"OVERVIEW OF 2 PETER"
Notes
Transcript
Talk thru the Bible (Second Peter)
While Peter’s audience is the same in his second letter (3:1), his theme and purpose are different. Persecution from unbelievers can be hard for Christians to bear (First Peter); but defection within the community of believers can be even more devastating (Second Peter). To counteract the effects of this “poison in the pews,” Peter reminds his readers of the timeless truths of the faith, and exhorts them to continue growing toward Christian maturity. Those who scoff at the thought of future judgment will find, like Sodom and Gomorrah, that ignoring God’s Word will ultimately lead to destruction every time! The warning for believers is clear: “Do not forget.…be diligent.…beware!” (3:8, 14, 17).
Author – Peter
Talk thru the Bible (Author)
No other book in the New Testament poses as many problems of authenticity as does Second Peter. Unlike First Peter, this letter has very weak external testimony, and its genuineness is hurt by internal difficulties as well. Because of these obstacles, many scholars reject the Petrine authorship of this epistle, but this does not mean that there is no case for the opposite position.
External Evidence: The external testimony for the Petrine authorship of Second Peter is weaker than that for any other New Testament book, but by the fourth century it became generally recognized as an authentic work of the apostle Peter. There are no undisputed second-century quotations from Second Peter, but in the third century it is quoted in the writings of several church fathers, notably Origen and Clement of Alexandria. Third-century writers were generally aware of Second Peter and respected its contents, but it was still cataloged as a disputed book. The fourth century saw the official acknowledgment of the authority of Second Peter in spite of some lingering doubts.
For several reasons Second Peter was not quickly accepted as a canonical book:
(1) Slow circulation kept it from being widely known.
(2) Its brevity and contents greatly limited the number of quotations from it in the writings of early church leaders.
(3) The delay in recognition meant that Second Peter had to compete with several later works which falsely claimed to be Petrine (e.g., the Apocalypse of Peter).
(4) Stylistic differences between First and Second Peter also raised doubts.
Internal Evidence:
On the positive side, Second Peter bears abundant testimony to it apostolic origin. It claims to be by “Simon Peter” (1:1), and chapter 3, verse 1, says “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle.” The writer refers to the Lord’s prediction about the apostle’s death (1:14; cf. John 21:18–19) and says he was an eyewitness of the Transfiguration (1:16–18). As an apostle (1:1), he places himself on an equal level with Paul (3:15). There are also distinctive words that are found in Second Peter’s sermons in Acts, as well as unusual words and phrases shared by First and Second Peter.
On the negative side, a number of troublesome areas challenge the traditional position:
(1) There are differences between the style and vocabulary of First and Second Peter. The Greek of Second Peter is rough and awkward compared to that of First Peter, and there are also differences in informality and in the use of the Old Testament. But these differences are often exaggerated, and they can be explained by Peter’s use of Silvanus as his secretary for First Peter and his own hand for Second Peter.
(2) It is argued that Second Peter used a passage from Jude to describe false teachers, and that Jude was written after Peter’s death. However, this is a debated issue, and it is possible that Jude quoted from Peter or that both used a common source (see “Author” in Jude).
(3) The reference to a collection of Paul’s letters (3:15–16) implies a late date for this epistle. But it is not necessary to conclude that all of Paul’s letters were in mind here. Peter’s contact with Paul and his associates no doubt made him familiar with several Pauline Epistles.
(4) Some scholars claim that the false teaching mentioned in Second Peter was a form of Gnosticism that emerged after Peter’s day, but there is insufficient evidence to support this stand.
The alternative to Petrine authorship is a later forgery done in the name of Peter. Even the claim that Second Peter was written by a disciple of Peter cannot overcome the problem of misrepresentation. In addition Second Peter is clearly superior to any pseudonymous writings. In spite of the external and internal problems, the traditional position of Petrine authorship overcomes more difficulties than any other option.
