2 Peter 1:3

II. THE CHRISTIAN'S GROWTH, 2 Peter 1:3-21

1. Exhortations to Grow in the Full Knowledge of Christ 1:3-15

2 Peter 1:3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;

Expanded Translation

We realize[46] that his (God'S) divine power and ability has given (granted, bestowed) to us all the things which pertain to the (spiritual) life and godliness (piety, true religion), through (by means of) the exact and full knowledge of the one (Christ) who called us by that glory and moral goodness which was uniquely his own.

[46] hos with the genitive absolute presents the matter spoken of (Thayer) and in this case a truth is stated, hence an editorial -we-' seems appropriate.

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seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness

Cp. James 1:17-18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The word divine (theios), from theos, (God) is used here of God's power, and in 2 Peter 1:4 of his nature; in both instances it refers to that which proceeds or emanates from God. The life here is the spiritual lifethe life of Christian conduct. Godliness (eusebeia) is a compound word made up of eu, well; good, and sebomai, to be devout or religious.

It denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is pleasing unto him.
To live the Christ-like life, our Father has provided every needall things. It is well to remember that God has given us allmankind cannot improve upon it, nor can he rightfully add any more necessary things. What he supplies for the spiritual life cannot be improved upon.

through the knowledge

(epignosis, see comments, 2 Peter 1:2.)

of him that called us by his own glory and virtue

When the real knowledge of Christ is ours, and when it is carefully preserved and cultivated, the blessings which enable us to live a full, rich and prosperous Christian life shall be ours!
Christ called us by his own (idios) glory and virtuenot ours! But by living in close union with him, we shall be sharers in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Notice that the grace and peace Peter wishes upon his readers is granted through this type of knowledge concerning God and Christ, Friend, do you know your Saviour, or are you only casually acquainted? This verse should not only cause the Christian to see his need of studying the Scriptures, but of cultivating his friendship with this Friend of friends in every way.