Category: 2 Peter

²⁰ knowing this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. ²¹ For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

2 Peter 1:20-21 is one of two definitive portions of Scripture which speak of the revelation and inspiration of God’s Word. The other is 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which says, “¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Paralleling the words of the Apostle Paul, Peter shared to his readers that there was a priority truth which they were to continuously know or understand. That priority truth was that “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.”

Prophecy (προφητεία; propheteia) means an inspired utterance by God. Scripture (γραφή; graphe) refers to sacred and holy writings originated by God. All inspired utterances by God which were written down and originated by the Holy Spirit did not come from someone’s own interpretation. God determined the meaning of each portion of Scripture He created. Humans do not determine the meaning of God’s Word, but humans are to discover what Scripture means.

Within the particular context of today’s text, Peter was directly alluding to the Old Testament. However, 2 Peter 1:20-21 now equally applies to the New Testament.

Peter goes on to say that no inspired utterance by God (prophecy) was ever produced by the will of man. The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testament, did not originate by the prophets or the apostles. Rather, the writings came from God alone.

The prophets and the apostles spoke from God. They were heralds who God gave the responsibility to be His spokespersons. In fact, they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. The phrase “carried along” (φέρω; phero) means guided, directed and led.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “As the authors of Scripture wrote their prophecies, they were impelled or borne along by God’s Spirit. What they wrote was thus inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). “Borne along” or “carried along” translates the word pheromenoi. Luke used this word in referring to a sailing vessel carried along by the wind (Acts 27:15, 17). The Scriptures’ human authors were controlled by the divine Author, the Holy Spirit. Yet they were consciously involved in the process; they were neither taking dictation nor writing in a state of ecstasy. No wonder believers have a word of prophecy which is certain. And no wonder a Christian’s nurture must depend on the Scriptures. They are the very words of God Himself!”

Enjoy a feast from the Word of God today.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” (2 Peter 1:19).

What was the Apostle Peter’s attitude toward what is commonly referred to as the Old Testament? Peter referred to the OT as the prophetic word. Prophetic (προφητικός; prophetikos) literally means “of the prophets.” It refers to the divinely inspired tetachings and writings of the Old Testament prophets.

As Peter remembered the unforgettable experience of Jesus’ transfiguration, the Living and Eternal Word, he also recalled another form of God’s Word: the written Word. It was the revelation by God through the prophets. In fact, God’s voice on the mountain made the word of the prophets … more certain or more fully confirmed (bebaioteron; cf. bebaian, v. 10). The transfiguration pictured the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets. Both the Old Testament, and the Transfiguration, directs our attention to Jesus’ kingdom on earth. However, of theses two sources of revelation, the written Word of God takes preference over experience.

Believers in Peter’s day, as well as our own, would do well to pay attention (προσέχω; prosecho) to these prophetic words. They are symbolically described as a lamp shinning in a dark place. The darkness of this fallen world prevents sinners from seeing the truth until God causes the light to shine. The light is the word of God (cf. Ps. 119:105; John 17:17).

One commentator explains that, “The Old Testament text describes the coming day of the Lord in terms of a sunrise (Malachi 4:2) because God would come like the sun (cf. Psalm 84:11). The point here seems to be that the morning star (Venus) heralds the advent of dawn; a new age was about to dawn (cf. 2 Peter 1:11).”

However, the historical and prophetical reality of Jesus’ incarnation and ultimate second coming is to be coupled with this same morning star being within the human heart. The word “heart” (καρδία; kardia) refers to the mind, emotions and will of the believer. In other words, the inner self or soul of the individual.

Dr. John MacArthur writes that, “The “prophetic word” refers not just to the OT major and minor prophets, but to the entire OT. Of course, all of the OT was written by “prophets” in the truest sense, since they spoke and wrote God’s word, which was the task of a prophet, and they looked forward, in some sense, to the coming Messiah (cf. Luke 24:27). The phrase “more fully confirmed” could indicate that the eyewitness account of Christ’s majesty at the transfiguration confirmed the Scriptures. However, the Greek word order is crucial in that it does not say that. It says, “And we have more sure the prophetic word.” That original arrangement of the sentence supports the interpretation that Peter is ranking Scripture over experience. The prophetic word (Scripture) is more complete, more permanent, and more authoritative than the experience of anyone. More specifically, the word of God is a more reliable verification of the teachings about the person, atonement, and second coming of Christ than even the genuine first-hand experiences of the apostles themselves.”

