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2 Peter 1:1

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¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Simon {G4826} Peter {G4074}, a servant {G1401} and {G2532} an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, to them that have obtained {G2975} like precious {G2472} faith {G4102} with us {G2254} through {G1722} the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316} and {G2532} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:

From: Shim‘on Kefa, a slave and emissary of Yeshua the Messiah

To: Those who, through the righteousness of our God and of our Deliverer Yeshua the Messiah, have been given the same kind of trust as ours:

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

Commentary

2 Peter 1:1 (KJV)

"¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:"

Commentary

This verse serves as the salutation and introduction to Peter's second epistle. It establishes the author, the recipients, and the glorious nature of their shared faith.

Historical and Cultural Context

Peter, writing likely near the end of his life, addresses a general audience of believers. This letter follows his first epistle and anticipates challenges from false teachers (addressed in chapter 2). The opening sets a tone of assurance regarding the genuine faith of the recipients, grounding it in God's action through Jesus Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Author's Authority and Humility: Peter identifies himself as both a "servant" (Greek: doulos, emphasizing complete dedication) and an "apostle" (a commissioned representative) of Jesus Christ, balancing humble submission with divine authority.
  • Universal Nature of True Faith: The recipients have obtained "like precious faith with us." This highlights that the faith received by all believers, regardless of their background or when they came to faith, is equally valuable and genuine as that of the apostles themselves.
  • Source of Faith: This precious faith is received ("obtained") not through human effort but "through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." This points to faith being a gift, made possible by God's just plan and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" is significant. The grammatical structure in the original Greek (using a single article before "God and our Saviour Jesus Christ") strongly suggests that "God" and "our Saviour Jesus Christ" refer to the same person. This is a powerful statement affirming the deity of Jesus Christ, whose righteousness is the basis upon which believers receive their faith.

Significance

This opening verse immediately elevates the status of every believer's faith, placing it on par with that of the apostles. It underscores that salvation and faith are entirely dependent on God's character (righteousness) and the work of Jesus Christ, not on human merit. It provides a firm foundation of shared identity and security before Peter launches into the challenges and exhortations that follow.

See also: Romans 3:22, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 2:13.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Titus 2:13 (11 votes)

    Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

  • Romans 3:21 (10 votes)

    But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

  • Romans 3:26 (10 votes)

    To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:13 (8 votes)

    We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

  • Titus 1:4 (8 votes)

    To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

  • John 12:26 (8 votes)

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

  • Romans 1:12 (7 votes)

    That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.