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2Pe 1:1. Συμεὼν Πέτρος, Simon Peter) At the beginning of his former Epistle he had only placed his surname: here he adds his name also; at the close of his life reminding himself of his former condition, before he had received his surname. The character of this Epistle agrees in a remarkable manner with the former Epistle of Peter, and with the speeches of the same apostle in the Acts. See note on ch. 2Pe 2:22, 2Pe 3:1. It contains three parts, as the former Epistle.
I. The Inscription, 2Pe 1:1-2.
II. A renewed stirring up of a pure feeling; in which,-
1. He exhorts those who are partakers of the same faith that they increase in the divine gifts, and give all diligence to their growth in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2Pe 1:3-11.
2. He adds incitements:
1. From the firmness of true teachers, 2Pe 1:12-21.
2. From the wickedness of false teachers, 2Pe 2:1-22
3. He guards them against scoffers:
1. He refutes their error, 2Pe 3:1-9.
2. He describes the last day, with suitable exhortations, 2Pe 3:10-14.
III. The Conclusion; in which
1. He declares the agreement between himself and St Paul, 2Pe 3:15-16.
2. He repeats the sum of the Epistle, 2Pe 3:17-18.
-δοῦλος καὶ ἀπόστολος, a servant and apostle) a servant, as of the Lord Jesus; an apostle of the same, as Christ.-ἰσότιμον, equally precious) Faith has its preciousness, inasmuch as it lays hold of precious promises; 2Pe 1:4. The faith of those who have seen Jesus Christ, as Peter and the rest of the apostles, and of those who believe without having seen Him, is equally precious, flowing from Jesus Christ: it lays hold of the same righteousness and salvation; 1Jn 1:3; 1Pe 1:8.-ἡμῖν, with us) the apostles; 2Pe 1:18.-λαχοῦσι, who have received) They did not acquire it for themselves.-ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, through the righteousness) This is the ground of the expression, equally precious. It is this righteousness of God which is prior to faith; for faith depends upon the righteousness. Respecting this righteousness of God, comp. Rom 1:17; Rom 3:26, notes. The title of Saviour (Σωτῆρος) is appropriately added.