2 Peter 1:1-21

• The author of the Epistle.

It is most refreshing and certainly inspiring to open the Bible and find an Epistle which is inspired by the Holy Ghost, and which begins with the two words, “Simon Peter” (v. 1).

The opening verse says, “Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith.”

How blessed that the fisher of men, the rough, rugged, headstrong, backsliding, cursing Peter, who said, “‘I do not know this Man of whom you speak’” (Mark 14:71), should have his name enrolled so at the beginning of one of two remarkable Epistles found within the Word of God. It plainly shows us what grace can accomplish.

Simon Peter, erstwhile fisherman and wanderer, became Simon Peter, under God, the writer of an Epistle. Simon Peter, also, will have his name, along with the others of the twelve who served Jesus, emblazoned in letters of gold upon the walls of the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from God out of Heaven.

Perhaps we, too, may press our way to some position of Divine recognition, and to some recognition in God’s eternal glory, if we now prove faithful to our Lord.

• The saints to whom the Epistle is addressed.

These are called “those who have obtained like precious faith.” The Apostle did not say “attained,” but “obtained,” because faith itself is a gift of God.

The method of their obtaining is written down so: “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Thank God for such a statement! Our position in faith did not come to us through any righteousness of our own. It was faith by which we were justified, and it was faith through which we were proclaimed righteous.

The extent of our righteousness is the righteousness of God, and of Christ. We read He was made sin for us “that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

• Future multiplications.

Having announced the fact of their faith, Peter, in the second verse adds, “Grace and peace be MULTIPLIED to you.” A little later we will talk about things being ADDED to our faith. When WE add, it is by an addition table. When God works, however, He works by the multiplication table.

Being saved, we have grace and peace. This was the result of our salvation. It was immediately received. However, grace and peace are multiplied more and more as we enter into the knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Exceeding great promises.

Verse 3 mentions one of God’s gifts to us. It tells us that “all things that pertain to life and godliness” have been given unto us. Verse 4 tells us that “exceedingly great and precious promises” have been given unto us. How enriched we are!

The Apostle Paul wrote, “All things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). He then specified, whether “life or death, or things present or things to come” (v. 22). The Apostle Peter now adds the statement we have just read. It is a joy to know that all the promises in the Word of God are ours.

We would like to follow the example of the aged saint who wrote in her Bible opposite many a verse “T” and “P”. When asked what these letters meant, she said they meant “Tried” and “Proved.” She had placed these letters beside many precious promises. May God help us to do the same.

Guard your heart. Teach your children. Watch and pray.