Add to faith virtue and to virtue knowledge

Lord, give us eyes that see and ears that hear....

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (KJV)

As was noted, in 2peter 1:5,6 we are shown a progression from faith to brotherly kindness and love. It shows 8 steps from faith to love. The 3rd one, is about knowledge.

Greek1097, knowing( the act) that is (by implication) knowledge: knowledge, Science

Knowledge about what or whom? Is a correct understanding of brotherly kindness and love ( the last two) possible if you misunderstand previous things that were supposed to be added?

The context and set up for verses 5&6 are seen in the earlier verses. Knowledge comes up in verses 2&3…1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 2 Peter 1:1-3 (KJV)

Both applications of this knowledge are tied to knowing God. The fear of God, we are instructed elsewhere, is the beginning of knowledge.

Note that bracketed in between them is the phrase…. as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness… in verse 3 and that we gain them… through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory.

This knowledge of him is part of the path to implement brotherly kindness and love. (verse5&6)
Where will we find this knowledge of him? 1peter1:3 says through the knowledge of God and

Jesus our Lord, hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. This is the answer to Francis Schaeffer’s question, “how shall we then live?” Would those things from God that pertain to life and Godliness be more precious than gold or silver?

God said he has given it to us. Should we not, use these “all things that pertain to life” to ”disciple the nations” If not, what will we use in place of the law system that God said…. 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Deut 4:8 (KJV)

The goal in 2peter 5&6 is to function in love. 17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. 18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD…Deut 6:17-18 (KJV)

By the very description of doing what is right and good in the sight of God... will that not include the pinnacle of loving others!