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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Peter 1:5–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these words the apostle comes to the chief thing intended in this epistle - to excite and engage them to advance in grace and holiness, they having already obtained precious faith, and been made partakers of the divine nature. This is a very good beginning, but it is not to be rested in, as if we were already perfect. The apostle had prayed that grace and peace might be multiplied to them, and now he exhorts them to press forward for the obtaining of more grace. We should, as we have opportunity, exhort those we pray for, and excite them to the use of all proper means to obtain what we desire God to bestow upon them; and those who will make any progress in religion must be very diligent and industrious in their endeavours. Without giving all diligence, there is no gaining any ground in the work of holiness; those who are slothful in the business of religion will make nothing of it; we must strive if we will enter in at the strait gate, Luk 13:24.
I.Here we cannot but observe how the believer's way is marked out step by step.
1.He must get virtue, by which some understand justice; and then the knowledge, temperance, and patience that follow, being joined with it, the apostle may be supposed to put them upon pressing after the four cardinal virtues, or the four elements that go to the making up of every virtue or virtuous action. But seeing it is a faithful saying, and constantly to be asserted, that those who have faith be careful to maintain good works (Tit 3:8), by virtue here we may understand strength and courage, without which the believer cannot stand up for good works, by abounding and excelling in them. The righteous must be bold as a lion (Pro 28:1); a cowardly Christian, who is afraid to profess the doctrines or practise the duties of the gospel, must expect that Christ will be ashamed of him another day. "Let not your hearts fail you in the evil day, but show yourselves valiant in standing against all opposition, and resisting every enemy, world, flesh, devil, yea, and death too." We have need of virtue while we live, and it will be of excellent use when we come to die.
2.The believer must add knowledge to his virtue, prudence to his courage; there is a knowledge of God's name which must go before our faith (Psa 9:10), and we cannot approve of the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, till we know it; but there are proper circumstances for duty, which must be known and observed; we must use the appointed means, and observe the accepted time. Christian prudence regards the persons we have to do with and the place and company we are in. Every believer must labour after the knowledge and wisdom that are profitable to direct, both as to the proper method and order wherein all Christian duties are to be performed and as to the way and manner of performing them.
3.We must add temperance to our knowledge. We must be sober and moderate in our love to, and use of, the good things of this life; and, if we have a right understanding and knowledge of outward comforts, we shall see that their worth and usefulness are vastly inferior to those of spiritual mercies. Bodily exercises and bodily privileges profit but little, and therefore are to be esteemed and used accordingly; the gospel teaches sobriety as well as honesty, Tit 2:12. We must be moderate in desiring and using the good things of natural life, such as meat, drink, clothes, sleep, recreations, and credit; an inordinate desire after these is inconsistent with an earnest desire after God and Christ; and those who take more of these than is due can render to neither God nor man what is due to them.
4.Add to temperance patience, which must have its perfect work, or we cannot be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (Jam 1:4), for we are born to trouble, and must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of heaven; and it is this tribulation (Rom 5:3) which worketh patience, that is, requires the exercise and occasions the increase of this grace, whereby we bear all calamities and crosses with silence and submission, without murmuring against God or complaining of him, but justifying him who lays all affliction upon us, owning that our sufferings are less than our sins deserve, and believing they are no more than we ourselves need.
5.To patience we must add godliness, and this is the very thing which is produced by patience, for that works experience, Rom 5:4. When Christians bear afflictions patiently, they get an experimental knowledge of the loving-kindness of their heavenly Father, which he will not take from his children, even when he visits their iniquity with the rod and their transgression with stripes (Psa 89:32, Psa 89:33), and hereby they are brought to the child-like fear and reverential love wherein true godliness consists: to this,
6.We must add brotherly-kindness, a tender affection to all our fellow-christians, who are children of the same Father, servants of the same Master, members of the same family, travellers to the same country, and heirs of the same inheritance, and therefore are to be loved with a pure heart fervently, with a love of complacency, as those who are peculiarly near and dear to us, in whom we take particular delight, Psa 16:3.
