Overview
Building on Faith (Verses 1-4):
Peter starts by emphasizing that faith grants us divine power for living a godly life. Through God's promises, believers partake in His divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world.
The Ladder of Virtues (Verses 5-11):
A step-by-step guide is offered to believers: start with faith and sequentially add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These virtues, when present and abounding, ensure that believers are fruitful and assured of their eternal calling.
The Testimony of Eyewitnesses (Verses 12-21):
Peter reminds us that the Gospel isn't a "cunningly devised fable," but is confirmed by eyewitness accounts of Christ's majesty. He reiterates that Scripture is not of private interpretation, but divinely inspired.
2 Peter 1 lays out a comprehensive blueprint for Christian living, from foundational faith to virtues that ensure a fulfilling, godly life. It also validates the Gospel by underscoring Peter's eyewitness experience and the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. This chapter serves as both an instructional guide and a source of encouragement, affirming the reliability of our faith and the promises of God.