Theology: Paul and Peter taught the same theology, as did John, Jude, James, etc. The first believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching—plural apostles, but singular teaching. Although these men were not infallible in themselves (Gal. 2:11-14), the Holy Spirit carried them along to pass on a unified theology through their teaching and their writings. Because the Spirit was their ultimate guide, Peter does not contradict Paul, nor does Paul contradict Peter. They all echo the same call to repentance away from sin and devotion to the Lord. Many authors are the veins by which the blood of revelation flows from the one heart of the Spirit.[1]
Spiritual Growth: Sound doctrine of Scripture is not without its enemies (2 Cor. 11:2-4; Acts 20:27-28). Peter calls us, therefore, to be on guard against false ideas that can lead us astray. This is the Holy Spirit’s concern, therefore, the biblical authors resound the call for watchfulness[2] against false teachers who wander[3] from the truth. Influencers like these erode our stability in the faith. How can we be guarded? Peter has a simple answer: grow. Even as a moving bike doesn’t fall, so those who are growing are not easily led astray. We keep pedaling and we keep our momentum going. Peter defines our spiritual growth in terms of the grace and knowledge of Christ. We drink from the well of the Savior’s grace, and we honor[4] Him as Lord more meaningfully with each passing day.[5] It is as we grow that we remain steadfast in the faith.
[1] Cf. 1 Cor. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:10-11; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 1 John 4:2-6.
[2] Cf. Matt. 7:15-20; 16:6, 12; Acts 20:27-28; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:6; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim 4:1-4.
[3] Peter describes this sort of influence as “error [pla-nē (πλάνη)]” which means “wandering.”
[4] “Knowledge” in 3:18 is gnō-sis (γνῶσις), which means experiential, personal, and relational knowledge.
[5] The Lord keeps His people thru means, not apart from them: 1 Pet. 1:5; 2 Pet. 1:8-10; Heb. 3:13; Jude 20-24.