Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - 2 Peter 1:5 - 1:5
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
2Pe 1:5. Καὶ, even) also.-αὐτὸ τοῦτο, this very thing) The answer of the godly towards the Divine gifts is accurately expressed. ΑὐΤῸ ΤΟῦΤΟ is used as it were adverbially, for ΚΑΤʼ ΑὐΤῸ ΤΟῦΤΟ, “according to this very thing.”-ΣΠΟΥΔῊΝ, diligence) Diligence comprises many things; 2Co 7:11, note; and in Peter the things which follow whence give diligence, 2Pe 1:10, refers to this; and so, to endeavour, 2Pe 1:15; 2Pe 3:14.-παρεισενέγκαντες, introducing) παρά, by the way, indicates modesty. God acts: we are diligent.-ἐπιχορηγήσατε, supply, exhibit, minister additionally) The corresponding word is, shall be supplied or ministered, 2Pe 1:11. Our diligence follows the gifts of God; an entrance into the kingdom follows our diligence.-ἐν τῇ πίστει, in the faith) This is called knowledge, 2Pe 1:3, by which grace and truth are recognised; and God supplies this to us, just as He does life. Faith is the gift of God; Eph 2:8 : therefore we are not commanded to minister additionally faith, but in faith those fruits which are mentioned, to the number of seven, faith leading the band, and love bringing up the rear.-ὑμῶν, your) Taken with faith; 1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:9; 1Pe 1:21.-τὴν ἀρετην, virtue) by which you may imitate the virtue of God, 2Pe 1:3, and actively perform all things which the spiritual life undertakes. Every present step produces and renders easy that which follows: the following tempers and perfects the preceding. But this is the order of nature, rather than of time. Ἀρετὴ, virtue, [not in the common use of the term, but] a strenuous tone of mind and vigour; 1Pe 1:13. This is the result of faith; 2Co 4:13; 2Co 4:16, at the beginning. Next in order is [the fruit of virtue] γνῶσις, knowledge or moderation; comp. Rom 15:14, note. Virtue makes us active, watchful, circumspect, separate [or discreet], so as to consider what is to be done or avoided, for the sake of God, ourselves, and others; and in what manner this is to be done, and where and when, etc.; 1Co 16:18, at the end. Next in order is ἐγκράτεια, abstinence. This is the result of γνῶσις, since it is this which distinguishes evil from good, and teaches us to flee from evil. Next in order is ὑπομονὴ, patience. Incontinence weakens the mind; continence banishes weakness, and adds strength. Next in order is εὐσέβεια, godliness: it sanctifies the natural affections towards parents and others, yea, even towards the Creator. Patience (ὑπομονὴ) removes all the hindrances to godliness. Next in order is φιλαδελφία, brotherly affection. He who has his natural affections sanctified, advances to στοργὴν, a natural affection, that is purely spiritual. Ἀγάπη, love to all, completes this company (chorus) of graces; Col 3:14, throughout. He who is rightly disposed towards his brethren, extends his love to those who are less nearly connected with him, and even to enemies. Hence it is evident how each present step produces and renders easy that which follows. Moreover, in what way each step which follows, tempers and perfects that which goes before, will readily appear, if this scheme be duly considered in a retrograde order. He who has love, will exercise brotherly affection without partiality. He who has brotherly affection, will perceive that godliness is altogether necessary. Εὐσεβὴς, the godly, will mix nothing stoical with τῇ ὑπομονῇ, his patience. To the patient man abstinence is easy. Ἐγκρατὴς, the continent man, with calmness of mind thoroughly weighs all things, and has γνῶσιν. Γνῶσις, knowledge, is on its guard, lest sudden impulse should carry away ἀρετὴν, its virtue. The opposites are connected in a similar manner in the case of the wicked: unbelief produces vice, etc.-γνῶσιν, moderation) 1Pe 3:7, note.