Verse 1.— Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle. In the former Epistle the writer names himself Peter. The Master said to him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona," and subsequently said to him: "Thou art Peter" (Matt. xvi, 17, 18). Peter here uses both names, and calls himself both a servant and an apostle. To them that have obtained like precious faith. Here we are informed to whom the letter was written. To the saints; to the brethren in the Lord. "Like precious faith" is a very significant expression. Faith of God's elect — the faith entertained, embraced, loved and lived by every true child of God. Faith in-God's Son, and living as he directs and hoping for the reward of eternal life, which he has promised, is the precious faith.