What does 2 Peter 1:4 mean?

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

Explanation

2 Peter 1:4 focuses on the promises that God has given to believers through knowledge of Him which allows one to be partakers of the divine nature. This implies that through these promises, a transformation is possible that aligns one’s character with God’s character, transcending the moral decay found in the world due to human desires. It suggests a process of sanctification wherein one is not only saved from the penalty of sin but also from its power over their lives.

Historical Context

2 Peter is a letter traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, and it is believed to have been written sometime between AD 64-68. The context indicates that its audience faced false teachings and moral laxity. The epistle is crafted to encourage believers to grow in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to warn against false doctrines and ungodly living, providing an anchor of hope amid growing heresy and persecution.

Theological Insights

The verse promotes several theological strands. From an Orthodox viewpoint, theosis is a process of becoming godlike, which relates to the idea of partaking in divine nature. In the Reformed tradition, the “precious and great promises” reflect the concept of covenantal promises that God makes with His people. Evangelicals may emphasize the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in allowing believers to escape worldly corruption, lining up with sanctification.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can drive individuals to seek the spiritual growth and moral excellence that aligns with the divine nature. It encourages one to prioritize God’s promises and live a life that reflects those promises, manifesting as love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. In a practical sense, escaping the world’s corruption could be seen as making daily choices that honor God over succumbing to our desires.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
• John 17:16: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
• 1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Language Study

The key words from the original Greek text include “precious” (τίμιος, timios – beloved, esteemed, honored), “promises” (ἐπαγγελία, epaggelia – announcements, proclamations), “partakers” (κοινωνός, koinonos – companionship, sharing), and “divine” (θείας, theias – godlike, heavenly). “Nature” (φύσις, phusis) conveys the essential qualities or the innate disposition of something.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of partaking in divine nature echoes some themes found in other ancient religions and philosophies. For instance, in Hellenistic religions, there are instances of humans becoming divine or semi-divine. Buddhism speaks of enlightenment and escape from the cycle of suffering, which can be seen as achieving a higher nature.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly correlate with scientific matters, but it does touch on themes of transformation and change, which are observable in the natural world. Psychological understanding of human behavior compliments the notion of escaping worldly ‘corruption’ through changes in mindset and behavior, indicative of neural plasticity and the potential for personal growth and transformation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars have commented on this verse. Matthew Henry sees it as a call to virtue and a reminder of the corruption of the world. John Calvin discusses the verse in the context of God’s promises in the gospel being the pathway to partake in divine nature. More contemporary scholars might focus on the implications of ‘escaping corruption,’ seeing it as a call to practical holiness and ethical living in contrast to a society in moral decline.