7.Charity, or a love of good-will to all mankind, must be added to the love of delight which we have for those who are the children of God. God has made of one blood all nations, and all the children of men are partakers of the same human nature, are all capable of the same mercies, and liable to the same afflictions, and therefore, though upon a spiritual account Christians are distinguished and dignified above those who are without Christ, yet are they to sympathize with others in their calamities, and relieve their necessities, and promote their welfare both in body and soul, as they have opportunity: thus must all believers in Christ evidence that they are the children of God, who is good to all, but is especially good to Israel.
II.All the forementioned graces must be had, or we shall not be thoroughly furnished for all good works - for the duties of the first and second table, for active and passive obedience, and for those services wherein we are to imitate God as well as for those wherein we only obey him - and therefore to engage us to an industrious and unwearied pursuit of them, the apostle sets forth the advantages that redound to all who successfully labour so as to get these things to be and abound in them, Pe2 1:8-11. These are proposed,
1.More generally, Pe2 1:8. The having these things make not barren (or slothful) nor unfruitful, where, according to the style of the Holy Ghost, we must understand a great deal more than is expressed; for when it is said concerning Ahaz, the vilest and most provoking of all the kings of Judah, that he did not right in the sight of the Lord (Kg2 16:2), we are to understand as much as if it had been said, He did what was most offensive and abominable, as the following account of his life shows; so, when it is here said that the being and abounding of all Christian graces in us will make us neither inactive nor unfruitful, we are thereby to understand that it will make us very zealous and lively, vigorous and active, in all practical Christianity, and eminently fruitful in the works of righteousness. these will bring much glory to God, by bringing forth much fruit among men, being fruitful in knowledge, or the acknowledging of our Lord Jesus Christ, owning him to be their Lord, and evidencing themselves to be his servants by their abounding in the work that he has given them to do. This is the necessary consequence of adding one grace to another; for, where all Christian graces are in the heart, they improve and strengthen, encourage and cherish, one another; so they all thrive and grow (as the apostle intimates in the beginning of Pe2 1:8), and wherever grace abounds there will be an abounding in good works. How desirable it is to be in such a case the apostle evidences, Pe2 1:9. There he sets forth how miserable it is to be without those quickening fructifying graces; for he who has not the forementioned graces, or, though he pretends or seems to have them, does not exercise and improve them, is blind, that is, as to spiritual and heavenly things, as the next words explain it: He cannot see far off. This present evil world he can see, and dotes upon, but has no discerning at all of the world to come, so as to be affected with the spiritual privileges and heavenly blessings thereof. He who sees the excellences of Christianity must needs be diligent in endeavours after all those graces that are absolutely necessary for obtaining glory, honour, and immortality; but, where these graces are not obtained nor endeavoured after, men are not able to look forward to the things that are but a very little way off in reality, though in appearance, or in their apprehension, they are at a great distance, because they put them far away from them; and how wretched is their condition who are thus blind as to the awfully great things of the other world, who cannot see any thing of the reality and certainty, the greatness and nearness, of the glorious rewards God will bestow on the righteous, and the dreadful punishment he will inflict on the ungodly! But this is not all the misery of those who do not add to their faith virtue, knowledge, etc. They are as unable to look backward as forward, their memories are slippery and unable to retain what is past, as their sight is short and unable to discern what is future; they forget that they have been baptized, and had the means, and been laid under the obligations to holiness of heart and life. By baptism we are engaged in a holy war against sin, and are solemnly bound to fight against the flesh, the world, and the devil. Often call to mind, and seriously meditate on, your solemn engagement to be the Lord's, and your peculiar advantages and encouragements to lay aside all filthiness of flesh and spirit.
2.The apostle proposes two particular advantages that will attend or follow upon diligence in the work of a Christian: stability in grace, and a triumphant entrance into glory. These he brings in by resuming his former exhortation, and laying it down in other words; for what in Pe2 1:5 is expressed by giving diligence to add to faith virtue, etc., is expressed in Pe2 1:10 by giving diligence to make our calling and election sure. Here we may observe,
(1.)It is the duty of believers to make their election sure, to clear it up to themselves that they are the chosen of God.
(2.)The way to make sure their eternal election is to make out their effectual calling: none can look into the book of God's eternal counsels and decrees; but, inasmuch as whom God did predestinate those he also called, if we can find we are effectually called, we may conclude we are chosen to salvation.
