Applying (3923) (pareisphero from pará = alongside+ eisphéro = bring into) means literally to bear in alongside or besides (to bring to bear), and so to introduce simultaneously. To contribute besides to something. This verb implies making a strong effort to provide something necessary. Henry Alford (The NT for English Readers) writes pareisphero means "literally, introducing by the side of: i.e., besides those precious promises on God's part, bring in your part." Pareisphero was at times used of smuggling or of importing along byways. Although Jude uses a different verb (pareisduno) he describes the action of false teachers (Jude 1:4 - "certain persons have crept in unnoticed" = pareisduno from para = at the side of + eisduo = enter in). As discussed below this verb is used idiomatically here meaning we are to to do our very best in attempting to bring forth the Christian virtues listed. Strachan (Expositor's Greek Testament) says that the words “and besides this” emphasize the fact of the gifts spoken of in verse four as having their logical outcome in character, and quotes Bunyan as saying, “The soul of religion is the practical part.” (Ibid) Our Father has given each of as His very Own children (1John 3:1-note) everything we need in order to live a supernatural, abundant life, life on "the highest plane" (2Peter 1:3-note). In light of our Father's magnanimous, gracious generosity, we must daily set our mind and will to seek to be diligent to "cultivate the soil" of our soul so as to optimize the growth of the fruit now possible because of our new life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God does not make us holy against our will or without our involvement. There must be desire, determination, and discipline on our part. Peter is calling for maximum effort on our part. The Christian life is not lived to the honor of God without effort. Even though God has poured His divine power into the believer via His indwelling Spirit, the Christian is required to make every disciplined effort alongside of what God has done. The picture of word "applying" (bring in alongside) is paralleled in Paul's exhortation to the church at Philippi to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Applying all diligence) for it is God Who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (God's provision of His Spirit) (Phil 2:12-note; Phil 2:12-note). Jamieson writes that applying means... literally, “introducing” side by side with God’s gift, on your part “diligence.” Vincent says that pareisphero means literally, to bring in by the side of -- adding your diligence to the divine promises. (Ed: And I would add apart from God's divine promises and enablement, our diligence would be impossible!) The aorist tense of pareisphero calls for effective action on the reader's part. The concern is not with the process of procuring this needed diligence but with the actual operation of diligence by the believer. John MacArthur explains applying this way... In view of and parallel to God’s endeavor in providing salvation, believers are compelled to call on all their regenerate faculties to live godly lives (2Pe 3:14-note, Ro 6:22-note, Eph 5:7, 8-note, Eph 5:9-note, Heb 6:10-note, Heb 6:11, 12-note, Gal 6:9) (MacArthur, J: 2 Peter And Jude. Moody or Logos) Spurgeon rightly said... God sends every bird his food (Ed: God's part), but He doesn't throw it into the nest (Ed: Our part). God has provided everything the believer will ever need for life and godliness (2Pe 1:3) as well as His precious and magnificent promises (2Pe 1:4), and now based on this firm foundation of truth, Peter is charging the believers to exercise effort (Spirit enabled, grace driven) in order to truly experience His gracious provisions for in Christ-likeness (observe that all 7 qualities in the 2Peter 1:5-7 are perfectly depicted in the life of Christ).. Bill Crowder writes that... It is the Spirit that matures us into the image of Christ so that we can give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal 3:1-3). We are called to be submissive to His control in our lives. That is our responsibility. But the Holy Spirit is the One who produces the image and likeness of Christ in us. (The Promise Of The Spirit) Henrietta Mears speaks of applying all diligence It is difficult to steer a parked car, so get moving. (Ed: Albeit as explained elsewhere in these notes, that "car" cannot really move without power, and the power is supplied in the believer's life by the Holy Spirit. In short "we work it out" as "He works it in us".) Paul Apple writes that in chapter 1 we see the juxtaposition of the.. Sovereignty of God and human responsibility. We are not called to "Let Go and Let God do everything", but to "Trust God and get going". We are called to exercise faith and apply all diligence to live like God wants us to; not to work hard in order to be saved; but to work hard because we have been saved. Be quick to add these qualities into your life -- idea of eagerness, haste; don’t procrastinate; earnestness; zeal; use of word in 2 Peter 1:10; 15; 3:14 -- important tone Have to keep applying this same diligence throughout your whole life; you never advance beyond this to some resting point where you don’t need to practice self-denial and discipline and effort - Think of the context of 2 Peter -- What’s the danger if we don’t apply all diligence and add the qualities of Christlikeness to the foundation of our faith? The pressure of persecution and suffering will cause us to quit the Christian race. The attractiveness of false teaching will tickle our ears and promise us an easier life. Those that mock the 2nd coming of Christ will cause us to doubt the reality of God’s promises to us -- which are precious and magnificent. We will sink back into the corruption that is connected with the lusts of the flesh. (2Peter) ALL DILIGENCE: spouden pasan: (2Pe 1:10, 3:14,18 Ps 119:4 Pr 4:23 Isa 55:2 Zec 6:15, Jn 6:27 Php 2:12 Heb 6:11, 11:6, 12:15 ) All diligence - Literally "diligence all." In the original Greek spoude is placed first for emphasis, in context to emphasize the attitude Peter is calling believers to exhibit in order to experience spiritual growth. Barclay paraphrases it "bend all your energy to the task." Phillips says "you must do your utmost from your side." Wuest renders it "having added every intense effort." In his comments on 1Peter 2:2, Hiebert helps us understand one of the best ways to apply "all diligence" writing that... "Grow up" (in 1Pe 2:2) is aorist passive and may be translated "be made to grow." It is an activity that is wrought within us by the nourishment supplied. The aorist tense simply pictures that growth as the essential feature of the Christian life. Spiritual growth is not a direct act of human volition. The Christians responsibility is to diligently appropriate the Word that produces the growth. The verb continues the picture of the readers as "newborn babies." Best remarks, "While the Christian is newborn he is also always in process of growth; it is not his status which requires emphasis but his progress." Hence, "may grow up." Senior notes, "1 Peter conceives of Christian life not as an instant and easily attained experience but as a life-long process of growth toward the full beauty of our [redeemed] humanity." (1 Peter Commentary) Mark Dever writes that... If we are to grow as individual believers and as churches, we must sit under the Word. We must pray for the Holy Spirit to plant and to weed the gardens of our hearts. This spiritual growth is not optional; it is vital, because spiritual growth indicates life. Things that are truly alive, grow. (Nine Marks of a Healthy Church) Spurgeon exhorts us to all diligence... For we cannot expect to go to heaven asleep. We are not taken there against our wills. It is not our will that accomplishes our salvation; but still, it is not accomplished without our will. “Giving diligence,”yes, but more than that, “giving all diligence,” --- It is not man’s effort that saves him; but, on the other hand, grace saves no man to make him like a log of wood or a block of stone; grace makes man active. God has been diligently at work with you; now you must diligently work together with Him.