Selected Studies from 2 Peter Part 1: The Necessary Growth in the Christian Life: An Exposition of 2 Peter 1:5-11 -- By: D. Edmond Hiebert

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 141:561 (Jan 1984)
Article: Selected Studies from 2 Peter Part 1: The Necessary Growth in the Christian Life: An Exposition of 2 Peter 1:5-11
Author: D. Edmond Hiebert


Selected Studies from 2 Peter
Part 1:
The Necessary Growth in the Christian Life:
An Exposition of 2 Peter 1:5-11

D. Edmond Hiebert

[D. Edmond Hiebert, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno, California]

The contents of 2 Peter clearly fall into three parts, appropriately marked by the chapter divisions. The sequence of these parts well serves to accomplish the Apostle Peter’s purpose of fortifying his readers against the false teachers who would harass the church. The first chapter vividly portrays the nature of the Christian life with its challenge to spiritual growth and maturity, built on a sure foundation. The second part of the epistle is a ringing polemic against the false teachers who would allure and seek to mislead God’s people, while the third chapter deals with the heretical denial of the return of Christ and concludes with some fitting exhortations to the readers.

In seeking to prepare the readers against the danger from the false teachers, Peter states in chapter 1 that their safety lies in their clear apprehension of the nature of the new life in Christ and their spiritual growth and maturity in the faith as the best antidote against error. In verses 3 and 4 he sets forth the amazing bestowal of a new life whereby they were made “partakers of the divine nature.” In verses 5–11 Peter stresses the necessity that believers grow in this new life. Its proper development requires diligent cultivation, calling for the strenuous involvement of believers. He enumerates the needed qualities that must be developed (vv. 5–7), points out two incentives for such growth (vv. 8–9), calls for personal assurance through effective growth (v. 10a), and underlines the results of such growth (vv. 10b–11).

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, Christian love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having ...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()