1. 2 Peter 1:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the love that Peter is referring to?

2 Peter 1:7 (ESV)

7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

The final virtue is love—one that, together with faith and hope, is commonly seen elsewhere in the New Testament (Romans 5:1–5; Galatians 5:5–6; Colossians 1:4–5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 10:22–24; 1 Peter 1:21–22). Since Peter has just focused on love toward other believers, it is likely that he now has conduct toward outsiders in view. Christian believers are encouraged to show love through their actions, to put the welfare of others first (Ephesians 4:16; Hebrews 6:10), looking for opportunities to benefit those around them (1 Thessalonians 4:10).