The Old Testament is not to be discarded as some pastors and theologians suggest. May we read the Old Testament with a greater appreciation as to its content and comprehensiveness regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. 

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” ¹⁸ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16–18)

It is an interesting fact that cults and false religions have always sought to construct an elaborate collection of cleverly devised myths. What is true today was also true in Peter’s lifetime and in the life of the early church. In fact, the phrase “cleverly devised myths” originates from the apostle’s own words.

Cleverly devised (σοφίζω; sophizo) means to skillfully create and to possess the capacity to produce what is cleverly or skillfully made. What Peter observed beginning to be cleverly devised, and which he and the other apostles did not follow or pursue, were myths. Myths (μῦθος; mythos) are legendary stories or accounts, normally about supernatural beings, events, or cultural heroes, and in the New Testament always with an unfavorable connotation. Mythos may also be translated as “untrue stories” or “false tales.”

What Peter was contrasting with myths or untrue stories was his account of the power (δύναμις; dynamis) and coming (παρουσία; parousia) of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, he states that he, along with James and John, were eyewitness of Jesus’ majesty at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). Majesty (μεγαλειότης; megaleiotes) means prominence, greatness and importance.

Dr. Don Carson writes, “Majesty is used in the NT only to describe divine glory (Luke 9:43; Acts 19:27). The voice from heaven, speaking both at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration (Mark 1:11; 9:7) combines the prophecies of Psalm 2:7 (the coronation of the Son of God) and Isaiah 42:1 (the ordination of the Suffering Servant). The mountain was sacred because it was the scene of a divine revelation (as in Exodus 3:5; 19:23).”

Peter did not claim sole authority as to his experiencing the revelation of Jesus’ majesty. James and John were with him when Jesus “received honor and glory from God the Father.” The threesome also heard the words by the Majestic Glory. That phrase, from the Greek words μεγαλοπρεπής δόξα (megaloprepes doxa), means sublime splendor, praise and honor. The Majestic Glory’s words about Jesus were, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

As one commentator writes, “It is rare that one can use a literal rendering of μεγαλοπρεπὴς δόξα as a title for God, since ‘Sublime Glory’ is a quality and not normally a reference to a person or supernatural being. It is also possible, however, to use a descriptive phrase such as ‘the one who is supremely glorious’ or ‘the one who is glorious above all others’ or ‘God who is supremely glorious.’

Peter claims that the three of them not only heard the voice but were also with Jesus on the holy mountain.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Peter’s lofty language may stem from his burning desire to communicate the true majesty of the Savior which he, a member of the inner band of disciples, was uniquely privileged to see. Peter wanted his readers to look beyond Christ’s first coming to the time when He will return with that same honor and glory He demonstrated on the mountain. In Peter’s preaching during the days of the early church he was firmly committed to the doctrine of the Second Coming (Acts 2:32–33, 36; 3:16, 20–21). Interestingly Peter was more profoundly impressed by what he heard than what he saw on that sacred mountain. The voice that came from heaven, the voice of God the Father, called the Majestic Glory (an unusual name for God), spoke approvingly of the Son.”

It is easy for believers today to crave an experience such as the one Peter, James and John encountered on the Mount of Transfiguration. However, what was more important to Peter was what he heard, or what was declared about Jesus Christ. That declaration, and many others like it, are contained in the pages of sacred Scripture. Therefore, take up and read. The Scriptures are not cleverly devised myths, but truth.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

¹² Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. ¹³ I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, ¹⁴ since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. ¹⁵ And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.” (2 Peter 1:12-15)

Even this early in his letter, the Apostle Peter offers a conclusion in light of the preceding context of 1:3-11. This idea of a conclusion is indicated by the word “therefore.” It follows a similar conclusion in 1:10.

