What does 2 Peter 1:7 mean?

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 2 Peter 1:7

Explanation

“And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (2 Peter 1:7, KJV) This verse is part of a larger passage in which the apostle Peter outlines a progression of characteristics that should be evident in the life of a believer. Starting from faith, Peter lists several qualities leading up to godliness, which is seen here as both a prerequisite and a context for brotherly kindness (philadelphia in Greek). This kindness or brotherly love is then to be crowned with charity (agape in Greek), which is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. The literal meaning encourages believers to add to their piety a love for fellow believers as well as a generous and loving attitude to all people.

Historical Context

2 Peter was likely written between A.D. 64-68, a period when early Christians faced persecution. During this time, there was a need for internal strengthening of Christian communities, both in moral character and in mutual support. The apostle Peter, writing possibly from Rome, seeks to encourage and instruct believers on how to live a life that is reflective of their faith, despite the external challenges.

Advertisement

Theological Insights

The verse reflects a Christian ethical hierarchy where basic faith leads to virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and finally charity. From a theological perspective, this passage is often seen as descriptive of the sanctification process—how a believer grows in character to become more Christ-like. Godliness leads to love for the brethren, which should ripple outward as a love for all (charity). The ultimate aim is agape love, which is the highest form of love, reflective of God’s own nature.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be a guide for personal growth and interaction with others. It suggests that one should not only be focused on personal piety but should extend care and concern to those within one’s immediate community (brotherly kindness) and then go beyond to exhibit a love that is inclusive and embracing of all people (charity). In essence, it calls for a practical outworking of faith in interpersonal relationships.

Cross-References

• 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – “…And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
• Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
• John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Language Study

• Godliness: From the Greek word “eusebeia,” meaning piety or a reverence for God that is reflected in one’s actions.
• Brotherly kindness: Translated from “philadelphia,” which denotes a fraternal affection or affection between siblings, in a broader sense the love between members of the Christian community.
• Charity: From the Greek word “agape,” a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love that is often used to describe God’s love for humankind.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, there were similar concepts to brotherly kindness and charity. In Judaism, the love for one’s neighbor is a concept deeply rooted in the Torah (Leviticus 19:18). In Greco-Roman culture, acts of philanthropy and patronage were common, though often for personal honor, rather than stemming from a sense of divine mandate. Peter’s exhortation would resonate but also transform these cultural understandings by grounding the actions in divine imitation.

Scientific Perspectives

The concepts in this verse are primarily moral and spiritual, making scientific perspectives less directly relevant. However, from a psychological and sociological point of view, the behaviors promoted by this verse can be associated with increased well-being and societal stability. The practice of qualities like kindness and charitable love has been shown to contribute positively to mental health and social cohesion.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied insights into this verse. Some emphasize the structure and interconnectedness of the qualities listed by Peter, while others focus on the community-building aspect of the progression. There is a consensus, however, that the verse is advancing an ideal progression of Christian maturity, culminating in a love that mirrors God’s love for humanity. Commentaries often point to this verse as a succinct summary of how inner piety is to be expressed in outward acts of love and mercy.