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Wednesday, June –August 1, 2002 2 Peter 1.5-8 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 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. Kai; aujto; tou`to de; spoudh;n pa`san pareisenevgkante" ejpicorhghvsate ejn th`/ pivstei uJmw`n th;n ajrethvn, ejn de; th`/ ajreth`/ th;n gnw`sin, 6ejn de; th`/ gnwvsei th;n ejgkravteian, ejn de; th`/ ejgkrateiva/ th;n uJpomonhvn, ejn de; th`/ uJpomonh`/ th;n eujsevbeian, 7ejn de; th`/ eujsebeiva/ th;n filadelfivan, ejn de; th`/ filadelfiva/ th;n ajgavphn. 8tau`ta ga;r uJmi`n uJpavrconta kai; pleonavzonta oujk ajrgou;" oujde; ajkavrpou" kaqivsthsin eij" th;n tou` kurivou hJmw`n jIhsou` Cristou` ejpivgnwsin: I. Setting the stage: this section now develops what Peter has introduced, specifically: 1. Life and godliness, 3 2. Precious and magnificent promises, 4 3. Partakers of the divine nature, 4 4. Escape the corruption of the world system, 4 “Become participants in the divine nature” has two aspects: 1. Positional or the new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5.17) 2. Experiential or the growth into the Christ man—putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13.14), until Christ is formed in you (Gal 4.19). Romans 6-8, Ephesians 4.20-24, and Colossians 3.9-11 are other Scripture that adds understanding to 2 Peter 1.4-8. 2 Peter 1.5-8 now fills in the details and indicates different characteristics of this divine nature or spiritual growth. 2 Peter 1.5, “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply.” Let’s analyze this part of the verse in order to set the foundation for the rest of the paragraph. 5. “Now for this very reason also” is a Greek phrase that is a standard idiom to express a reason or cause. Literally is says “and this very thing” or “this thing itself.” The neuter gender refers to the principle that God has provided all be need for a) Life and godliness, 3 b) Partakers of the divine nature, 4 c) Escape the corruption of the world system, 4 6. He now wants us to continue on in life and growth and so he says “applying all diligence.” spoudh;n pa`san pareisenevgkante" . Also Romans 12.11 and Hebrews 6.11. a) The verb is pareispherw παρεισφέρω in the aorist active participle, nominative masculine plural, circumstantial of manner. The verb means to bring to bear or to apply to something, or to supply something. A participle of manner stresses the way or the manner in which something is done. It supports the verb “supply” in “in your faith supply moral excellence” and so on. We might translate it “bring to bear.” b) The object of the verb are the words “all diligence” and is related to speudo, to hasten or hurry. The noun means haste, speed, earnestness, zeal, or diligence. c) This is all to say that Peter wants us to “bring to bear zeal, haste, diligence in the gaining of the following virtues. We are to be attentive in this growth. Concentrate on the growth in these virtues. d) We have a list before us. To be attentive or diligent suggests that we think about how we can better learn these virtues. What circumstances or conditions will help develop them? How far along are we in the development and use of these virtues? 7. “in your faith supply” completes the command. ejpicorhghvsate ejn th`/ pivstei uJmw`n a) The Christian life begins, for our part, by faith. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2.8-9). We then live by faith (2 Corinthians 5.7; Galatians 2.20; 5.5; Colossians 2.6). Our faith is tested by problems or prosperity (1 Peter 1.6-9). b) Peter says that we are to do something with or in our faith. We are to gather a chorus of virtues or supply certain virtues to our faith. c) The verb is ejpicorhgew. To furnish or supply at ones own expense, to support, to give, to grant. It began as a word to gather or supply the chorus for a play. Attic drama, The Expositor’s Greek Testament, 5.126. d) The verb corhvgew means to lead a chorus or pay the expense for training a chorus and to gather a chorus. From there it came to mean to pay the expense or provide or supply. e) The choregos supplied for the drama as an act of citizenship, and supplied over and above what was needed. The English word is choreographer. f) Peter commands that we gather or bring together all the actors (virtues) that go with our faith. g) The form is aorist active imperative second person plural. Both aorists refer to the kind of action. The aorist imperative use is to command the action as a whole or a summary command, while the present imperative (not here) commands the action as an ongoing process. The imperative mood (mood of intention) is the intended and potential action and is the mood of volition. This means that we must make choices. h) Also used in 2 Corinthians 9.10, “Now He who supplies ejpicorhgwn seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply corhvgsei and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” i) Galatians 3.5, “Does He then, who provides ejpicorhgwn you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?” j) 2 Peter 1.11 “for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied plousiw~ ep;icorhgqhsetai to you.” k) Colossians 2:19, “and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together ejpicorhgoumenon kai sumbibazomenon by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.” l) The meaning is that we are to gather or supply a chorus or group of virtues to add to our faith. Actually one virtue is supplied to another, but all build into our faith.