Peter wrote that his intent was always to remind the church of the qualities believers are to add to their faith (see 1:3-9). It was essential and a must for the apostle to remind (ὑπομιμνῄσκω; hypomimnesko) and cause his readers to remember the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love.

This was the case even though the people to whom Peter wrote knew them with a personal experience and were established (στηρίζω; sterizo) or strong in the truth they already possessed. Imagine how much stronger they would become with the truth they would soon receive.

As long was Peter was alive he thought it a good thing to stir up (διεγείρω; diegeiro) or stimulate the church’s thinking with this second epistle. He felt this to be an urgent need because the Lord Jesus Christ had made it clear to Peter that he would soon experience death. With his soon departure from this life ever in the forefront of his thinking, he wanted to make sure his readers would always remember these qualities of sanctification or holiness.

Regarding Peter’s words from today’s text, Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “This could refer to Jesus’ words to Peter about his death by crucifixion (John 21:18–19) or to his awareness that through old age or the threat of persecution, his life was almost at an end. The image of this earthly body being like a tent fits well with Peter’s pilgrimage theme (1 Peter 1:1, 17; 2:11).” Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “Death is described aptly as laying aside one’s earthly dwelling (cf. 2 Cor. 5:1).

Peter was likely in his seventies as he wrote this letter (likely from a Roman prison) and anticipated dying soon. Nero’s persecution had begun and the apostle was martyred  soon after writing this epistle. Tradition says he was crucified upside down, refusing to be crucified like his Lord. Peter wanted to make certain that after he died, God’s people would have a permanent reminder of the truth, thus he penned this inspired letter.”

 Isn’t it interesting that even as he faced impending execution and martyrdom, the Apostle Peter was more concerned about fellow believers in Christ and their progress in the faith. This is a practical example of self-sacrificial love of the will.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^“For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11).

Do you remember the slogan for the Toys “R” Us retail toy store chain? It was, “I don’t want to grow up I’m a Toys “R” Us kid. There’s a thousand toys at Toys “R” Us that I can play with.”

I’m sure we all realize how unrealistic that familiar jingle was. We all eventually grow up unless death unexpectedly intervenes. We all encounter the joys of adolescence, the challenges of those teen years and the excitement of receiving a driver’s license and eventually graduating from high school and perusing either a college education or subsequently a career, or entering the work force and learning a trade or skill.

As God designed to physical grow and mature, so likewise believers in Christ are responsible to spiritually grow and mature. God does not call us to remain stagnant but to constantly progress in our faith. That is the predominant theme in 2 Peter 1:1-10.

Today’s text focuses our attention on ultimate goal and destination for each believer in Christ: the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dr. John Walvoord writes that, “The ultimate reward of a growing, Christ-honoring life is the personal “welcome” by the Savior into His kingdom. Stephen experienced it (Acts 7:56); Paul knew when it was imminent for him (2 Tim. 4:7–8, 18); and every believer will experience such a welcome when he enters the Lord’s presence in heaven. You will receive a rich welcome is, literally, “the entrance will be supplied richly for you.” “Supplied” is from the verb epichorēgeō, translated “add” in 2 Peter 1:5. The entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be supplied with richness; it will be a wonderful “welcome home.”

What Peter is addressing is the doctrine known as the perseverance on the saints. It is the biblical teaching that all true believers in Christ will continually and diligently continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Though perseverance is partly our work, we must never miss the chief reason to be confident of our security in Christ. Perseverance, as a reality, is not an achievement accomplished by human effort. Ultimately it is a gift. The only way anyone ever perseveres to the end is by virtue of the unmerited grace of God that sustains us.”

“The gift of perseverance is a necessary deduction from passages like Philippians 2:12–13, which tells us that it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. This idea is also clearly articulated in Romans 8:29–30, where the apostle Paul writes that all who have been predestined are also glorified.”

Dr. Sproul concludes by saying, “We work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but we do so because God has elected and regenerated us. All those whom He has predestined will receive the full inheritance of salvation. We know this to be true from Ephesians 1:13–14, which tells us that the Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantor of our inheritance. God seals Christians and gives them the Holy Spirit as an indwelling presence so that they may persevere. The Spirit is the promise from the One who never breaks His promise that those who love Christ will inherit salvation.

