2 Peter 1 explained: Growing Into a Life Like God's

Greeting (vv. 1-2)

Peter writes to ordinary believers and says their faith is just as valuable as that of the apostles who walked with Jesus. Many read his wording as calling Jesus both God and Savior, though the original language can also be read as naming God and Jesus separately.

Everything needed is given (vv. 3-4)

God has already supplied all a person needs for a good life, through knowing him and trusting his promises. Taking part in God's own nature is usually understood as becoming like God in goodness and character, not becoming God.

A chain of growing qualities (vv. 5-9)

Starting from faith, each quality is built on the one before, and love comes last as the crown of them all. A person without these is like someone who can only see what is right in front of them and has forgotten they were forgiven.

Standing firm (vv. 10-11)

Peter urges them to make God's invitation and choosing of them firm and certain in their lives. Living out these qualities keeps them from falling and leads to a generous welcome into God's lasting kingdom.

A reminder before dying (vv. 12-15)

Peter pictures his body as a temporary shelter he will soon take down, and says Jesus showed him his death was near, likely recalling the scene in John 21. Many scholars think a follower wrote this letter in Peter's name after his death, while others hold that Peter wrote it himself.

Eyewitnesses and prophecy (vv. 16-21)

The writer recalls the mountain where Peter, James and John saw Jesus in glory and heard God call him his beloved Son, so the message is not a clever myth. The older prophecies came from God rather than the prophets' own ideas, and they act like a lamp in the dark until daybreak, which is often read as Christ's return, though the exact meaning is debated.

Key verse: 2 Peter 1:3

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Peter's call to make God's choosing of them certain means a person's effort helps secure their salvation, or only shows and confirms what God has already secured.

Something to think about

Which qualities do you think take the longest to grow in a person, and what actually helps them grow?