Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Peter 1:5

καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο δὲ, a phrase that emphasises the fact of the δώρημα as having its logical outcome in character. “The soul of religion is the practick part” (Bunyan). On the other hand, 2 Peter here teaches that so-called practical Christianity without the spiritual motive is incomplete and unintelligent. σπουδὴν πᾶσαν παρεισενέγκαντες, an impressive phrase. Cf. similar ideas in Romans 12:11; Hebrews 6:11. It is a warning against sluggishness and self-indulgence in the spiritual life. ἐπιχορηγήσατε. The A.V. trans., “add to,” is insufficient. χορηγός in Attic drama is one who defrays the cost of the chorus, at the bidding of the State, as an act of citizenship (Dem. 496, 26). It was a duty that prompted to lavishness in execution. Hence χορηγέω came to mean “supplying costs for any purpose,” a public duty or λειτουργία, with a tendency, as here, towards the meaning, “providing more than is barely demanded”. In P. Oxy. 282 6 ff. (30 35 A.D.), a man complains that his wife had deserted him, although ἐπεχορήγησα αὐτῇ τὰ ἑξῆς καὶ ὑπὲρ δύναμιν (“I provided for her suitably and beyond my resources”). ἐπι - denotes a particular application of χορηγέω (cf. Moulton, Proleg. p. 113). ἐν “is used each time of that which is supposed to be theirs” (Alford). ἀρετή : “strenuus animae tonus ac vigor” (Bengel) a manifestation of moral power. γνῶσιν, understanding, implying insight, circumspection, discretion, discernment (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:18). cf. Didache, ix. 3 (in Eucharistic prayer), xi. 2, where γν. is conjoined with δικαιοσύνη.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Peter 1:5

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