This page gives you a set of study questions for 2 Peter 1, the opening chapter of Peter’s second letter. It is written for a small group, a Sunday class or personal study, and it moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life. Each set of questions includes a leader’s note so you can facilitate without preparing a separate summary.
2 Peter 1 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a greeting that grounds believers in the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ, then moves to the gifts God has already given for life and godliness. Peter lists a sequence of virtues that build on one another, from faith to love, and explains that growing in them keeps believers fruitful and secure in their calling.
The second half turns to Peter’s own purpose in writing: to keep his readers mindful of these truths after his death. He anchors his authority in the eyewitness experience of the transfiguration and in the reliability of the prophetic Scriptures, which were spoken by men moved by the Holy Spirit.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to the exact words in the text, and resist the urge to explain until the observations are on the table. Good observation builds a shared foundation for everything that follows.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 Seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
(WEB)
These verses establish that God has already provided everything needed for godly living. Reading them aloud sets the foundation for the rest of the chapter and reminds the group that growth begins with grace.
2 Peter 1:5-7
5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control perseverance; and in perseverance godliness; 7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.
(WEB)
This is the heart of the chapter’s call to diligent growth. Hearing the list spoken aloud helps the group notice the progression from faith to love and invites reflection on each quality.
2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 11 For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
These verses speak of making one’s calling sure and of the rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom. Reading them aloud encourages the group to look ahead with hope and perseverance.
2 Peter 1:16-18
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
(WEB)
Peter’s eyewitness account of the transfiguration is powerful when read aloud. It helps the group feel the weight of testimony and the reality of Christ’s glory.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
Reading these verses aloud reinforces the divine origin of Scripture. It is a fitting way to close the reading portion before the group moves into prayer.
Memory Verse for 2 Peter 1
2 Peter 1:5
Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge…
(WEB)
This verse captures the chapter’s central call to diligence in building faith. Memorizing it helps the group carry the instruction to grow actively into their weekdays.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you for the precious gifts you have already given us through the knowledge of your Son. Help us to add diligence to our faith, growing in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection and love. Keep us from forgetting the cleansing we have received, and make our calling and election sure as we walk with you. Let the word of Scripture shine like a lamp in our hearts until the day dawns, and give us courage to share what we have seen and heard of Jesus. Bless each person in this group, and guide us in the coming week. Amen.