(3.)It requires a great deal of diligence and labour to make sure our calling and election; there must be a very close examination of ourselves, a very narrow search and strict enquiry, whether we are thoroughly converted, our minds enlightened, our wills renewed, and our whole souls changed as to the bent and inclination thereof; and to come to a fixed certainty in this requires the utmost diligence, and cannot be attained and kept without divine assistance, as we may learn from Psa 139:23; Rom 8:16. "But, how great soever the labour is, do not think much of it, for great is the advantage you gain by it; for," [1.] "By this you will be kept from falling, and that at all times and seasons, even in those hours of temptation that shall be on the earth." When others shall fall into heinous and scandalous sin, those who are thus diligent shall be enabled to walk circumspectly and keep on in the way of their duty; and, when many fall into errors, they shall be preserved sound in the faith, and stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. [2.] Those who are diligent in the work of religion shall have a triumphant entrance into glory; while of those few who get to heaven some are scarcely saved (Pe1 4:18), with a great deal of difficulty, even as by fire (Co1 3:15), those who are growing in grace, and abounding in the work of the Lord, shall have an abundant entrance into the joy of their Lord, even that everlasting kingdom where Christ reigns, and they shall reign with him for ever and ever.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Peter is telling us that we should not be content with our baptism but should go on and grow in our faith.
Lest you be judged unmindful of God’s gift, you must stand fast, having a sure calling.
By doing these things, you will never sin. He speaks of greater sins, which anyone who commits will not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God, and from which everyone who devotes himself to the aforementioned virtues remains immune before the Lord. Otherwise, there are minor sins, about which it is written: "There is not a just man upon earth, that does good" (Eccl. 7); and "in your sight no one living is justified" (Ps. 142).
Wherefore, brethren, be more eager to make your calling and election sure through good works. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. 20, 22). The calling of all who come to faith is certain; but those who diligently add good works to the sacraments of faith they have received make their calling and election sure to those who observe them. Conversely, those who return to sins after their calling, when they depart from this life in these sins, already make it certain to all that they are reprobate.
Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. For in this way, an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Therefore, Peter says, my brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election as permanent and unchangeable, that is, the teaching you heard regarding your election and calling, so that you may be blameless: do not be judged as if you have forgotten the gift of God, but remain steadfast having your calling secure.
"For if you do these things." What are these? Those which have been predicted, namely virtue, knowledge, temperance, and the other things that follow. Notice, however, how orderly it is that those things which were fearsome are now directed through good to the entrance of the eternal kingdom of the Lord.
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Summary
In this pivotal verse, the Apostle Peter issues a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to engage in earnest and diligent pursuit of spiritual maturity. This active cultivation of Christian virtues serves not to earn salvation, but to experientially confirm and demonstrate the divine reality of their calling and election, thereby securing their spiritual steadfastness and ensuring they will not stumble from the path of faith.
Context
Literary Context
This verse stands as the climactic exhortation following Peter's detailed instruction on spiritual growth. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, he establishes that God has granted believers everything needed for life and godliness through His divine power and precious promises. He then commands them in 2 Peter 1:5-7 to "add to your faith" a progressive list of virtues: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Peter explicitly states in 2 Peter 1:8 that if these qualities are present and increasing, they will prevent believers from being ineffective or unfruitful in their knowledge of Christ. Conversely, 2 Peter 1:9 warns that those who lack these qualities are "blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." Thus, 2 Peter 1:10 serves as the logical conclusion and imperative, directly linking the diligent practice of these virtues to the assurance and stability of one's salvation. The opening "Wherefore" (G1352 dió) emphatically connects this command to the preceding discourse, highlighting the consequence of either growing or failing to grow.
