2 Peter
Christ Jesus came into the world to be its Savior and to choose a people to call his own. One day he will return to welcome his people into a glorious kingdom that will last forever. Read 2 Peter to see how Christians are to live in the meantime.
Start readingWhat makes 2 Peter special?
Second Peter is written in the form of a letter with a general greeting (1.1,2), but it is actually intended to be the farewell message, or last testament, of the apostle Peter. The writer offers some last words of advice and warning to Christians, because he will soon leave his earthly body behind (1.14). In this way, 2 Peter is similar to some other farewell speeches found in the Bible (Mark 13; John 13–17; Acts 20.17-35; Josh 23,24).
Though the letter is written as advice and warning for the future (1.12-15; 3.1,2), its message also refers to ongoing problems affecting the faith of Christians (2.10-22; 3.8,9). Parts of 2 Peter also appear to be very closely related to the letter of Jude. These facts, and others listed under the heading “What's the story behind the scene,” have caused a certain amount of uncertainty about who wrote 2 Peter and when it was written.
Why was 2 Peter written?
The writer warns Christians about false teachers and prophets who are trying to lead the Lord's followers away from the truth. When false teachers are at work, he says, Christians must stick to their faith and show others how to live right by living right themselves. The writer wants his readers to live in a way that pleases God (1.3) and to hold firmly to the truth they were given (1.12). He tells his readers that they must never forget that the Lord's return is certain, even though it has not happened as quickly as some expected (3.4). In the meantime, they are to wait with patience and obey God by living pure and spotless lives (3.14).
What's the story behind the scene?
This letter claims the apostle Peter as its author (1.1,2). Peter was present on the mountain when Jesus' true glory was revealed (called the transfiguration; see 1.17,18; Mark 9.2-8; Matt 17.1-9). Most scholars believe that this letter was written by a follower of Peter sometime after he died, as a way of honoring Peter and as a way of defending the teachings of the early apostles against new opponents. Consider the following clues:
How is 2 Peter constructed?
The letter begins with a brief greeting to a general Christian audience (1.1,2). It does not end with a final set of greetings but rather with a blessing (3.18). The letter can therefore be outlined as follows:
Chapters
3 chapters