2 Peter 1:1-2 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ… I. THE AUTHOR DESCRIBES HIMSELF BY — 1. His name. (1) "Simon." Commonly a happy name in the Scriptures. Not that grace is tied to names; for there was a Simon Magus, a sorcerer. Whatsoever thy name be, let thy heart be Simon's. It is said to signify hearing or obeying; so do thou confess, profess, love thy Master. (2) "Peter" was his surname, given him by Christ Himself. 2. His condition. "A servant."(1) This extols the dignity of Christ that so famous an apostle creeps to Him on the knees of lowliness. Many arrogate great dignity to themselves, because so famous men are their servants. Ahasuerus might vaunt of his viceroys; but let all sceptres be laid down at the foot of Him who is crowned with unspeakable glory for ever. (2) This is a clear demonstration of St. Peter's humility. The godly are no further ambitious than to belong to Christ. 3. His office. "An apostle."(1) He joins together service and apostleship. (a) To distinguish and exemplify his calling (Hebrews 5:4). (b) To show that apostleship was a matter of service; as an honour, so a burden (Matthew 9:38). (2) It was the custom of the apostles to magnify their office (Romans 11:13), to weaken the credit of false intruders (1 Corinthians 9:1). 4. His Master. "Of Jesus Christ."(1) They were apostles of Christ, for none ever called themselves apostles of God the Father, because Christ Himself only was the Father's Apostle. (2) Christ only hath authority to make apostles. He chose them to the work, who could enable them to the work. (3) They came not in their own name, but in Christ's (2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 11:2). II. THE PERSONS TO WHOM THIS EPISTLE IS WRITTEN. 1. The generality of the person. To them, all them. This is called a "general epistle" — (1) Not only because the doctrine contained in it is orthodox and catholic. (2) Nor because the use of it is general. (3) But because it was directed to all the saints and worshippers of Jesus Christ, howsoever, wheresoever dispersed, or whensoever despised. For with God is no respect of persons. 2. The qualification of this generality. "That hath faith." 3. The excellency of this qualification. "Precious faith." As Athens was called Greece of Greece, so faith may be called the grace of grace. (T. Adams.) Parallel Verses KJV: Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: |
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