And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Ver. 5. And besides this] q.d. As God hath given you all things pertaining to life and godliness, and hath granted you exceeding great and precious promises, so must you reciprocate, by giving all diligence, or making all haste, that ye be not taken with your task undone. Acti agamus.
Add to your faith] Faith is the foundation of the following graces; indeed they are all in faith radically. Every grace is but faith exercised. To faith must be added virtue, i.e. holy conversation; lest we be counted and called Solifidians. It was the counsel of Francis Spira to those about him, Learn all of me, to take heed of severing faith and obedience. I taught justification by faith, but neglected obedience; therefore is this befallen me.
And to virtue, knowledge] For the regulating of our obedience, that we go not blindling to work, that we may perform a reasonable or intelligible service. "For without knowledge the mind is not good; and he that (not understanding his way) hasteth with his feet, sinneth," Proverbs 19:2; the faster he runs, the further he is out. The Samaritans' service was rejected, because they worshipped they knew not what. The Romans were full of goodness, because full of knowledge, Romans 15:14 .
Add] Gr. επεχορηγησατε, Link them hand in hand, as virgins in a dance. Or, provide yourselves of this rich furniture; one grace strengtheneth another, as stones do in an arch.