Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Peter 1:10

"Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:" — 2 Peter 1:10 (ASV)

Therefore, all the more.—The exhortation is resumed with even greater earnestness for the reasons just stated in 2 Peter 1:8–9. The direct address, “brethren,” signifies this increased earnestness and also assures those addressed that they are not included among the mere nominal Christians described in the preceding verse.

Give diligence.—Recalling bringing all diligence in 2 Peter 1:5.

Calling and election.—This refers to being called and chosen by God into the kingdom of heaven. “Calling” and “election” are two aspects of the same divine act: “calling” pertains to God’s invitation, while “election” pertains to the distinction this invitation establishes between those who are called and those who are not. “Election” is one of St. Paul’s characteristic terms.

One of the best manuscripts and several versions insert the phrase by means of your works, which conveys the correct sense, although these words lack strong textual authority. It is by following the injunctions given (2 Peter 1:5–7) that our election is made secure. God calls us to salvation (2 Peter 1:3) and selects us from the nations; it is for each one of us to respond to the call and thus ratify His choice.

If you do these things.—This shows that making our election sure is not a single act, but multifaceted, namely, furnishing the graces commended (2 Peter 1:5–7).

Never fall.—The same word is translated offend (James 2:10; James 3:2) and stumble (Romans 11:11). It means to strike one’s foot and stumble. The person who has acquired these graces finds their path cleared of many stumbling blocks, and their vision sharpened to see and avoid the rest.