Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Wherefore--seeking the blessed consequence of having, and the evil effects of not having, these graces (2 Peter 1:8-9).
the rather--the more earnestly.
brethren--marking that it is affection for them which constrains him so earnestly to urge them. Nowhere else does he so address them, which makes his calling them so here the more emphatical.
give diligence--The Greek aorist implies one lifelong effect [ALFORD].
to make--Greek middle voice; to make so far as it depends on you; to do your part towards making. "To make" absolutely and finally is God's part, and would be in the active.
your calling and election sure--by ministering additionally in your faith virtue, and in your virtue knowledge, etc. God must work all these graces in us, yet not so that we should be mere machines, but willing instruments in His hands in making His election of us "secure." The ensuring of our election is spoken of not in respect to God, whose counsel is steadfast and everlasting, but in respect to our part. There is no uncertainty on His part, but on ours the only security is our faith in His promise and the fruits of the Spirit (2 Peter 1:5-7, 2 Peter 1:11). Peter subjoins election to calling, because the calling is the effect and proof of God's election, which goes before and is the main thing (Romans 8:28, Romans 8:30, Romans 8:33, where God's "elect" are those "predestinated," and election is "His purpose," according to which He "called" them). We know His calling before His election, thereby calling is put first.
fall--Greek, "stumble" and fall finally (Romans 11:11). Metaphor from one stumbling in a race (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Romans 9:33
2 Peter 1:3
2 Peter 1:5
2 Peter 1:12
2 Peter 1:15
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