2 Peter 1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
Simon Peter
The name "Simon" is derived from the Hebrew "Shim'on," meaning "he has heard." This reflects Peter's Jewish heritage and his role as one who listened to and followed Jesus. "Peter," from the Greek "Petros," means "rock," signifying the foundational role Peter plays in the early Church. Historically, Peter is recognized as a leading figure among the apostles, often seen as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

a servant
The Greek word "doulos" is used here, meaning "bondservant" or "slave." This term indicates Peter's complete devotion and submission to Jesus Christ. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, a servant was someone who had no rights of their own, emphasizing Peter's humility and dedication to serving Christ and His mission.

and apostle
The term "apostle" comes from the Greek "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." This highlights Peter's role as a messenger and leader in spreading the Gospel. Apostles were foundational to the establishment of the Church, and Peter's apostleship underscores his authority and responsibility in teaching and guiding early Christians.

of Jesus Christ
This phrase affirms the centrality of Jesus in Peter's identity and mission. "Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "The Lord is salvation," while "Christ" is the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." This emphasizes Jesus' divine role and mission as the Savior.

To those who through the righteousness
The word "righteousness" in Greek is "dikaiosyne," which refers to the state of being right or just. It is through God's righteousness, not human effort, that believers are justified. This righteousness is a gift, highlighting the grace and mercy of God in the salvation process.

of our God and Savior Jesus Christ
This phrase is a profound declaration of the deity of Christ. The Greek construction here supports the interpretation that "God and Savior" both refer to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature and role as the Savior of humanity. This is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the unity of God and Christ.

have received a faith
The Greek word "lanchano" is used for "have received," indicating something obtained by lot or divine allotment. This suggests that faith is not earned but is a gift from God. The term "faith" (Greek "pistis") refers to trust and belief in Jesus Christ, which is foundational to the Christian life.

as precious as ours
The word "precious" in Greek is "isotimos," meaning "of equal value or honor." This indicates that the faith of the recipients is of the same value as that of the apostles. It underscores the equality of all believers in the eyes of God, regardless of their background or status, and the shared inheritance of salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simon Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus. He is the author of this epistle.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and Savior of humanity.

3. Recipients of the Letter
Believers who have received faith through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, indicating a shared faith with the apostles.
Teaching Points
Identity in Christ
Peter identifies himself as both a servant and an apostle, highlighting the balance between humility and authority in Christian leadership.

The Preciousness of Faith
The faith we possess is described as "precious," indicating its immense value and the responsibility to nurture and protect it.

Righteousness of Christ
Our faith is received through the righteousness of Jesus, not by our own works, underscoring the grace-based nature of salvation.

Unity in Faith
The shared faith between the apostles and all believers emphasizes the unity and equality within the body of Christ.

Role of Apostleship
Peter's dual role as a servant and apostle serves as a model for Christian service and leadership, rooted in obedience to Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Peter's identification as both a servant and an apostle influence our understanding of Christian leadership?

2. In what ways can we recognize and appreciate the "precious" nature of our faith in daily life?

3. How does understanding that our faith is received through the righteousness of Christ impact our view of salvation and grace?

4. What are some practical ways we can promote unity and equality within our local church community, reflecting the shared faith mentioned in this verse?

5. How can we apply the balance of humility and authority in our own roles within the church or community, following Peter's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 10
Peter's vision and interaction with Cornelius highlight his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles, emphasizing the universality of the faith mentioned in 2 Peter 1:1.

Romans 3
Discusses the righteousness of God and how it is imparted to believers, aligning with the concept of receiving faith through God's righteousness.

