Greeting
1 From Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to the ones who happened upon a faith as precious as ours, in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Abundant favor and peace to you all, in recognition of our God and Master Jesus!
Living consistently with our calling
3 It is through that recognition of the One who calls us that he freely grants from his divine power for us to live devoutly. 4 Through his own honor and valor he has freely given us great and priceless promises, to make it possible for you to be in a close bond with the divine nature. You ran away from the lust-driven corruption in the world, 5 but don’t stop there. Put every bit of effort into this: To faith, add valor; to valor, add knowledge; 6 to knowledge, add self-control; to self-control, add endurance; to endurance, add dedication; 7 to dedication, add fondness for others; to fondness for others, add love.
8 Continuing to pursue these things in recognition of our Master Jesus Christ makes you neither lazy nor unfruitful. 9 For those who do not possess these qualities are closing their eyes, being oblivious to their having been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So then, brothers and sisters, get busy! Confirm your choice and calling, for by doing so you will never be tripped up. 11 This is how entrance into the ageless kingdom of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.
Reminders of fulfilled prophecy
12 So I will always keep reminding you of these things, even though you are already aware of them since you have stood firm in the present truth. 13 Yet at the same time, I consider it worthwhile that as long as I am in this “tent” I’ll be waking you up as a reminder. 14 I am aware that my time to discard this “tent” approaches quickly, as our Master Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 Yet I will make every effort to see to it that you remember these things after I leave.
16 When we told you about our Master Jesus Christ, we did not follow clever myths but saw his power and presence with our own eyes. 17 God the Father gave him value and honor when he said in his majestic, magnificent voice, “This is my Son, whom I love, and in whom I delight.” 18 We heard this sound from heaven when we were with him on the mountain. 19 And you do well to pay attention to the confirmed prophetic word, which is like a lamp shining in a dingy place until the day breaks and the light-bringer rises in your hearts.
False teachers and fallen angels
20 Know this first of all: Not a single scripture gets its interpretation from the prophet, 21 for no prophecy was ever carried on due to human will; instead, speaking to people from God was carried on by the Holy Spirit.