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Do Not Reject God’s Warning

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness,[a] for without it no one will see the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:14 sn The references to peace and holiness show the close connection between this paragraph and the previous one. The pathway toward “holiness” and the need for it is cited in Heb 12:10 and 14. More importantly Prov 4:26-27 sets up the transition from one paragraph to the next: It urges people to stay on godly paths (Prov 4:26, quoted here in v. 13) and promises that God will lead them in peace if they do so (Prov 4:27 [LXX], quoted in v. 14).

Exhortation to the Faithful

14 Therefore, dear friends, since you are waiting for[a] these things, strive to be found[b] at peace, without spot or blemish, when you come into his presence.[c]

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Peter 3:14 tn Grk “dear friends, waiting for.” See note in v. 13 on “waiting for.”
  2. 2 Peter 3:14 sn The Greek verb used in the phrase strive to be found is the same as is found in v. 10, translated “laid bare.” In typical Petrine fashion, a conceptual link is made by the same linkage of terms. The point of these two verses thus becomes clear: When the heavens disappear and the earth and its inhabitants are stripped bare before the throne of God, they should strive to make sure that their lives are pure and that they have nothing to hide.
  3. 2 Peter 3:14 tn “When you come into” is not in Greek. However, the dative pronoun αὐτῷ (autō) does not indicate agency (“by him”), but presence or sphere. The idea is “strive to be found {before him/in his presence}.”

Prayer for All People

First of all, then, I urge that requests,[a] prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,[b] even for kings[c] and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 2:1 tn Or “petitions.”
  2. 1 Timothy 2:1 tn Grk “all men,” but here ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) is used generically, referring to both men and women.
  3. 1 Timothy 2:2 tn For “even for kings” the Greek says simply “for kings.”