Verses 5-7 describe for us “the abundant life.” Peter then says that if these virtues or excellencies abound in any believer he will never be idle nor unfruitful as he advances toward full knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
v. 9—On the contrary, any believer who does not possess these qualities lacks sight, “being blind.” He lacks foresight (“he cannot se afar off”) and insight (“he has forgotten that he has been purged from his old sins.”
v. 10—Rather than being blind, be more active or eager to make sure of your calling and election by displaying or practicing these virtues. When these excellencies are displayed in a believer’s life it assures him of God’s calling and election. We will never stumble, that is, we will never doubt that God has called us.
v. 11—Any believer living the abundant life, displaying these eight virtues, possessing an ever-increasing knowledge of Christ and rejoicing in the certainty of their calling and election shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. See Hebrews 11:24-26.
v. 12—Peter says to those to whom he wrote, “You may know these truths but I mean to keep on reminding you of them.” One of the chief opiates of Satan is to instill forgetfulness into the hearts of God’s people. For this reason God’s servants must constantly remind God’s people of the great truths of our faith.
v. 13—Peter is drawing to the close of his life. As long as he is permitted by God to remain in the body he is determined to stir them up and put them in remembrance of the doctrines of the faith.
v. 14—Peter makes reference here to his martyrdom. He says that this was shown to him by Jesus Himself. See John 21:18-19.
v. 15-18—Peter recalls the Transfiguration experience. He wants to leave a record of these things for posterity. This is Peter functioning as an elder, “Feeding the flock.”
This passage is introductory to that part of the epistle in which Peter takes up prophetic truth. But before he takes a look at the future he finds it necessary to state clearly the absolute reliability of what he calls “the sure word of prophecy.”
v. 16—The prophetic utterances Peter had made were not the figment of his imagination. Nor had the apostles devised them. Peter says that on the Holy Mount “we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 2 Thessalonians 1.
v. 17—Christ is now supreme in Peter’s mind. Describe the voice from the most excellent glory.
v. 18—This voice came from heaven. These events transpired on the Holy Mount.
v. 19—Because of this revelation, prophecy is more than sure—it is confirmed and guaranteed. Take heed, pay attention to it, believe it. Treat it as a light that shines in a dark place until the coming of the Lord.
v. 20—Prophecy is not a matter of one’s own interpretation. In other words, the prophetic Scriptures must be taken as a whole, not singly.
v. 21—The great truths of prophecy did not originate in the heart of man. But special men, holy men, were chosen by God. These were then used and moved by the Holy Spirit to write of future events.
Therefore no one should interpret the Scriptures to suit their own understanding, but Scripture should be compared with Scripture.