Reading for April 3rd

Read 2 Peter 1.1-11. In verses 1-2: Sender and addressees. The sender's name, Simon Peter is a rare semitic variation of "Simon Peter" or simply "Peter." As servant and apostle he claims high status, for great Israelite figures were often called "servants of the Lord" (Moses: Ex 32.13; David: 2 Sam 7.5). No specific place is addressed; instead the recipients are indentified as all those who share a most valuable thing, such as faith in God and Jesus that is, correct faith. In verses 3-10: Thanksgiving. Letters often include "thanksgivings," which introduce themes to be developed. In verses 3-4: Peter singles out two blessings for praise: everything needed for life and goodness and precious and very great promises. In verses 5-8: Correct faith leads to purity, not corruption, and predicts a sharing in the divine nature in the afterlife. In support, Peter cites a chain of virtues that follow from correct faith (see Rom 5.1-5), thus illustrating the principle that "good doctrine leads to good behavior" and vice versa. Besides faith, endurance (hope) and mutual affection,virtues such as knowldege, self-control, and godliness point to topics developed later: correct doctrine, moral retitude, and justice toward God. Comments or Questions..