Ephesians 2
Explores the idea of faith as a gift from God, which complements the notion of receiving faith as described in 2 Peter 1:1.
Peter's PrimacyJ.R. Thomson 2 Peter 1:1
Address and SalutationU.R. Thomas 2 Peter 1:1, 2
Apostolic FaithJ. Irons.2 Peter 1:1-2
Divine Blessing by Human ChannelsU.R. Thomas 2 Peter 1:1, 2
Faith and LifeC. H. Spurgeon.2 Peter 1:1-2
Life Through the Knowledge of ChristW. Wilson, M. A.2 Peter 1:1-2
Like Precious FaithA. Maclaren, D. D.2 Peter 1:1-2
Like Precious FaithA. Symson.2 Peter 1:1-2
Multiplied Grace Desired for OthersA. Symson.2 Peter 1:1-2
Of FaithIsaac Barrow, D. D.2 Peter 1:1-2
Precious FaithA. Symson.2 Peter 1:1-2
The Author and His ReadersT. Adams.2 Peter 1:1-2
The Knowledge of God in ChristR. W. Dale, LL. D.2 Peter 1:1-2
The Nature of Saving FaithR. South, D. D.2 Peter 1:1-2
The Preciousness of FaithJ. Burns.2 Peter 1:1-2
The SalutationThos. Adams.2 Peter 1:1-2
The Value of FaithThe Congregational Pulpit2 Peter 1:1-2
People
Peter, Simeon, Simon
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Allotted, Apostle, Bondman, Bondservant, Bond-servant, Christ, Equal, Faith, Holy, Kind, Obtain, Obtained, Ours, Peter, Precious, Received, Righteousness, Savior, Saviour, Servant, Simeon, Simon, Standing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Peter 1:1

     1125   God, righteousness
     1170   God, unity of
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2072   Christ, righteousness
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     5114   Peter, apostle
     5391   letters
     7160   servants of the Lord
     7449   slavery, spiritual
     7708   apostles, function
     8344   servanthood, in believers

2 Peter 1:1-2

     5328   greeting
     8023   faith, necessity

2 Peter 1:1-4

     5467   promises, divine

Library
Like Precious Faith
'... Them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.'--2 Peter i. 1. Peter seems to have had a liking for that word 'precious.' It is not a very descriptive one; it does not give much light as to the quality of the things to which it is applied; but it is a suggestion of one-idea value. It is interesting to notice the objects to which, in his two letters--for I take this to be his letter--he applies it. He speaks of the trial of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy
'... His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.'--2 Peter i. 3. 'I knew thee,' said the idle servant in our Lord's parable, 'that thou wert an austere man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou hadst not strewed. I was afraid, and went and hid my talent in the earth.' Our Lord would teach us all with that pregnant word the great truth that if once a man gets it into
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Partakers of the Divine Nature
'He hath given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.'--2 Peter i. 4. 'Partakers of the Divine nature.' These are bold words, and may be so understood as to excite the wildest and most presumptuous dreams. But bold as they are, and startling as they may sound to some of us, they are only putting into other language the teaching of which the whole New Testament is full,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Power of Diligence
'Giving all diligence, add to your faith ...'--2 Peter i. 5. It seems to me very like Peter that there should be so much in this letter about the very commonplace and familiar excellence of diligence. He over and over again exhorts to it as the one means to the attainment of all Christian graces, and of all the blessedness of the Christian life. We do not expect fine-spun counsels from a teacher whose natural bent is, like his, but plain, sturdy, common sense, directed to the highest matter, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Going Out and Going In
'An entrance ... my decease.'--2 Peter i. 11, 15. I do not like, and do not often indulge in, the practice of taking fragments of Scripture for a text, but I venture to isolate these two words, because they correspond to one another, and when thus isolated and connected, bring out very prominently two aspects of one thing. In the original the correspondence is even closer, for the words, literally rendered, are 'a going in' and 'a going out.' The same event is looked at from two sides. On the one
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Faith and Life
Now, it will be clear to all, that in the four verses before us, our apostle has most excellently set forth the necessity of these two things--twice over he insists upon the faith, and twice over upon holiness of life. We will take the first occasion first. I. Observe, in the first place, what he says concerning the character and the origin of faith, and then concerning the character and origin of spiritual life. "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Particular Election
When Mr. Whitfield was once applied to to use his influence at a general election, he returned answer to his lordship who requested him, that he knew very little about general elections, but that if his lordship took his advice he would make his own particular "calling and election sure;" which was a very proper remark. I would not, however, say to any persons here present, despise the privilege which you have as citizens. Far be it from me to do it. When we become Christians we do not leave off
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

