2 Peter - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

Scriptures, for they testify about Him. (S. Kistemaker) The knowledge of God is the
sphere in which grace and peace are communicated to the soul; they cannot be found
outside that sphere. “Full knowledge” (epignosis) may be regarded as the key-note of this
Epistle. “Epignosis” is a stronger word than gnosis; it means “knowledge” directed
towards an object, gradually approaching nearer and nearer to it, concentrated upon it,
fixed closely upon it. So it comes to mean the knowledge, not merely of intellectual
apprehension, but rather of deep contemplation; the knowledge which implies love – for
only love can concentrate continually the powers of the soul in close meditation upon its
object. (B. Caffin)
In the first fourteen verses of this chapter, we shall see that the “full knowledge of God,
and of Jesus our Lord” is the foundation on which Christian character is built. (J. McGee)
He adds an account of the way and means whereby grace and peace are multiplied - it is
through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. (M. Henry) He conveys the thought that
knowledge is not merely an ability to recite facts but an experience that promotes
fellowship. The believer who is the recipient of God’s grace and peace experiences these
gifts through intimate fellowship with God. By increasing his knowledge of God and
Jesus Christ, he acknowledges that grace and peace are multiplied for him ... Throughout
this epistle Peter urges the readers to increase their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is Peter’s main concern in writing this epistle. (S. Kistemaker) There is no spiritual
life, there is no grace and peace, outside the sphere of the knowledge of God. (B. Caffin)
Full knowledge (epignosis) is the sphere in which alone grace and peace can be
multiplied. (R. Jamieson)
This is sanctifying grace, the work of the Holy Spirit producing in the yielded believer
His own fruit. This peace is sanctifying peace, the tranquility of heart that is the result of
the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the believer. “Knowledge” here is epignosis, full,
perfect, precise knowledge as opposed to gnosis, imperfect, partial knowledge. Epignosis
implies a more intimate and personal relationship than gnosis. Grace and peace are
multiplied in and through this more intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ, in contrast to a
mere barren gnosis. “Knowledge” is locative of sphere and instrumental of means. This
grace and peace are in the sphere of this knowledge and are produced by it. (K. Wuest)
Epignosis involves the complete appropriation of all truth and the unreserved
acquiescence in God’s will, the goal and crown of the believer’s course. (J. Lightfoot)
The Gnostic deviationists exalted knowledge (gnosis) as being superior to faith, and in
reply orthodox writers stressed the importance for Christians to acquire epignosis, full
knowledge, in order to combat this heresy. (D. Wheaton)
Peter was writing to people who claimed a real knowledge of God and of Christ, but
continued in immoral behavior. Knowledge may have been a catch-phrase of theirs which
Peter takes up and fills with authentic Christian content. True knowledge of God and
Christ produces grace and peace in the life; what is more, it produces holiness … This is
no barren formula to Peter, for he makes both the experience of God’s peace and the
reception of His grace (or help) to be dependent upon the deep knowledge of God, and of
Jesus ... It is the epignosis of Jesus Christ that Peter is talking about. A deeper knowledge
of the Person of Jesus is the surest safeguard against false doctrine. (M. Green) Peter lays