What does 2 Peter 3:18 mean?

Explanation

The verse 2 Peter 3:18 from the New Testament encourages believers to mature in their faith by growing in two specific areas: "grace" and the "knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Growing in grace implies an increasing ability to understand and embody the unearned favor of God, expressing it in loving and forgiving attitudes toward others.

Meanwhile, growing in knowledge of Jesus Christ is about deepening one's understanding of who He is, His teachings, and the implications of His life, death, and resurrection for humanity.

The culmination of the verse is a doxology, praising Jesus Christ and affirming that He deserves glory both now and eternally.

Historical Context

This verse is taken from the second epistle of Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, which was likely written between A.D. 65-68.

The epistle addresses various challenges that early Christians faced, such as false teachings, and warns against complacency by emphasizing the promise of Christ's return.

The verse is a closing exhortation in a letter meant not only to instruct but also to encourage believers to persevere in their faith amidst external pressures and internal moral decay.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse offers insights into the process of sanctification, which is the spiritual growth and maturation of a believer.

From a Protestant perspective, it reflects the doctrine of Sola Gratia, the idea that salvation comes by grace alone.

Catholics, while agreeing on the importance of grace, may see this growth as part of a cooperation with divine grace.

Eastern Orthodox Christians might interpret the verse in terms of theosis, the process of becoming more like God in one's actions and being.

All traditions agree on the importance of deepening one's knowledge of Christ through ongoing study and prayer.

Practical Applications

In modern life, 2 Peter 3:18 can be seen as a call for continuous learning and improvement in one's spiritual life.

It suggests that Christians should not become complacent with their current understanding or practice of faith.

Personal devotion, attending church services, studying the Bible, prayer, and acts of service can be ways to grow in grace and knowledge.

It also implies forgiving others as an essential expression of grace in everyday interactions.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:15 - "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
• Colossians 1:10 - "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
• Philippians 3:8 - "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"
• 1 Peter 2:2 - "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, two significant terms stand out:

• "Grace" (χάρις, charis) often refers to a gift or graciousness and in the Christian context is associated with the unmerited favor bestowed by God.
• "Knowledge" (γνῶσις, gnosis) in this context implies a full, experiential knowledge that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding to a personal acquaintance with Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of spiritual growth and enlightenment is not unique to Christianity and can be found in other religious traditions.

For instance, in Buddhism, there is a concept of progressive wisdom and insight as one practices the path towards Enlightenment.

In Hinduism, one may find parallels in the idea of growing in understanding and devotion to a particular deity, experiencing a deepening relationship, and moral improvement.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts; however, moral development theories in psychology might align with the idea of growing in grace.

For instance, Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development could be seen as akin to the process of maturing spiritually and behaving more ethically, which is one aspect of growing in grace.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators offer different insights into this verse:

• John MacArthur emphasizes the verse as a directive for spiritual growth, echoing the lifelong process of sanctification.
• Matthew Henry comments on this verse as a way to resist the errors of wicked men mentioned in the previous context and to establish oneself in truth and holiness.
• Adam Clarke notes that the praise to Jesus being both now and forever dismisses the notion that Christ's kingdom is temporary, reinforcing His eternal divine sovereignty.

Each of these interpretations helps to unfold the multifaceted implications of Peter's exhortation for believers to be actively engaged in their spiritual development.