1. 2 Peter 1:1 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ?

2 Peter 1:1 (ESV)

1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

In this letter, when Peter talks of righteousness his emphasis is normally on morality (see 2 Peter 2:5, 2 Peter 2:21; 2 Peter 3:13). This would imply that the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ refers to the manner in which God has given faith. He did not prefer one group (apostles) over another (the letter recipients) such that the faith of the apostles was better than the faith of ordinary believers.1 Alternatively, some suggest that righteousness accords with the Old Testament, where it is parallel to God’s salvation (Psalm 22:31; Psalm 31:1; Psalm 35:24, Psalm 35:28; Isaiah 42:6; Micah 6:5). In this case the faith received is rooted in God’s saving righteousness, his free gift of salvation which is in accord with his steadfast love and mercy.2