Knowledge

I am not a Greek scholar but I do know that there are three different Greek words for knowledge. The first is "oida" which is cognitive head knowledge which we might translate as "to see". The second is "gnosko" which is experienced knowledge or the act of believing. The third is "epignosko" which means full knowledge both experienced and believed.
Peter begins by using the word "epignosko" when he says, "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." 2 Peter 1:2 It is the same word that Paul uses in Romans 1:28 when he says "since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God".
Peter uses the word "gnosko" at the end of his letter, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!" 2 Peter 3:18. This is the same word that Paul uses in Romans 10:2, "For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge."
Peter reminds his readers that they have this full knowledge that is both revealed and experienced and at the end of his letter he tells them that they must continue to grow in that knowledge.
Tomorrow I want to write about those things that we are to know, the epignosko of the Christian faith.