The Faithful Promiser
THE FAITHFUL PROMISER. By the Author of "THE WORDS OF JESUS," "THE MORNING AND NIGHT WATCHES," ETC. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises."--2 Pet. i. 4. NEW YORK: STANFORD & DELISSER, No. 508, BROADWAY. 1858.
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect. Matthew 5:48.
In the 43rd verse, the Savior says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward
Charles G. Finney—Lectures to Professing Christians

The Author to the Reader.
CHRISTIAN READER,--After the foregoing address, I need not put thee to much more trouble: only I shall say, that he must needs be a great stranger in our Israel, or sadly smitten with that epidemic plague of indifferency, which hath infected many of this generation, to a benumbing of them, and rendering them insensible and unconcerned in the matters of God, and of their own souls, and sunk deep in the gulf of dreadful inconsideration, who seeth not, or taketh no notice of, nor is troubled at the
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers.
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Mystical Union with Immanuel.
"Christ in you the hope of glory." --Col. i. 27. The union of believers with Christ their Head is not effected by instilling a divine-human life-tincture into the soul. There is no divine-human life. There is a most holy Person, who unites in Himself the divine and the human life; but both natures continue unmixed, unblended, each retaining its own properties. And since there is no divine-human life in Jesus, He can not instil it into us. We do heartily acknowledge that there is a certain conformity
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Its Basis
In our last chapter we contemplated the problem which is presented in the justifying or pronouncing righteous one who is a flagrant violater of the Law of God. Some may have been surprised at the introduction of such a term as "problem": as there are many in the ranks of the ungodly who feel that the world owes them a living, so there are not a few Pharisees in Christendom who suppose it is due them that at death their Creator should take them to Heaven. But different far is it with one who has been
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

The Beatific vision.
Reason, revelation, and the experience of six thousand years unite their voices in proclaiming that perfect happiness cannot be found in this world. It certainly cannot be found in creatures; for they were not clothed with the power to give it. It cannot be found even in the practice of virtue; for God has, in His wisdom, decreed that virtue should merit, but never enjoy perfect happiness in this world. He has solemnly pledged himself to give "eternal life" to all who love and serve him here on earth.
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." There is a great marriage spoken of, Eph. v. that hath a great mystery in it, which the apostle propoundeth as the sample and archetype of all marriages or rather as the substance, of which all conjunctions and relations among the creatures are but the shadows. It is that marriage between Christ and his church, for which, it would appear, this world was builded, to be
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, which concerneth the change of our nature and frame, and is called vivification, or quickening of the new man of grace; which is called the new man, as having all its several members and parts, as well as the old man; and called new, because posterior to the other; and after regeneration is upon the growing hand, this duty of growing in grace, as it is called, 2 Pet. iii. &c. is variously expressed and held forth to us in Scripture;
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
1. The divine authority of the Pentateuch having been established, it is not necessary to dwell at length on the historical books which follow. The events which they record are a natural and necessary sequel to the establishment of the theocracy, as given in the five books of Moses. The Pentateuch is occupied mainly with the founding of the theocracy; the following historical books describe the settlement of the Israelitish nation under this theocracy in the promised land, and its practical operation
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to the riches of His mercy has at least preserved this one sacrament in His Church uninjured and uncontaminated by the devices of men, and has made it free to all nations and to men of every class. He has not suffered it to be overwhelmed with the foul and impious monstrosities of avarice and superstition; doubtless having this purpose, that He would have little children, incapable of avarice and superstition, to be initiated into
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Faith
What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for our sin? Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. I begin with the first, faith in Jesus Christ. Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.' Rom 3: 25. The great privilege in the text is, to have Christ for a propitiation; which is not only to free us from God's wrath, but to
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Approval of the Spirit
TEXT: "Yea, saith the Spirit."--Rev. 14:31. The world has had many notable galleries of art in which we have been enabled to study the beautiful landscape, to consider deeds of heroism which have made the past illustrious, in which we have also read the stories of saintly lives; but surpassing all these is the gallery of art in which we find the text. Humanly speaking John is the artist while he is an exile on the Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. The words he uses and the figures he presents
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

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