Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Peter 1:6

"and in [your] knowledge self-control; and in [your] self-control patience; and in [your] patience godliness;" — 2 Peter 1:6 (ASV)

The next virtue in Peter’s chain is “self-control” (GK 1602). The concept of self-control played a great role in the philosophical ethics of classical Greece and Hellenism. But in NT ethical discussions it is not generally used, perhaps because the normal biblical emphasis is on God at work in us by the Spirit rather than on human self-mastery. Self-control is the exact opposite of the excesses (2:3, 14) of the false teachers and the sexual abuses in the pagan world. The NT concept of self-control is instructive. Paul uses the verb “to control oneself” of the unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:9; cf. Acts 24:25) and of his own self-discipline for the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:25). In the only other use of the noun besides 2 Peter 1:6, Paul lists it as one facet of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). So while the biblical ethic does include “self-control,” it sees it as the manifestation of the Spirit’s work in believers, resulting in the human activity Paul speaks of in Ro 8:13. Following self-control is “perseverance” or “patience” (GK 5705). This virtue views time with God’s eyes (3:8) while waiting for Christ’s return and for the punishment of sin. Perseverance is the ability to continue in the faith and resist the pressures of the world system (cf. Lk 8:15; Romans 5:3; Hebrews 12:2). “Godliness” (GK 2354) is piety or devotion to the person of God.