Historical & Cultural Context
Peter is writing to a dispersed group of believers (likely in Asia Minor, as suggested by 1 Peter 1:1), who are facing internal and external pressures. Internally, false teachers are emerging, denying the Lord and promoting licentiousness, threatening to shipwreck the faith of many (as detailed in 2 Peter 2). Externally, believers are likely enduring various forms of persecution and societal challenges, which could lead to doubt or spiritual apathy. In such an environment, the assurance of one's standing with God and the stability of one's faith become paramount. The concepts of "calling" and "election" would have deep roots in both Jewish (God's chosen people, Israel) and early Christian thought (God's choosing of individuals for salvation). Peter's emphasis on diligent, visible fruit as evidence of this divine work would have been a powerful counter-narrative to those who might claim spiritual privilege without corresponding ethical transformation, or to those who might despair in the face of trials.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes central to 2 Peter and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is progressive sanctification, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a one-time event but a dynamic process of growth in Christlikeness, requiring active human participation. This leads directly to the theme of assurance of salvation; Peter is not suggesting that God's election is uncertain, but rather that believers can gain experiential certainty and confidence in their divine calling by living lives consistent with their new nature. This practical demonstration of faith serves as an antidote to spiritual instability, introducing the theme of perseverance and spiritual stability. The promise "ye shall never fall" underscores God's faithfulness to preserve those who walk diligently, while simultaneously highlighting the believer's responsibility in that preservation. The verse also subtly touches upon the interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's sovereign acts of calling and election are met by human diligence and effort, leading to a secure and fruitful life. This balance is crucial in understanding the Christian walk, as seen in passages like Philippians 2:12-13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest." This word conveys a sense of urgency, earnestness, and wholehearted commitment. It's not a passive waiting for God to act, but an active, zealous engagement in the process of spiritual growth. It implies a focused, intentional effort, distinguishing true faith from mere intellectual assent or spiritual apathy.
Meaning "an invitation (figuratively)." In a theological context, this refers to God's divine summons or invitation to salvation. It speaks to the divine initiative, where God draws individuals to Himself through the Gospel. This calling is effective and sovereign, not merely an offer but a powerful act that brings about a response of faith, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Meaning "(divine) selection (abstractly or concretely)." This term refers to God's sovereign choice or selection of individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, as articulated in Ephesians 1:4. It highlights the unmerited favor and sovereign purpose of God in bringing people into a saving relationship with Himself.
Verse Breakdown
"Wherefore the rather, brethren,"
The opening "Wherefore" (G1352 dió) establishes a logical consequence, linking this command directly to the preceding discussion of Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-9). Peter addresses his audience as "brethren" (G80 adelphós), a term of endearment and shared identity in Christ, emphasizing the familial bond and the importance of the instruction that follows. The phrase "the rather" (G3123 mâllon) intensifies the exhortation, urging them to prioritize this action above all else mentioned.
"give diligence to make your calling and election sure:"
This is the core imperative. "Give diligence" (G4704 spoudázō) commands active, earnest effort. The purpose of this diligence is "to make...sure" (G4160 poiéō G949 bébaios). This does not imply that God's calling or election is uncertain or dependent on human effort for its validity. Rather, it means to demonstrate, confirm, or give evidence of the reality of God's work in one's life. It is about experiencing and evidencing the certainty of what God has already done, making it manifest and firm in one's experience and before others through a transformed life. The "calling" (G2821 klēsis) and "election" (G1589 eklogḗ) refer to God's sovereign acts of choosing and drawing individuals to Himself for salvation.
"for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"
This clause provides the powerful motivation and promise for the diligent pursuit of virtues. The "for" (G1063 gár) introduces the reason. "If ye do these things" (G4160 poiéō G5023 taûta) refers back to the cultivation and increase of the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7. The promise "ye shall never fall" (G3364 ou mḗ G4417 ptaíō) uses a strong double negative in Greek, conveying absolute certainty. It assures believers that by actively living out their faith, they will be preserved from stumbling into spiritual ruin, apostasy, or a life that dishonors God. This speaks to the stability, perseverance, and ultimate security granted by God to those who walk in obedience and grow in grace.
Literary Devices
Peter employs several impactful literary devices in this verse. The primary device is Exhortation, as the entire verse functions as a strong pastoral appeal to action. This is reinforced by the use of the Imperative Mood ("give diligence"), which directly commands the believers to act with urgency and intentionality. The phrase "Wherefore the rather" serves as a Transitional Marker, emphatically linking the command to the preceding discussion and highlighting its significance. Peter also utilizes a Conditional Clause ("for if ye do these things"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between diligent obedience and spiritual stability. This leads to a powerful Promise ("ye shall never fall"), offering profound assurance and security to those who heed the exhortation. The strong double negative in the Greek for "never fall" (G3364 ou mḗ) functions as an Emphatic Negation, underscoring the absolute certainty of the promise for the diligent believer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse beautifully articulates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the Christian life. God's "calling" and "election" are foundational, originating solely in His sovereign will and grace. Yet, Peter commands believers to "give diligence to make" these divine realities "sure" in their experience. This is not about earning salvation or making God's choice more certain, but about demonstrating the authenticity of one's faith through a life transformed by the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit, cultivated through diligence, becomes the evidence of the root of salvation. This experiential assurance, grounded in God's faithfulness and manifested through obedience, leads to spiritual stability and perseverance, protecting the believer from spiritual stumbling and confirming their true standing in Christ.
