Bible Overview: 2 Peter

Author: Peter

2 Peter 1:1 BSB

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

Original text probably says “Simeon”, same as in Acts 15:14, the Jewish form of Simon’s name.

There is some question concerning authorship because of the overlap with Jude. But it’s possible (likely) that Jude borrowed from Peter or that they used another common source.

The difference in style between 1 & 2 Peter may be because in one he had someone help him write, and the other he wrote himself. There may have been a few years between the letters also, and that may make a difference too; also the particular subjects and purposes are different, which is to be expected.

Recipients: Same as 1 Peter?

Not specifically stated; likely the same ones as his first letter, assuming the first letter he references/implies in 3:1 is 1 Peter (it may not be)

2 Peter 3:1 BSB

1 Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking

If they are the same recipients, then it’s written to the scattered Gentile Christians throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)

1 Peter 1:1 (BSB)

1 … exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…

Date: A.D. 67

Shortly before Peter’s death, which was around A.D. 67 under emperor Nero.

2 Peter 1:13–14 BSB

I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

Purpose: To combat false teaching and ungodly living.

Themes & Key Verses

God’s Word

Its trustworthiness: 1:16-21

2 Peter 1:16–21 BSB

For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s writings: 3:15-16

2 Peter 3:15–16 BSB

Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Godliness

1:3, 5-8; 3:11, 14, 18

2 Peter 1:3 BSB

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

2 Peter 1:5–8 BSB

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:11 BSB

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness

2 Peter 3:14 BSB

Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.

2 Peter 3:18 BSB

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Beware False Teachers

Their false teaching (2:1; 3:4)

Denying the atoning death of Jesus Christ - “Jesus didn’t really die on the cross” or something like that. By denying that He died for sins, it allows them to live in sin and say it’s not that bad.

2 Peter 2:1 BSB

Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Denying the reality of His return - “Jesus isn’t really coming back” or something like that. By denying His return, they’re saying there is no final judgment or accounting for our actions.

2 Peter 3:4 BSB

“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”

Their ungodly lives (2:12-14; 3:3)

Ungodly living accompanies false teaching.

2 Peter 2:12–14 BSB

These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you. Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed.

2 Peter 3:3 BSB

Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

The Coming Judgment

2:9; 3:5-10

God will rescue the righteous and punish the wicked

2 Peter 2:9 BSB

if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

The flood as a picture of the coming judgment

2 Peter 3:5–7 BSB

But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

God is not slow. He has not forgotten His promise. His patience is giving people time to repent. But His judgment will certainly come when He is ready.

2 Peter 3:8–10 BSB

Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

Application

We must trust the true message of God’s Word and live a life consistent with His truth, anticipating the coming judgment of God’s enemies. If we do this, we will be able to recognize and reject false teaching and teachers.