Introduction to the second letter of Peter
The 61st book of the Bible, the 22nd in the New Testament
Peter wrote his second and final letter shortly before his “death” as a farewell letter; some also refer to it as Peter’s testament.
It is significant that the apostle does not speak of death or dying, but rather of “going home” and “laying aside the tent or the body.”
Depending on the timing of this event, this letter was written between the years 64 and 67 A.D.
No recipient is named; for this reason, and because it was written not long after his first letter, it is assumed that it is addressed to the same churches in Asia Minor as the First Epistle of Peter, and like that letter, it concerns all of Christendom.
In terms of content, the Second Epistle of Peter does not convey any new teachings.
It serves to warn and admonish the churches, thereby supplementing Paul’s epistles and confirming their authority.
False teachers had arisen who denied the return of Christ, the coming judgment, and the fulfillment of the prophesied events of the Bible.
Peter sharply refutes these false teachings. He points out that the apostles themselves were eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus and emphasizes the infallibility of biblical prophecy, which came about through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
He also reminds us that God’s concept of time is entirely different from that of humans: “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (Psalm 90:4).
What people perceive as a delay—and which causes them to doubt—is merely a sign of God’s goodness and patience toward humanity.
In this way, He gives even more people the opportunity to accept salvation in Jesus and the time to change their present lives.
In the second chapter of the letter, the apostle refutes these false teachers using many examples.
He shows how these people can be recognized not only by their false teachings but also by their own conduct.
The conclusion of the letter is devoted to the events of the last days, up to the passing away and the new creation of the universe, and exhorts us to await these things patiently and in a holy lifestyle.
Outline of the Second Epistle of Peter:
Chapter 1 – Spiritual Growth in Knowledge and Holding Fast to the Truth of the Faith
Chapter 2 – Against Heresies – The Rise of False Teachers, Their Arrogance, Their Lifestyle, and Their End
Chapter 3 – The Heresy of Denying Jesus’ Second Coming, the Certainty of It, and the Consequences for the Whole World and Our Personal Lives
Content of the second letter of Peter:
2. Peter chapter 1
The Apostle’s reference to his imminent death
A reference to the reliability of the apostolic preaching and the prophetic word
2. Peter chapter 2
2. Peter chapter 3