II. Getting the chorus or actors on the stage: the list of virtues or graces continues without another verb through verse 7. 1. Faith pisti~ We have discussed this above. Faith is accepting what God said as true. The foundation and basis for relationship with God, from man’s side. Faith is the basis for most of what we do in life. We do not experience everything that we accept or act on. We believe that it is true. Hebrews 11 discusses faith. Doctrine of Faith. The histories and the writings of our founding fathers reveal the fact that many of these chorus members or virtues were recognized and valued by the great ones. George Washington and John Adams, the first and second Presidents of the United States wrote and thought of the virtues that play a part in success and with people. 2. Moral excellence areth Found only in Philippians 4.8; 1 Peter 2.9; 2 Peter 1.3, 5. This is moral power to do the right thing. a) John Adams called modesty a virtue. By that he meant one who does not trumpet himself in public. (John Adams 207-208). b) In August of 1779 Adams was selected to the Massachutsetts constitutional convention. He wrote the draft during September and October, which was accepted almost in its entirety. In the document he said that a further “duty of government was to “countenance and inculcate” the principles of humanity, charity, industry, frugality, honesty, sincerity—virtue, in sum.” c) In the Roman times, which are the times of the Bible, there were four words ideas that made up virtue. 1. pietas, piety, devotion and loyality to family. Acceptance of parental authority. 2. Fides, faith; foundation of justice--being true to ones word. 3. gravitas, virtue through absolute self control and being well organized. 4. constantia, perservance even in great disaster.
4. Self-control egkrateia This is another necessary grace or virtue that is required for the Christian life. The word egkrateuomai is used in Acts 24.25; Galatians 5.23; 2 Peter 1.6. The verb is 1 Corinthians 7.9; 9.25. a) This means to have authority over emotions, tongue, pride, anger, thinking. Control over self. b) This is found in Hellenistic Jewish writers. It was a self restraint from excessive indulgence of the physical desires. c) Look at 1 Corinthians 9.25. d) For most believers, the struggle is with self—righteousness, pride, know it all. e) Self control is necessary to advance in life. Athletes need it, soldiers need it, business men and women need it, teachers need it; doctors need it in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Politicians need it. Fat people need it. It is a fact of life. f) Romans 6-8 and Galatians 5 shows the need the ministry of the Holy Spirit in order to have successful self control. 5. Perseverance upomonh Perseverance is directed toward self. 2) in circumstances 3) and means that one does not quit when under pressure. a) Luke 8.15 “persistently bear fruit” and 21.19 “by your endurance you will gain your lives” illustrate the word in normal usage. b) Can be translated endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, or patient expectation. `upomone used to express patience in respect to things. c) It is not so much personal bravery, but a believer’s enduring trust the God and God’s word. d) Perseverance is a trait that marks people committed to a cause or a task. e) The man `upomonei, who, under a great siege of trials, bears up and does not lose heart or courage. The perseverance of Job (James 5.11). f) Romans 5.3; 2 Corinthians 1.6; 2 Thessalonians 1.4; 1 Timothy 6.11; 2 Timothy 3.10; Titus 2.2; Revelation 2.19. James 1.3-4. g) See the Doctrine of Endurance. 5. Godliness eusebeia a) Godliness is a specific kind of life that is based upon correct biblical teaching; and this life reflects 1) God’s character (inner virtue and fruit of the Spirit,) 2) God’s will (Bible doctrine or what he thinks), and 3) God’s power (the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word), and 4) therefore honors God. b) Godliness is a summary word for the normal inner and outer behavior of the new in Christ person (2 Peter 1.3). c) 1 Timothy 3.16 indicates that the man Jesus Christ embodied possessed godliness. He was not only God in the flesh; he was godly in the flesh. d) 1 Timothy 2.2 and 4.7-8 indicate that godliness is very practical for day to day living. e) 1 Timothy 4.7 indicates that we are to strive or train our selves toward the goal of godliness. f) 1 Timothy 6.5-6 indicate that some are hypocrites regarding godliness. They try to have others think they are godly, when in fact all they want is to make a profit (religious insider perks) off of false godliness. But, godliness really does pay dividends if it is genuine. g) Jesus Christ was godly. We can look at some of his characteristics to see what godliness looked like. 6. Brotherly kindness filadelfia This is the personal love with one who has something in common with you—believer in Christ. This love stresses the affinity or attachment that believers have for each other because of the oneness in Christ. In a true sense brotherly love is subjective and personal. a) Romans 12.10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; b) 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; c) Hebrews 13.1 Let love of the brethren continue. d) 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, e) 2 Peter 1:7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 7. Love agaph Divine love: Greek agapaw, agaph unconditional love, divine love, God dependent love, Christian love.
