Chapter 2—“And Beside This”

Preview

Have you ever wondered how Peter chose the eight Christian characteristics listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7? It's interesting to note the apostle Paul's influence (see Galatians 5:22, 23) in Peter's list: steadfastness, self-control, knowledge. Notice 2 Peter 3:14-16. There is a lesson here for us. Peter, who had once been openly critical of Paul, was now his friend and admirer.PCP 15.1

Second Peter is an autobiographical book. Peter's advice is appealing precisely because he had lived it himself. In this current selection, Ellen White develops each virtue in this famous ladder of Christian progress. You will see each characteristic applied practically.PCP 15.2

Perhaps nowhere else in the Bible do we have such a comprehensive summary of Christian education and child development. Ellen White is careful not to make Peter's counsel into a formula to be mastered by force of will. Instead, each virtue is dealt with as an aspect of personality development. Ellen White's comments represent a nutshell description of the process of character development or of the philosophy of Adventist child care and education.PCP 15.3