Add to your faithgoodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 2 PETER 1:5–7 NIV
Scripture Analysis of 2 Peter 1:5-7
In 2 Peter 1:5, the phrase “For this very reason” refers to the preceding verses, particularly 2 Peter 1:3-4, where Peter discusses the divine power and promises given to believers. Specifically, the reasons mentioned include:
Divine Power: God’s divine power has given believers everything they need for life and godliness through their knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3).
Precious Promises: Through God’s glory and goodness, believers have received great and precious promises, enabling them to participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:4).
“For this very reason” indicates that because believers have been equipped with everything they need for a godly life and have been given precious promises, they should make every effort to grow in their faith by adding to it the virtues listed in verses 5-7.
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV):
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faithgoodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
Breakdown and Cross-References
- Faith with Goodness (Virtue)
- Definition: Faith is the foundation, and goodness refers to moral excellence or righteousness.
- Cross-Reference:Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
- James 2:17: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
- Goodness with Knowledge
- Definition: Knowledge here implies a deeper understanding of God’s will and scriptures.
- Cross-Reference:Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
- Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”
- Knowledge with Self-Control
- Definition: Self-control is the ability to control one’s emotions, desires, and actions.
- Cross-Reference:Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
- Proverbs 25:28: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
- Self-Control with Perseverance
- Definition: Perseverance is the ability to endure and remain firm through trials and tribulations.
- Cross-Reference:James 1:3-4: “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
- Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- Perseverance with Godliness
- Definition: Godliness is living a life that is pleasing to God, reflecting His character.
- Cross-Reference:1 Timothy 4:8: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
- Titus 2:12: “It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
- Godliness with Mutual Affection
- Definition: Mutual affection refers to the love and care among believers, akin to family love.
- Cross-Reference:Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
- Hebrews 13:1: “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.”
- Mutual Affection with Love (Agape)
- Definition: Love in this context is agape love, which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
- Cross-Reference:1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
- John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Key Takeaways
Spiritual Growth: Peter outlines a progression of spiritual qualities that build upon each other, starting with faith and culminating in love. This progression signifies the journey of a Christian toward maturity.
Active Effort: The phrase “make every effort” emphasizes that these qualities require intentional and diligent effort on the part of believers. Spiritual growth is not passive but active.
Holistic Development: The list of qualities encompasses moral excellence, intellectual growth, emotional control, endurance, piety, familial love, and universal love. This indicates that true spiritual growth is comprehensive, affecting all aspects of a believer’s life.
Foundation of Love: Love is the ultimate goal and the greatest virtue that encapsulates all others. It is the defining mark of a true disciple of Christ.
Interconnectedness: Each quality is interconnected, showing that spiritual virtues are not isolated but rather work together to form a well-rounded and mature Christian character.