What does 2 Peter 1:2 mean?

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2

Explanation

2 Peter 1:2 is a verse that immediately follows the opening greeting from the apostle Peter to the recipients of his letter. This verse is a form of a blessing, a common feature in the epistles of the New Testament where the author wishes grace and peace upon the readers. The blessing is connected to the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, implying that a deeper understanding of divine truth leads to a fuller experience of grace (unmerited favor from God) and peace (both inner peace and peace with God).

The verse underscores the significance of knowledge in the Christian experience, not just any knowledge, but the knowledge “of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” The phrase suggests that the more one knows about God and Jesus, the greater the measure of grace and peace one can enjoy. This knowledge is not simply intellectual understanding but intimate and relational knowledge that transforms character and behavior.

Historical Context

This epistle was likely written by the apostle Peter in the first century A.D., although some scholars question Petrine authorship. Assuming traditional authorship, the letter would be dated before Peter’s martyrdom, which is traditionally placed around 64-68 A.D. It was written to Christians who were spread throughout various regions, possibly those who had been facing false teachings and persecution for their faith.

Peter wrote to encourage the recipients in their spiritual growth and to warn them against the influence of false teachers. The letter emphasizes the importance of true knowledge and the moral implications of such knowledge in the face of heresy and moral decline within the church.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse opens up various lines of thought:

• Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation): The mention of grace points to the unearned favor bestowed upon believers through the work of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that grace is not static but can be “multiplied” through knowing God more intimately.

• Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things): Peace is sometimes linked to end-times hope, implying that the ultimate fulfillment of peace will occur upon Christ’s return.

• Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit): Knowledge of God and Jesus is often attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, who reveals divine truth to believers.

• Christology (Doctrine of Christ): The acknowledgment of Jesus as “our Lord” reflects a high Christological viewpoint, portraying Jesus as an object of divine knowledge alongside God.

Practical Applications

2 Peter 1:2 can be applied practically in several ways:

• Encourages believers to invest in their relationship with God and deepen their understanding of Him and Jesus to experience increased grace and peace.

• It can serve as a framework for Christian education, where the aim is not simply to impart information but to facilitate encounters with God that are transformative.

• It suggests a measure of grace and peace for those who might be struggling with doubts, fears, or struggles, as they engage more deeply with the truths of their faith.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 1:17: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

• Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

• John 17:3: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key terms in this verse are:

• “Grace” (χάρις, charis): Often used in the New Testament to denote God’s lovingkindness or favor.

• “Peace” (εἰρήνη, eirene): Implies not just a lack of conflict but wholeness, well-being, and harmony.

• “Multiplied” (πληθυνθείη, plethuntheie): This term suggests an increase or abundance, indicating that grace and peace can grow exponentially.

• “Knowledge” (ἐπίγνωσις, epignosis): Reflects a full discernment or recognition, often implying an experiential knowledge.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and myths, the concept of favor from the gods typically depended on rituals, sacrifices, or moral behavior. In contrast, the Christian concept of grace is given freely without merit, and as this verse suggests, it flows out of a relationship characterized by knowledge of the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse’s emphasis on “peace” has interesting parallels with scientific studies on mental and emotional well-being. While the peace referenced is primarily spiritual and relational, psychological studies affirm the benefits of inner peace and tranquility on a person’s overall health, reducing stress and contributing to a healthier life.

Commentaries

Commentators have interpreted this verse in a variety of ways, but generally agree on its central message:

• John Calvin sees it as an exhortation that Christians should seek “a clearer and more certain knowledge of divine truth.”

• Matthew Henry emphasizes “the grace and peace is wished for them in a way of multiplication,” highlighting the abundance of God’s blessings through the knowledge of God.

• John Gill speaks of the phrase “through the knowledge” to mean not merely a speculative knowledge, but that which is practical and has an influence on the heart and life.

• Warren Wiersbe writes about this passage, noting the importance of knowing God personally and not just knowing about Him, as the key to enjoying His gifts of grace and peace.