The great theologian Augustine was one of the first to remind the church of the donum perserverantiae, the gift of perseverance. Perseverance as a gift from God means that even in our working to continue in our faith, God receives all the glory. Praise the Lord today for His mercy in causing and guaranteeing that all of His elect children will persevere.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

In my last blog, I recalled for you my experience of nearsightedness which began in 1962 when I was in the second grade. I would like to recall another experience I had which culminated seven years later in May of 1969.

My parents raised my sister and me in the Lutheran denomination. That is one of the reasons I have such a respect for Martin Luther. I was taught at an early age about the courage of this Augustinian monk and his opposition to the sale of indulgences by the Roman Catholic Church in the 16^th century. Sunday school lessons were not only about the Old and New Testament but also about the Protestant Reformation.

Beginning at age 12, I began attending confirmation classes at my church. The word confirmation means the rite or ritual by which a water baptized person, especially one baptized as an infant, affirms Christian belief and is admitted as a full member of the Church. For me this occurred in the spring of 1969. The result of confirmation was that I was now allowed to participate in the Lord’s Supper during worship services.

I cannot speak for my friends who were confirmed along with me as to their faith in Christ, but looking back on that period of my life I can say with the utmost assurance that I was not a convert by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. In other words, I was a pagan pretending to be a Protestant. It would not be until October of 1974 that I was wonderfully and gloriously saved through the preaching of the Gospel and the regeneration work of the Holy Spirit which brought me to repentance and faith in Christ.

My reason for this recollection of my confirmation is that the Apostle Peter speaks of believers in Christ being diligent to confirm their calling and election. The word diligent (σπουδάζω; spoudazo) means eager and zealous. To confirm (ποιέω; poieo) means to carry out the responsibilities and behavior which prove one’s profession of faith in Christ, Peter speaks of this as the believer’s calling an election.

The believer’s calling (κλῆσις; klesis) refers in the context to their new relationship with Christ (Ephesians 1:18; Luke 11:42). Election (ἐκλογή; ekloge) means God’s sovereign choice to save the sinner by grace alone (Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 9:1-11; I Thessalonians 1:4).

The believer in Christ is to make every effort to confirm their calling and election by practicing the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7. In doing so, Peter assures his readers, then and now, that they will never continuously fall (πταίω; patio), stumble, err or sin.

Dr. John MacArthur writes that, “This expresses the bull’s-eye Peter has been shooting at in vv. 5–9. Though God is “certain” who his elect are and has given them an eternally secure salvation (see notes on 1 Pet. 1:1–5; cf. Rom. 8:31–39), the Christian might not always have assurance of his salvation. Security is the Holy Spirit-revealed fact that salvation is forever. Assurance is one’s confidence that he possesses that eternal salvation. In other words, the believer who pursues the spiritual qualities mentioned above guarantees to himself by spiritual fruit that he was called (cf. 2 Pet. 1:3; Rom. 8:30; 1 Pet. 2:21) and chosen (cf. 1 Pet. 1:2) by God to salvation. As the Christian pursues the qualities enumerated by Peter (2 Pet. 1:5–7) and sees that his life is useful and fruitful (v. 8), he will not stumble into doubt, despair, fear, or questioning, but enjoy assurance that he is saved.”

Let me encourage you to confirm your calling and election in Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

“For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

The year was 1962. It was a time in which my life was forever changed. I was in second grade at the George R. Hamilton Elementary School in Lincoln Park, MI. and a problem arose. I began having difficulty seeing the blackboard. The solution: glasses.

To this day I am extremely nearsighted. Clear vision without any glasses, or contact lenses, is about a couple of inches from my face. No exaggeration. I am fortunate that I am able to wear daily, disposable contact lenses which provide greater convenience and vision ability.

I cannot begin to count the number of glasses I have broken over the years. It always seemed that I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. My parents were most patient regarding this. Well, most of the time anyway.

