Although New Testament scholars generally acknowledge that "knowing" and "knowledge"
play and important role in 2 Peter, little research has to date been done about the motif of
knowing in 2 Peter. The aim of this study was to determine what the nature of the motif of
knowing in 2 Peter is and what place it takes in his theology.
The method that is used is exegetical, and this is done in accordance with the grammatico-historical
model within the reformational tradition. The emphasis is especially on the special
canonics (Introduction) of the epistle, the analysis of the thought structure, and the definition of the meanings for which words are used. In the analysis of the thought structure the method
developed by Coetzee (1988:19-37) is followed to a large extent. The definition of meanings
is done mainly in accordance with the method of componential analysis as proposed by Louw and Nida (1972:84-87; 1988i:vi-xx).
The motif of knowing occurs in 2 Peter as a clearly repeated and meaningful semantic unit.
Although this is not always done in the same way, the motif has a central place in practically
every thought unit in the epistle.
In the introduction of the letter (1:1-2) the motif of knowing is found in the truths of faith
which the readers have accepted, as well as deep knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
In 1:3-11 Peter proposes a summary of his doctrine to his readers, encouraging them to apply these truths with insight and understanding. The ability to understand especially
consists in comprehending the implications of a covenantal relationship with God.
In the purpose of the letter (1:12-15; 3:1-2) the motif of knowing has a central place. Peter
writes the epistle so that his readers will be able, after his death, to evoke from memory
the knowledge (of his doctrine) of which they already dispose.
The doctrine consists of information made known to them by the apostles
about the powerful coming of Christ. The information is based in God's revelation in the
glorification of Christ and in the Old Testament prophecies (1:16-21).
In 2:1- 3:13, where Peter deals with the false teachers and the mockers, the motif of knowing
still plays an important role. In chapter 2 he warns that false teachers will come who, as a
result of a lack of insight will propagate
licentiousness. He offers the consolation, however, that the Lord remembers to judge
false teachers and to save. the believers. He also warns them against, in spite of their
knowledge of Christ, returning to their old convictions. When the
false preachers mockingly question both God's involvement in history and his judgment, the
readers should not forget the know ledge which they have received about
God's judgment and his time schedule. They should maintain the right perspective on God's
grace and in joy wait upon his advent.
Through this epistle the apostle equips his readers with the necessary knowledge to keep them strong against the inevitable onslaughts of the false teachers. / Proefskrif (ThD)--PU vir CHO, 1994
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/9415 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Breed, Douw Gerbrand |
| Publisher | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | other |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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