Background
1 Peter offers words to help Christians who were struggling withpublic shame and ridicule. They were encouraged to be faithfulwitnesses through their behaviour, and to imitate Christ's love intheir relationships with people in their community. They wereencouraged to connect their difficulties with the suffering ofJesus Christ. In 2 Peter, there is continued emphasis on howChristians grow in their faith and in the likeness of JesusChrist.
The author of 2 Peter uses the words 'glory' and 'goodness' todescribe Jesus. (See tomorrow's A Word in Time for a discussion of'glory'.) References to 'goodness' were common in Greekphilosophical writings. New Testament texts use the word'godliness' or 'holiness' more than 'goodness'. To be good in theGreek context means to be complete, without any lack in moralvirtue. The author is suggesting that Jesus' moral character isperfect. He is completely good. The consequence is that Jesus actsmorally in his relationships with other people. His inwardexcellence flows outward in loving deeds. Jesus Christ both callsand empowers people to imitate his goodness (godliness orholiness). He promises his followers a share in his holiness inthis life. Just as it did in Jesus, inward godliness evidencesitself in how Christians engage with each other and with the worldaround them.
The letter's author employs another device from Greek writingbeginning at verse 5. He provides a list of virtues, which aresimilar to the 'fruits of the Spirit' in Paul's epistles (Galatians 5:22-23). The life of faith issustained by goodness, knowledge, self-control, mutual affection,(self-giving) love, endurance, and godliness. These, the authorwrites, are "yours and are increasing among you" (v. 8). In otherwords, these are gifts from the divine power of Christ to hisfollowers. Faith is not an unchanging gift. It grows and movesChristians closer to participating in the divine nature. Jesusempowers his followers to engage in relationships with each other,with the world around them, and in the relationship with God.
To Ponder
- What image does the word 'goodness' bring to your mind?
- What would or does it mean to you to grow in the likeness ofJesus Christ?