Meaning of Growing Into Salvation in 1 Peter 2
1 Peter 2:2 exhorts believers to "long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (NASB) [1]. This verse is part of a larger passage that encourages Christians to live a holy life, laying aside vices and desiring spiritual nourishment.
The literary context of 1 Peter 2:2 is a section where the apostle Peter is urging believers to spiritual growth and maturity. The preceding verse, 1 Peter 2:1, instructs them to "rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of all kinds" [1]. This call to purify their lives is followed by the exhortation to crave spiritual milk, indicating that the pursuit of holiness is closely tied to the consumption and internalization of God's word.
The phrase "grow in respect to salvation" (εἰς σωτηρίαν, eis sōtērian) has been interpreted in various ways. The word "salvation" here refers to the ongoing process of being saved, rather than a one-time event. According to John Calvin, salvation is closely tied to the resurrection of Christ, which is the foundation of the believer's hope [3]. In this context, growing into salvation means progressing in the Christian life, deepening one's faith and obedience.
The term "milk of the word" (λογικὸν γάλα, logikon gala) is a metaphor that highlights the nourishing quality of Scripture. The adjective "λογικὸν" (logikon) means "spiritual" or "rational," indicating that this milk is not physical but rather a spiritual sustenance [1, 2]. The image of milk is used to convey the idea that God's word is essential for the growth and development of believers, much like milk is necessary for the growth of newborn babies.
The historical setting of 1 Peter is generally understood to be the early Christian church, likely during the reign of Nero (54-68 AD). The letter is addressed to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, who were facing persecution and challenges to their faith [1]. In this context, Peter's exhortation to grow in salvation is a call to perseverance and maturity in the face of adversity.
Interpreters have varied in their understanding of what it means to "grow in respect to salvation." According to Matthew Henry, this growth is a result of feeding on the word of God, which is the means of obtaining spiritual nourishment and holiness [6]. John Gill notes that the growth referred to is a spiritual growth, which is facilitated by the use of spiritual gifts and the cultivation of internal grace [4]. Adam Clarke, commenting on a similar passage in 2 Peter 3:18, understands this growth to be an increase in the image and favor of God, as well as in the knowledge of Jesus Christ [5].
The concept of growing into salvation has been influential in Christian tradition. The idea that believers must continually grow and mature in their faith is reflected in various creeds and confessions. For example, the Westminster Confession emphasizes the importance of perseverance and growth in the Christian life.
Sources
- 1 Peter “1 Peter 2:2 (NASB) — like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,”
- I Peter “I Peter 2:2 (LEB) — like newborn infants long for the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 52: his death, but by his resurrection, that we are said to be begotten again to a living hope ( 1 Pet. 1:3 ); because, as 447 he, by rising again, became victorious over death, so the victory of our faith consists only in his resurrection. The nature of it is better expressed in the words of Paul, “Who (Christ) was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification,” ( Rom. 4:25 ); as if he had said, By his death sin was taken away, by his resurrection righteousness was renewed and restored. For how could he by dyi”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace,.... In the gifts of grace, which, under a divine blessing, may be increased by using them: gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase. And though men are to be thankful for their gifts, and be contented with them, yet they may lawfully desire more, and in the use of means seek an increase of them, which may be a means of preserving themselves, and others, from the error of the wicked. Moreover, by "grace" may be meant internal grace. The work of grace is gradual; it is like a grain of mustard seed, or like seed cas”
- 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace - Increase in the image and favor of God; every grace and Divine influence which ye have received is a seed, a heavenly seed, which, if it be watered with the dew of heaven from above, will endlessly increase and multiply itself. He who continues to believe, love, and obey, will grow in grace, and continually increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as his sacrifice, sanctifier, counsellor, preserver, and final Savior. The life of a Christian is a growth; he is at first born of God, and is a little child; becomes a young man, and a father in Chr”
- 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 2 (introduction): The general exhortation to holiness is continued, and enforced by several reasons taken from the foundation on which Christians are built, Jesus Christ, and from their spiritual blessings and privileges in him. The means of obtaining it, the word of God, is recommended, and all contrary qualities are condemned (Pe1 2:1-12). Particular directions are given how subjects ought to obey the magistrates, and servants their masters, patiently suffering in well doing, in imitation of Christ (Pe1 2:13 to the end).”