d) Four facts about divine love1. Product (Galatians 5.22; Romans 5.5) 2. Problem solver (Proverbs 10.12; 1 Corinthians 13.4-7; 1 Pet 4.8) 3. Protector (1 Corinthians 13.4-7; 1 Peter 4.8) 4. Producer (1 Corinthians 13.4-7; Galatians 5.13). Summary of the believer’s chorus found in 2 Peter 1.5-8Tod Kennedy, July 24, 2002 1. Faith pisti~. Faith is believing God. Most of the time faith refers to believing that what God said is true. There are times when faith refers to both believing and what is believed. The Christian life begins for us by faith. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2.8-9). We then live by faith (2 Corinthians 5.7; Galatians 2.20; 5.5; Colossians 2.6). Our faith is tested by problems or prosperity (1 Peter 1.6-9). 2. Moral excellence areth Found only in Philippians 4.8; 1 Peter 2.9; 2 Peter 1.3, 5. This is moral power to do the right thing. We can also call it virtue. Virtue includes such character traits as humanity, charity, industry, frugality, honesty, sincerity, goodness, courage, loyalty, and justice. 3. Knowledge gnwsi~ Knowledge is the familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through study and experience. It is the sum of what one has discovered and learned (American Heritage Dictionary 705). This is knowledge in general: the knowledge needed to live the Christian life. Knowledge, of course, first refers to knowledge about God, then the world he has created, and the plan and purpose for the creation and one’s individual life. Knowledge is the basis for making decisions; it is the basis for activity; knowledge or the lack of knowledge or misuse of knowledge determines how one lives. Knowledge of God governs ones view of the world (Romans 11.33; 15.14; 2 Corinthians 2.14; 2 Peter 3.18). 4. Self-control egkrateia This means to have authority over oneself—over emotions, tongue, pride, anger, and thinking. Self control is necessary to advance in life. Athletes need it; soldiers need it; business men and women need it; teachers need it; doctors need it in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; politicians need it. All people need self-control. Galatians 5.23 says it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Romans 7-8 emphasize the Holy Spirit must produce it. 1 Corinthians 9.25 notes the importance self-control plays is living the Christian life. 5. Perseverance upomonh Perseverance is directed toward self during difficult circumstances and means that one does not quit when under pressure. It is not so much personal bravery, but a believer’s enduring trust in God and God’s word. Perseverance is a trait that marks people committed to a cause or a task (Romans 5.3; 2 Corinthians 1.6; 2 Thessalonians 1.4; James 1.3-4). 6. Godliness eusebeia Godliness is a summary word for the normal inner and outer behavior of the new in Christ person (2 Peter 1.3). Godliness is a specific kind of life that is based upon correct biblical teaching; and this life reflects 1] God’s character (inner virtue and fruit of the Spirit,) 2] God’s will (Bible doctrine or what he thinks), and 3] God’s power (the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word), and 4] therefore honors God. First Timothy 3.16 indicates that the man Jesus Christ embodied and possessed godliness. He was not only God in the flesh; he was godly in the flesh. 1 Timothy 4.7-8 says that we should strive for godliness and godliness benefits us. 7. Brotherly kindness filadelfia This is the personal love with one who has something in common with you—believer in Christ. This love stresses the affinity or attachment that believers have for each other because of the oneness in Christ. In a true sense brotherly love is subjective and personal (Romans 12.10 and 1 Thessalonians 4.9). 8. Love agaph unconditional love, divine love, God dependent love, Christian love. Divine love is God directed thinking that wants God’s will and therefore God’s best for the person loved. God the Holy Spirit produces this love, and the word of God instructs and strengthens this love. Ephesians 5.2 and 1 Corinthians 16.14 tells us that love is the sphere or environment in which we are to live. This environment makes it possible to maintain spiritual momentum in the face of distractions. If someone criticizes you or disappoints you and you allow this to distract you, that other person now controls your life and your circumstances. You have been distracted; you have stopped living the Christian way of life; your spiritual momentum has stopped, and the momentum has shifted to the enemy. God has commanded that all believers love each other (1 John 4.7; Romans 13.8). This love is even directed toward enemies. Christ illustrated divine love toward his attackers, toward the Pharisees, and toward believers that failed Him. Paul illustrated divine love toward the Galatians that turned on him, and toward the Corinthians that did not listen to him. This love is not dependent upon the personality or character of the person loved.
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