In classical Greek this word covered any form of excellence -- physical prowess, intellectual brilliance, moral character. The New Testament uses it in two related but distinct directions. Paul includes it in his famous catalog of praiseworthy qualities: 'whatever is true, noble, right... if anything is excellent (arete)' (Phil 4:8). Peter applies it both to God's 'mighty deeds' or 'excellencies' that believers are called to proclaim (1 Pet 2:9) and to moral virtue that believers must cultivate alongside faith (2 Pet 1:3, 5). The dual emphasis -- God's glorious acts and human moral striving -- gives this word a rich theological texture.