2 Peter 1:5

And beside this. Rather, “Indeed and for this very reason.” Surely God’s purpose in bestowing promised blessings upon us (that we may share in the divine nature) is reason enough to stimulate us to greater zeal in pursuit of righteousness. God has done His part; we must now do ours.

Giving all diligence. Literally, “having brought in by the side all diligence.” For comment on “diligence” (spoude) see on Rom. 12:8, 11. We are to add our diligent pursuit of Christian virtues to the gifts God has already bestowed. Working along with God, the Christian is enabled to develop the sanctified life.

Add. Gr. epichoregeo, “to supply,” “to furnish.”

To your faith. Or, “in connection with your faith.” Here Peter begins his list of virtues, sometimes aptly called “Peter’s ladder.” It appears that similar lists were current in the Hellenistic world. Peter’s list differs from these others, however, in its inspiration and Christian setting and in its implication that one virtue develops from another.

Virtue. Gr. arete (see on v. 3). Peter’s thought may be paraphrased, “in connection with your faith, supply moral excellence.” By heeding such counsel the Christian will build a balanced life.

Knowledge. As with the previous phrase, this may be rendered, “in connection with moral excellence [supply] knowledge.” The “knowledge” (gnosis) doubtless refers to a practical understanding of God’s ways and plans for the individual rather than to a merely intellectual knowledge (cf. on 1 Cor. 1:5; 12:8).