What does 2 Peter 1:1 mean?

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1

Explanation

2 Peter 1:1 serves as the opening to the Second Epistle of Peter in the New Testament. The author introduces himself as “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ.” In doing so, he espouses humility by calling himself a “servant” while also asserting his authority as an “apostle,” directly commissioned by Jesus. The verse continues with an address to the recipients of the letter, identifying them as those who “have obtained like precious faith.” The use of “like precious faith” suggests a shared belief of equal value among all believers. This faith has been obtained “through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” signifying that it is not through individual merit but through divine grace and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The verse underlines foundational Christian doctrines of apostolic authority, the unity and value of faith, divine righteousness, and the Saviorship of Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle of Peter is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve disciples. However, some modern scholars debate the authorship due to stylistic and linguistic differences from the First Epistle. The letter is thought to have been composed in the late first century, possibly between A.D. 65–68, just before or shortly after Peter’s martyrdom. Peter addresses the epistle to a general Christian audience, possibly in Asia Minor, where he is providing guidance and encouragement in the face of rising heresies and false teachings.

Theological Insights

2 Peter 1:1 touches on several key theological issues:

• Apostolic Authority: Peter’s self-identification supports the notion that the apostles held a unique leadership role in the early Church.
• Faith as a Gift: This verse indicates that faith is something received (“obtained”), emphasizing the sovereignty of God in salvation.
• The Deity of Christ: By seemingly equating “God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” some theologians see a clear affirmation of the deity of Jesus, integral to Christian belief.
• Grace: The concept of righteousness through Jesus suggests the doctrine of justification by faith and not by works, aligning with Pauline theology.

Practical Applications

Practical applications of this verse can include:

• Humility: Even in positions of authority, humility is important, as demonstrated by Peter calling himself a servant.
• Unity in Faith: Believers are encouraged to recognize the equal value and shared faith they hold with others.
• Reliance on Divine Mercy: This verse reminds Christians to trust in God’s righteousness and Christ’s redemption for their faith, rather than their own efforts.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
• 1 Peter 1:1: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”
• Romans 3:22-24: “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”
• Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words include:

• “Doulos” (δοῦλος): often translated as “servant” but more accurately denotes “slave,” implying total surrender and servitude.
• “Apostolos” (ἀπόστολος): meaning “one who is sent” and referring to commissioned messengers, carrying significant authority.
• “Isotimos” (ἴσοτίμος): translated as “like precious,” “equally honored,” or “of equal value.”
• “Dikaiosyne” (δικαιοσύνη): meaning “righteousness,” in a judicial sense it represents the concept of judicial approval or integrity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

While Christianity emphasizes the grace of God through Jesus Christ for salvation, other religious systems often stress human effort or achievement for spiritual attainment. In ancient Greek and Roman myths, humans were often at the mercy of capricious deities, with little sense of grace in a Christian sense.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily deals with empirical observations and does not purport to confirm or refute theological claims of faith and divine righteousness. However, scientific inquiry can foster a sense of wonder and humility that resonates with the spiritual qualities endorsed in the verse.

Commentaries

Commentators widely agree on the foundational Christian principles evident in this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the importance of faith being as valuable as that of the apostles. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the phrases “obtained like precious faith” and “righteousness of God” to underscore that faith and salvation are unearned gifts. The Expositor’s Greek Testament notes that the Greek term for “obtained” suggests obtaining by lot, something divinely given rather than achieved through merit. There is some scholarly debate regarding the translation nuances that could either reinforce or differentiate the identity of “God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” with implications for Christology and the understanding of the Trinity.