2 Peter 1:5

Context

The Second Epistle of Peter is a letter from the Apostle Peter, written to encourage believers to grow in their faith and to warn them against the dangers of false teachers and their deceptive doctrines. In the opening verses of chapter 1, Peter reminds his readers of the divine power given to them through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, which grants them "exceeding great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) and allows them to be "partakers of the divine nature." Verse 5, therefore, is not a command to earn salvation, but a call to active participation in spiritual growth *because* they have already received these divine provisions. It's about diligently living out the new nature received in Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

• Active Diligence in Growth: The phrase "giving all diligence" (KJV) or "making every effort" highlights the believer's active, intentional role in their spiritual development. Christian growth is not passive; it requires earnest commitment and effort. This diligence is essential for a productive Christian life, echoing the call to work out one's own salvation with fear and trembling.
• Progressive Character Development: This verse introduces the first two steps in a crucial "ladder" or chain of Christian virtues that Peter outlines in 2 Peter 1:5-7. It suggests a progressive building upon one's faith, where each quality lays a foundation for the next.
• Faith as the Foundation: Faith is the starting point, the bedrock upon which all other virtues are built. It is the initial trust in God and His promises, the essential element for salvation and the Christian life.
• Adding Virtue (Moral Excellence): To this foundational faith, believers are called to add "virtue." This refers to moral excellence, goodness, or courage. It signifies living a life that reflects God's character, demonstrating ethical uprightness and strength in the face of temptation and worldly pressures.
• Adding Knowledge (Practical Understanding): Following virtue, believers are to add "knowledge." This is not merely intellectual information but a practical, experiential understanding of God's will, His ways, and His truth. It's the discernment needed to apply virtue wisely and to navigate life according to divine principles. This pursuit of knowledge is vital for spiritual maturity and to avoid being led astray by false teachings, a major concern for Peter.

Linguistic Insights

• The term "diligence" comes from the Greek word spoudē (σπουδή), meaning earnestness, zeal, or haste. It conveys the idea of putting forth maximum, eager effort.
• "Virtue" is from aretē (ἀρετή), which in classical Greek often referred to excellence of any kind (e.g., courage in battle). In a moral and theological context here, it denotes moral goodness, uprightness, and spiritual excellence in living out one's faith.
• "Knowledge" is gnōsis (γνῶσις). While it can refer to intellectual understanding, in this context, especially as a fruit of faith, it implies a deeper, applied knowledge of spiritual truths and God's character, leading to practical wisdom and discernment. This is distinct from the erroneous "knowledge" (Gnosticism) that Peter warns against later in his epistle.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to an active and intentional pursuit of Christ-like character. Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires conscious effort, discipline, and partnership with the Holy Spirit. It encourages a holistic approach to faith, where belief translates into virtuous living and is guided by true understanding of God's Word and His nature. For Christians today, "adding to your faith" means continually striving for moral integrity, seeking wisdom through God's revelation, and applying that wisdom in daily decisions. It is a lifelong journey of transformation, building upon the initial gift of salvation toward greater conformity to Christ.