2 Peter 1:1 — Another Trinitarian Misunderstanding?
Quick Facts
Many Christians are taught that 2 Peter 1:1 identifies Jesus as "our God and Saviour."
However, when the passage is examined alongside Peter's own language, the Greek text, and the consistent teaching of the rest of Scripture, another explanation deserves careful consideration.
This article examines whether Peter is actually referring to two distinct persons:
- God the Father — "the God of us", and
- Jesus Christ — our Lord and Saviour.
Full Article
One of the most frequently quoted verses in support of the Trinity is 2 Peter 1:1.
Many modern Bible translations read:
"...through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ."
Because of this wording, many readers conclude that Peter is directly calling Jesus "our God."
But is that really what Peter intended?
To answer that question, we must examine not only this verse but also Peter's own writing and the consistent testimony of Scripture.
Peter's Own Context
Only one verse later Peter writes:
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
— 2 Peter 1:2
Notice that Peter clearly distinguishes between:
- God
- Jesus our Lord
They are presented as two distinct persons.
The Expression "The God of Us"
The Greek text also contains the expression often translated:
"the God of us."
Throughout the New Testament this expression consistently refers to God the Father, not to Jesus.
Peter himself continues using this distinction throughout his letter.
The Consistent Teaching of Scripture
This understanding agrees with numerous passages throughout the Bible.
Malachi declares:
"Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?"
— Malachi 2:10
Paul likewise writes:
"Since God is one..."
— Romans 3:30
Most importantly, Paul explains exactly who the one God is:
"Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist."
— 1 Corinthians 8:6
Notice Paul's careful distinction.
He identifies:
- One God — the Father
- One Lord — Jesus Christ
The Father is identified as the one God, while Jesus is identified as the one Lord.
Similar Expressions Elsewhere
This pattern appears repeatedly throughout the New Testament.
For example:
"To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour."
— Titus 1:4
Likewise:
"...the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ."
— Titus 2:13
These passages have long been discussed because they involve questions of Greek grammar and translation. Whatever conclusion one reaches, they should be interpreted in harmony with the broader teaching of Scripture rather than in isolation.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently teaches that:
- God the Father is the one God.
- Jesus Christ is God's Messiah, Lord, and Saviour.
This article therefore examines whether 2 Peter 1:1 should be understood as distinguishing God the Father ("the God of us") from Jesus Christ, rather than identifying Jesus as the one God.
As always, I encourage every reader to compare the oldest available manuscripts, study the Greek text carefully, and test every conclusion against the whole counsel of Scripture.
"Test all things; hold fast what is good."— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
