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Document Details :

Title: 'Divine Nature' in 2 Pet 1,4 within its Eschatological Context
Author(s): HAFEMANN, Scott
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 94    Issue: 1   Date: 2013   
Pages: 80-99
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.94.1.3186139

Abstract :
This article offers a new reading of what it means in 2 Pet 1,4 to participate in the 'divine nature'. The divine φύσις ('nature') in 2 Pet 1,4 refers not to an abstract, divine 'essence' or 'being', but to God’s dynamic 'character expressed in action' in accordance with his promises. Being a fellow participant (κοινωνύς) of this 'nature' thus refers to taking part in the eschatological realization of the 'new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells' (cf. τὰ ἐπαγγέλματα in 2 Pet 1,4 with ἐτάγγελμα in 2 Pet 3,13).


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