You may be wondering what my reminiscing has to do with today’s text. Simple! There is a work in 2 Peter 1:9 that truly resonates with me. Have you guessed what the word is? It is the word nearsighted.

Nearsighted (μυωπάζω; myopazo) is a present active verb which means to fail to understand, to lack understanding, or to be shortsighted. What applies to me physically can apply to any Christian spiritually. Any believer can develop spiritual myopia. How? By lacking the spiritual qualities found in 2 Peter 1:5-7.

The believer in Christ who fails to consciously and actively add to their faith the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love, lack clear vision of what it means to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ. In fact, Peter said that the believers in question were so nearsighted, they are blind (τυφλός; typhlos) or unable to see the spiritual realities of the unseen world.

Take all of the political disharmony and acrimony which is occurring within the United States for example. The tenor of the times reflect a spiritual degeneration within this country paralleling what the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 1:18-32. Unless there is true repentance it will only get worse.

Tragically, this degeneration is not limited to the halls of government, business or secular college campuses and universities. It is also occurring within many evangelical denominations and local churches where the Word of God, and the expository preaching of the same, is dismissed as old fashioned and out of date. It can become so bad, Peter claimed, that people may forget that they were ever forgiven of their sins by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “The failure to diligently pursue spiritual virtues produces spiritual amnesia. Such a person, unable to discern his spiritual condition, will have no confidence about his profession of faith. He may be saved and possess all the blessings of vv. 3–4, but without the excellencies of vv. 5–7, he will live in doubt and fear.”

Does this describe you and your walk with Christ at this moment? Are you becoming spiritually nearsighted and blind to the Word of God and the ravages of the temptations from the fallen world, the devil and even your sinful flesh? Repent immediately and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness and resolve to begin adding to your faith the qualities of a clear seeing believer in Christ.

20/20 vision is so good to have. Life is no longer a blur.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

^“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8)

2 Peter 1:8 introduces a purpose clause directly related to the previous section of vs. 5-7. What is the purpose of the believer in Christ adding to their faith in Christ?

Peter indicated that if the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love are indeed our possession and are increasing, they will presently and actively keep (καθίστημι; kathistemi) or cause the believer in question from being ineffective or unfruitful.

To be ineffective (ἀργός; argos) means to be idle, lazy and useless. It is an individual who accomplishes nothing and is indifferent about it. To be unfruitful (ἄκαρπος; akarpos) means to be unproductive. Ineffectiveness and unfruitfulness are both used with respect to the believer’s knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “The qualities of God that believers are to reflect are understood to be fruits resulting from knowing “our Lord Jesus Christ.” They are the inevitable result of faith, not things added to faith in order to achieve a right standing before God (Romans 3:21-26; James 2:14-26).”

Dr. John MacArthur adds that, “To be ineffective is to be inactive, indolent, and empty (cf. Titus 1:12; James 2:20–22). With these virtues increasing in one’s life (2 Pet. 1:5–7), a Christian will not be useless or ineffective. or unfruitful. I.e., unproductive (cf. Matt. 13:22; Eph. 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:14; Jude 12). When these Christian qualities are not present in a believer’s life (2 Pet. 1:5–7), he will be indistinguishable from an evildoer or a superficial believer. But when these qualities are increasing in a Christian’s life, there is the manifestation of the “divine nature” within the believer.”

Which of the seven virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 are strongest in your walk with Christ? What virtues are the weakest and need strengthening? Ask the Lord right at this moment to show you what qualities are lacking in your walk of faith and to give you the desire to be disciplined in adding to your faith.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^5 “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.“ (2 Peter 1:5–7 ESV).

The Holy Spirit commands believers, through the Apostle Peter, to supplement, or add, to their saving faith. This supplementation is not contributing to their justification but rather it is a necessary component of each believer’s sanctification. Sanctification is the believer’s growth in holiness.

Believers are to add to their faith virtue or godly character and moral excellence. To virtue, believers in Christ are to add knowledge. To knowledge, believers in Christ are to add self-control. To self-control believers in Christ are to add steadfastness. To steadfastness, believers in Christ are to add godliness. To            godliness, believers are to add brotherly affection. To brotherly affection, believers are to add love.

