2 Peter - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

Peter assures his readers that he will also make every possible effort (Predictive Future
tense) for them to have all the Bible doctrine they need to live the Christian way of life
after he is gone. He will soon die, but the truth that he teaches them will live on in
writing (canon) and by word of mouth. Some commentators believe he is referring to the
Gospel of Mark which would soon be dispersed in writing, but this appears to be mere
conjecture. He uses the Greek word “exodus” to describe his departure from this life. His
goal for the remainder of his life is to teach them as much doctrine as possible, so that
once he is gone, they will be able to recall doctrinal principles for the purpose of
application (Iterative Present tense) to daily life (Latin: frequently). He is going to be
diligent, taking great pains, to ensure they are prepared to meet future tests and trials. The
pastor or teacher may die, but doctrine goes with him and you into eternity.
RELEVANT OPINIONS
The verb spoudaso is that used in verse 10, and should be translated in the same way;
they must give diligence to make their calling and election sure. Peter, for his part, will
give diligence to furnish them with a lasting record of the truths of Christianity. (B.
Caffin) The handing down of Christian tradition at this time would take two principal
forms: training faithful people to propagate the truth and putting that same truth into
writing. (W. Baker) He anticipated that he would not be with them much longer, so he
was concerned about perpetuating the ministry of the Word of God after his departure in
order that the believers might continue to grow spiritually. (J. Pentecost) The dying
individual (Peter) provides a summary to his community of the principal ethical and
religious doctrines which are to be adhered to after his death. He prophesies concerning
the destiny of his community, often prompted by apocalyptic revelations of the end days.
Both the doctrine and the prophecy are bases of eschatological admonitions. (D. Watson)
Peter is saying that, in the light of his approaching death, he wants to bring before us
certain things to keep in remembrance. And the thing he will really emphasize is the
validity of the Word of God ... There is a centrifugal force that impels outward from the
world in which you and I live today, and there is centripetal force that pulls us into the
world and away from the Word of God. My friend, the centrifugal force is the Word of
God. It is the only thing that can pull us away from the world system. (J. McGee) The
tragic state of the church today finds its roots in apathy and forgetfulness. People do not
care too much to be stirred up in their minds, and reminded of their obligations toward
God, and of their behavior in view of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. (T. Westwood)
Life’s work continues after life, to many generations; we never know for whom or for
what we work. (C. New)
2 Peter 1:15 Indeed (affirmative), I will also (adjunctive)
make every effort (spouda,zw, FAI1S, Predictive; be diligent,
take great pains) for you (Acc. Adv.) to have (e;cw, PAInf.,
Static, Inf. as Dir. Obj. Of Verb) it (Acc. Dir. Obj.; Bible
doctrine) always (Adv. Time) after my (Gen. Poss.) departure
(Adv. Acc.; exodus), to recall (Adv. Acc.) these things
(Obj. Gen.; doctrinal principles) for the purpose of