2 Peter Introduction
Introduction
That this is a letter written to a general audience of churches is clear from the lack of anything specific or personal in the opening and closing verses. The Second Epistle General of Peter is addressed to “them that have obtained like precious faith with us” (1.1). This declaration is intended to affirm that all Christians, no matter who or where they are, have the same faith as the original apostles, for whom Peter was the spokesperson. The main purpose of the letter is to warn and work against false teachings in the churches and against the lax morals and ethics that have resulted from these teachings. The writer is particularly concerned about false teachers who deny or ridicule the expectation of Christ's return. To combat their deceptions, all of chapter 3 is devoted to setting forth the right teaching about the return. Skillfully quoting Psalm 90.4, that “a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday” to show that God is beyond timetables (3.8), the author then alludes to Jesus' own warning that the day of the Lord will come, not according to anyone's calculations, but as a complete surprise, like a thief in the night (Luke 12.39,40). He then adds the intriguing perspective that the Lord is not really being slow about the return, but instead is being patient and allowing time for people to turn away from sin (3.9).
Second Peter offers a few clues that suggest it was authored by someone writing in Peter's name twenty or more years after the apostle's death. Most interestingly, the letter speaks of Paul's epistles as though they were Scripture on the same level as the Hebrew Bible (3.15,16), a status they would not have likely achieved during that apostle's lifetime.
Outline
Introduction (1.1,2)
The Calling Christians Have to the Faithful Life (1.3-15)
The True Prophetic Message and the False Prophets (1.16-21)
False Teachers and Their Deceitful Ways (2.1-22)
The Promise of the Lord's Return (3.1-18)
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King James Version 1611, spelling, punctuation and text formatting modernized by ABS in 1962; typesetting © 2010 American Bible Society.
2 Peter Introduction
Introduction
2 Peter
Around AD 65 the apostle Peter was imprisoned by the emperor Nero in Rome. He realized that he would soon be executed. Since he was an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus, he decided to write another letter to the believers heʼd written to before, assuring them that what theyʼd been taught about Jesus was true and accurate. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, he wrote, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
It was particularly important for Peter to write to these believers again because some people had been telling them that since Jesus hadnʼt returned already, his return couldnʼt be expected at all. (Where is this “coming” he promised?) Because they didnʼt expect any future judgment, these false teachers lived immoral lives. Their teaching was undermining the faith and confidence of many believers. Their conduct was giving the assembly of Jesus-followers a bad reputation and encouraging others to excuse immorality themselves. (Peter likely learned about the threat of these teachers from a letter sent by Jude, another of Jesusʼ brothers, to warn believers against them. Peterʼs letter echoes Judeʼs in many places. See pp. 1815–1816.)
In his letter, Peter first challenges his readers to godly living, and then answers the false teachersʼ skepticism by stressing that he, along with James and John, personally saw the glory and majesty of Jesus when we were with him on the sacred mountain (see p. 1783). All will see this same glory when Jesus returns. Peter reminds his readers that the prophetic message in the Scriptures testifies to Jesusʼ return as well. (For the early Christian communities “the Scriptures” would refer to the First Testament.)
Peter then observes that false teachers have slipped in among the people of God throughout their history, so his readers shouldnʼt be surprised that this is also happening in their own day. In powerful imagery, he describes the false teachersʼ destructive effect on the community and the judgment that awaits them.
In the final section of his letter, Peter addresses the false teachersʼ denial of Jesusʼ return head-on. He explains that the Messiah is indeed coming back, but his return has been delayed, because God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. The proper response to this delay is to live holy and godly lives so as to be in a position to welcome the Lord gladly when he does return. We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Since this is our hope, Peter concludes, we should make every effort to be found spotless and to remain at peace with God.
2 Peter
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