There is a wonderful balance in the last two attributes of sanctification. Brotherly affection is what believers in Christ are to specifically display towards fellow believers in Christ. Love (ἀγάπη; agape) is the self-sacrificial love of the will that believers in Christ are to not only display towards fellow believers in Christ (John 13:34; I Corinthians 13; I Peter 4:8; I John 4:7-11), but also to one’s enemies and unbelievers (Matthew 5:43-48). I Thessalonians 3:12 says, “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.” The word the Apostle Paul used in I Thessalonians 3:12 is also agape. It is also the word for love found in John 3:16.

What does agape love look like when practiced by believers in Christ? Again, let’s briefly examine I Corinthians 13:1-8a which says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. ⁴ Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant ⁵ or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ⁶ it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never ends.”

Agape love is patient and kind. It is not envious or boastful. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at wrongdoing. It practices the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endure all things. Finally, agape love never ends.

The qualities of agape love which the Apostle Peter instructed believers to add to their sanctification in Christ are practical and applicable towards not only the church but also to those outside of the fellowship of Christ. In other words, agape love ought to be displayed to both believers and unbelievers.

God calls believers in Christ to love both people groups: those who love Christ and those who do not. Therefore, there is no excuse for unloving thoughts, attitudes, speech and behavior by the follower of Christ.

One Christian author writes, “As Christians, how we treat other people speaks louder to the world regarding the authenticity and validity of our beliefs than the doctrines we teach, the creeds we confess, or even the moral and good lives we try to live. If we are self-serving, self-promoting, unforgiving, and arrogant in our relationships, that will drown out what we have to say. When we hold grudges against fellow Christians, cling to pride, and refuse to forgive each other, we may affirm the skeptic’s suspicion that Christianity is a facade of moralism with no real supernatural power to change people’s hearts.”

“Jesus said if we only love those who love us, we are in accord with the way the world operates, and there is no benefit for us (Luke 6:32). Jesus said we are to love people who hate us and wrong us. We are to pray for them and meet their needs and endure their scorn. The apostle Paul exhorts us to bear “with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col. 3:12–13). These things are impossible apart from God, and so when they are present in our lives, the unbelieving world sees something unfamiliar to them, something divine, and something they know they need. They see the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work in us.”

May we be obedient to add to our faith, agape love.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^5 “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.“ (2 Peter 1:5–7 ESV).

The Holy Spirit commands believers, through the Apostle Peter, to supplement, or add, to their saving faith. This supplementation is not contributing to their justification but rather it is a necessary component of each believer’s sanctification. Sanctification is the believer’s growth in holiness.

Believers are to add to their faith virtue or godly character and moral excellence. To virtue, believers in Christ are to add knowledge. To knowledge, believers in Christ are to add self-control. To self-control believers in Christ are to add steadfastness. To steadfastness, believers in Christ are to add godliness. To            godliness, believers are to add brotherly affection.

Brotherly affection is one word in the New Testament Greek language: φιλαδελφίᾳ. We derive our English word Philadelphia which means brotherly love or kindness as translated from today’s text. What does it mean to possess brotherly kindness?

Brotherly kindness is love and affection for a fellow believer. Throughout the New Testament, brotherly kindness is primarily restricted within the sphere of and in reference to fellow believers in Christ. While agape love is to be shown by believers to not only fellow believers, but also to unbelievers, brotherly kindness is spoken of within the realms of the covenant community of the church. It is love of and for the brethren.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “Brotherly kindness is 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, travelers 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.”

You would think that such an attribute as brotherly kindness would not even have to be mentioned by the apostle. And yet how often are Christians unkind and unloving to their fellow believers in Christ. It is a sad commentary that often pagans treat believers in Christ better and with more respect than other believers in Christ. If this were not so, then the Holy Spirit would not have let Peter to write that it is necessary for the saints to add to their lives such a virtue.

Consider how you may consciously add the characteristic of brotherly kindness in your life and how you may display it towards your fellow believers today.

Soli deo Gloria!