2 Peter 1

Peter greets those who have “obtained a faith of equal standing” through “the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ,” and declares that “his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him,” making us “partakers of the divine nature.” Therefore believers are to “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge... self-control... steadfastness... godliness... brotherly affection... love,” for these qualities keep one fruitful, and by them believers “confirm your calling and election.” Peter, knowing his death is near, wants them to remember these things. He reminds them that the apostles “did not follow cleverly devised myths” but “were eyewitnesses of his majesty” — at the transfiguration, seeing Christ’s honor and glory and hearing the Father’s voice, “This is my beloved Son.” And they have “the prophetic word more fully confirmed,” a lamp shining in a dark place, for “no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”