Virtue (goodness) refers to moral excellence.1 In the Greek world this term indicated a person who was highly respected, demonstrating excellence of character in their generosity toward others, surpassing the normal restraints of what duty demands.2 The person marked by virtue was engaged socially, and thus Peter is encouraging believers to be active in doing good works that would be worthy of praise.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,