Reflection and Application
2 Peter 1:10 is a powerful antidote to passive faith, challenging believers to actively engage in their spiritual journey. It reminds us that while salvation is entirely a gift of grace, our lives are meant to visibly reflect the inner transformation wrought by God. "Diligence" in this context means intentionally cultivating the virtues Peter lists—faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity—not as a means to earn God's favor, but as the natural outflow and confirmation of a genuine relationship with Him. This active pursuit leads to a profound sense of assurance, as the fruit of our lives provides experiential evidence of God's saving work within us. It fosters spiritual stability, protecting us from the pitfalls of doubt, apathy, or false teaching, and enabling us to stand firm in our faith. Embracing this call to diligence allows us to fully enjoy the benefits of our divine calling and election, living a life that honors God and testifies to His transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse teach that we can lose our salvation?
No, this verse does not teach that believers can lose their salvation. Instead, it speaks to the assurance and demonstration of salvation. Peter is not suggesting that God's calling or election is uncertain or can be undone by human failure. Rather, he is urging believers to live in a way that provides clear evidence and experiential certainty of the divine work already accomplished in them. The phrase "make your calling and election sure" means to confirm it, to make it evident and firm through a life characterized by spiritual fruit. The promise "ye shall never fall" then serves as an assurance that those who genuinely possess God's calling and election, and diligently live out their faith, will be preserved by God from ultimate spiritual ruin or apostasy. It aligns with the biblical truth that God preserves His own, and our diligence is a means He uses for our perseverance, not a condition for earning our initial salvation.
What is the difference between "calling" and "election"?
While closely related and often used together, "calling" (G2821 klēsis) and "election" (G1589 eklogḗ) refer to distinct aspects of God's saving work. "Election" refers to God's sovereign, eternal choice of individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, as seen in Ephesians 1:4. It speaks to God's unmerited favor and His divine purpose. "Calling," particularly the "effectual calling," refers to God's act of drawing individuals to Himself through the proclamation of the Gospel, enabling them to respond in faith. It is the historical manifestation of God's eternal election. So, God "elects" eternally, and He "calls" effectively in time. Both are entirely God's work, rooted in His grace, and together they describe the process by which individuals are brought into a saving relationship with Christ.
How does "making your calling and election sure" relate to salvation by grace through faith?
"Making your calling and election sure" does not contradict salvation by grace through faith; rather, it complements and confirms it. Salvation is indeed a gift received by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Peter's exhortation is not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the authenticity and reality of the salvation already received. A genuine faith, given by God's grace, will inevitably produce good works and spiritual fruit (James 2:17). Therefore, diligently cultivating Christian virtues and living a transformed life provides experiential evidence and assurance of one's divine calling and election. It confirms to the believer, and to the world, that the initial act of faith was genuine and that God's saving work is truly active within them.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The ultimate fulfillment of 2 Peter 1:10 is found in Jesus Christ, who is both the source and the guarantee of our calling and election, and the one who enables our diligence and ensures our perseverance. Our "calling" originates in the Father's eternal purpose, which is always "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:4). He is the one who effectively calls us by His Spirit through the Gospel, drawing us to Himself (John 6:44). Our "election" is secure because it is rooted in Christ, the chosen one, in whom we are chosen. He is the "sure" foundation upon which our faith rests, the immovable cornerstone that cannot fall (1 Corinthians 3:11). Furthermore, it is Christ who empowers our "diligence"; we are able to "do these things" not by our own strength, but by His divine power working within us (Philippians 2:13). He is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), who began a good work in us and will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). Thus, the promise "ye shall never fall" is ultimately a testament to Christ's faithfulness to His own, His power to keep them, and His intercession on their behalf (John 10:28-29). Our assurance and stability are not found in our diligence itself, but in the Christ who enables and sustains that diligence, ensuring our secure standing in Him until the day of His return.