-4). Peter calls on believers to add qualities such as moral excellence, knowledge, and self-control to their faith (vv. 5-7). These virtues, if they abound, will prevent them from being idle or unfruitful in their knowledge of Jesus (vv. 8-9). He advises them to make their calling and election sure. If they practice these qualities, they will never stumble (vv. 10-11). Peter aims to remind the believers of these truths as long as he is alive (vv. 12-15). He asserts their message is not based on myths, as he and others were witnesses of Jesus’ glory (vv. 16-18). He affirms the reliability of prophecy, noting it comes from God, not human will (vv. 19-21).
Believers are called to grow in their faith and must attend to their calling to enter the eternal Kingdom.
2 Peter 1 at a glance
- 2 Peter 1:1–2Greeting and Faith in Christ
- 2 Peter 1:3–4Divine Power and Promises
- 2 Peter 1:5–7The Call for Growth
- 2 Peter 1:8–9The Consequence of Abundance
- 2 Peter 1:10–11Assurance of Calling
- 2 Peter 1:12–15Reminders of Truth
- 2 Peter 1:16–21Eyewitnesses and Prophecy
Key verse: 2 Peter 1:3
One thing to notice
Simon Peter greets those who have received faith in verses 1-2. He speaks of empowerment through divine knowledge and promises in verses 3-4, noting the source of faith and divine nature. The focus shifts from a personal address to broader themes of faith and growth.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read 2 Peter 1 (WEB)
Greeting and Faith in Christ 2 Peter 1:1–2
1Verse 1. Simon 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: 2Verse 2. Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
Divine Power and Promises 2 Peter 1:3–4
3Verse 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; 4Verse 4. by 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.
The Call for Growth 2 Peter 1:5–7
5Verse 5. Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6Verse 6. and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control perseverance; and in perseverance godliness; 7Verse 7. and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.
The Consequence of Abundance 2 Peter 1:8–9
8Verse 8. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9Verse 9. For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
Assurance of Calling 2 Peter 1:10–11
10Verse 10. Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 11Verse 11. For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Reminders of Truth 2 Peter 1:12–15
12Verse 12. Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. 13Verse 13. I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you; 14Verse 14. knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15Verse 15. Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.
Eyewitnesses and Prophecy 2 Peter 1:16–21
16Verse 16. For 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. 17Verse 17. For 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.” 18Verse 18. We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19Verse 19. We 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:
20Verse 20. knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 21Verse 21. For 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)
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Main themes in 2 Peter 1
Divine Power
In verses 3-4, the text states that 'his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness'. This power enables believers to partake in 'the divine nature' and escape the world's corruption. The chapter moves this theme forward by linking divine power to the knowledge of God, encouraging believers to rely on this power for growth in their spiritual journey.
Spiritual Growth
In verses 5-7, Peter instructs believers to add qualities such as 'moral excellence', 'knowledge', and 'self-control' to their faith. These qualities are part of a progression toward spiritual maturity, culminating in 'love'. The chapter continues by stressing that possessing and abounding in these qualities leads to fruitfulness in knowing Jesus, thus promoting ongoing spiritual growth.
Faithfulness
In verses 10-11, Peter urges the readers to make their 'calling and election sure', assuring them that diligence in this will prevent them from stumbling. He connects faithfulness to the promise of an 'entrance into the eternal Kingdom'. This theme is developed through the assurance of God's faithfulness as believers strive to remain steadfast in their faith.
Prophetic Word
In verses 19-21, Peter affirms the reliability of prophecy, noting that 'no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation'. He states that prophecy comes from God, delivered by 'holy men of God' as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The chapter calls for attention to these prophetic words, comparing them to a 'lamp shining in a dark place', which encourages the community to trust in the prophetic tradition.
Chapter outline
How 2 Peter 1 unfolds
2 Peter 1:1–2 Greeting and Faith in Christ
Simon Peter addresses those who share a 'like precious faith' with him (v. 1), wishing for grace and peace to increase through knowing God and Jesus Christ (v. 2).
2 Peter 1:3–4 Divine Power and Promises
God's divine power provides everything necessary for life and godliness through knowing Him, which also includes great promises that enable believers to partake in the divine nature (vv. 3-4).
2 Peter 1:5–7 The Call for Growth
Believers are urged to add to their faith virtues such as moral excellence, knowledge, and love, building toward godliness and brotherly affection (vv. 5-7).
2 Peter 1:8–9 The Consequence of Abundance
If these qualities are present and increasing, they prevent idleness and fruitlessness in understanding Jesus Christ (v. 8), while lacking them results in spiritual blindness (v. 9).
2 Peter 1:10–11 Assurance of Calling
Believers are encouraged to be diligent in making their 'calling and election sure' (v. 10), assuring them that practicing these virtues will prevent them from stumbling (v. 10).
2 Peter 1:12–15 Reminders of Truth
Peter expresses his intention to remind the readers of these truths to ensure they remember them after his departure (vv. 12-15), likening his life to a tent that will be taken down soon.
2 Peter 1:16–21 Eyewitnesses and Prophecy
Peter asserts that he and others were eyewitnesses of Jesus' power and majesty, emphasizing that prophecy originates from God, not human will (vv. 16-21).
Key verses
2 Peter 1:3Peter writes to believers about God's divine power granting all things necessary for life and godliness, which assures them of their growth in faith.
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Study questions
Questions for studying 2 Peter 1
- observeIn v3, what has divine power granted to us for life and godliness?
- observeWhat qualities are to be added to faith in vv. 5-7?
- interpretIn v9, why is the person who lacks these qualities described as 'blind'?
- interpretIn v20, what does Peter mean when he states that no prophecy is of 'private interpretation'?
- applyWhat does Peter mean by 'make your calling and election sure' in v10 as it relates to your life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 Peter 1
- 2 Timothy 32 Peter 1:19 and 2 Timothy 3:16Both affirm the value of prophecy: 2 Peter 1:19 states it is a sure word, while 2 Timothy 3:16 claims all Scripture is God-breathed.
- Psalm 1192 Peter 1:19 and Psalm 119:105Both describe guidance: 2 Peter 1:19 likens prophecy to a lamp, while Psalm 119:105 asserts God's word is a light.
- Philippians 42 Peter 1:3 and Philippians 4:8Both encourage virtue: 2 Peter 1:3 states divine power grants all things, while Philippians 4:8 calls for thinking on what is praiseworthy.
- 2 Peter 32 Peter 1:5 and 2 Peter 3:18Both promote growth: 2 Peter 1:5 calls for diligence in faith, while 2 Peter 3:18 encourages growing in grace.
- 1 Peter 12 Peter 1:21 and 1 Peter 1:11Both affirm prophetic inspiration: 2 Peter 1:21 states holy men spoke, while 1 Peter 1:11 notes the Spirit's predictions.
- 2 Timothy 22 Peter 1:10 and 2 Timothy 2:15Both urge diligence: 2 Peter 1:10 encourages making calling sure, while 2 Timothy 2:15 speaks of presenting oneself approved.
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