Date – 64 - AD
Talk thru the Bible (Date and Setting)
This epistle was written just before the apostle’s death (1:14), probably from Rome. His martyrdom took place between A.D. 64 and 66 (if Peter were alive in 67 when Paul wrote Second Timothy during his second Roman imprisonment, it is likely that Paul would have mentioned him).
Audience – Jewish Believers –
1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
Theme – “Personal Character and counterfeit Christianity”
Talk thru the Bible (Theme and Purpose)
The basic theme that runs through Second Peter is the contrast between the knowledge and practice of truth versus falsehood. This epistle was written to expose the dangerous and seductive work of false teachers and to warn believers to be on their guard so that they will not be “led away with the error of the wicked” (3:17). It was also written to exhort the readers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18), because this growth into Christian maturity is the best defense against spiritual counterfeits. Another purpose of this letter was to provide a “reminder” (1:12–13; 3:1–2) to the readers of the foundational elements in the Christian life from which they must not waver. This includes the certainty of the Lord’s return in power and judgment.
Key Word - Against False Teachers -
Key Verses -
20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 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.
Key Chapter - 1
Talk thru the Bible (Keys to Second Peter)
The Scripture clearest in defining the relationship between God and man on the issue of inspiration is contained in chapter 1, verses 19–21. Three distinct principles surface:
(1) that the interpretation of Scriptures is not limited to a favored elect but is open for all who “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15);
(2) that the divinely inspired prophet did not initiate the Scripture himself; and
(3) that the Holy Ghost (not the emotion or circumstances of the moment) moved holy men.
Key People - A False Teacher; Peter; Addressees of Peter
Key Things - Dog; Vomit
3 Chapters
61 Verses
1,098 words
1 Peter deals with problems from the outside, (Christians are suffering for their faith) today we are going to see how 2 Peter deals with problems that are within the church.
By the grace of God we will see how the theme “Personal character and counterfeit Christianity” is evident throughout the book.
Peter provides us with three specific areas that we must possess knowledge in if we are going to grow and be able to refute counterfeits: 1) Knowledge about the Christian life, 2) Knowledge about False Prophets, and 3) Knowledge about Christ’s return.
Interrogative question - In what ways are you equip to refute counterfeits?
Knowledge = general awareness or possession of mind –
1. Knowledge about the Christians life – 1
1. Knowledge about the Christians life – 1
God provided all we need for life – 1:3-4
3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Divine – Spoken of the only true God
Power – supernatural power
i. Life – “Devoted to God”
ii. Godliness – “reverence, or piety towards God”
The point is that God has provided all that believers will ever need in this life in order to live a life devoted to God.
Believers must have an active faith – 1:5-9
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
Supplement – “Addition” (NASB uses the word applying – to bring in besides)
Virtue – “Morally good, good quality”
Does this mean that you and I must live a morally good life in order to be saved?
Who is Peter writing to? – Jewish Believers –
Peter is saying that you cannot have a dead faith –
Faith – virtue – morally good, good quality
Virtue – knowledge – things are lawful and unlawful
Knowledge – self-control – masters his desires and passions
Self-control – steadfastness – endurance, perseverance
Steadfastness – godliness – respect, reverence
Godliness – brotherly affection – love which Christians cherish for each other
Brotherly affection – love – brotherly love
Note – The first five qualities deal with our personal relationship with God. The last two deal with our relationship to fellow believers –
Peter wants these Jewish believers to understand a couple of specific things about the Christian life –
God has provided all that we need
Believers are to have an active faith
If you know Christ as your Lord and Savior you need to have knowledge about the Christian life –
As believers in Christ our knowledge of the Christian life must move into action –
Our lives ought to demonstrate two things –
The fact that God has provided all that we need.
We are living out our faith in Christ.
2. Knowledge about false prophets – 2
2. Knowledge about false prophets – 2
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Peter wants the Jewish believers to have an awareness of the false prophets –
There are two groups of people mentioned. Who are they?
False Prophets – one who acts like a divinely inspired prophet -
False teachers – their claim is wrong and their teaching is erroneous. (Incorrect) The reject Christ as overall
What do we learn about these people in these verses?
They are among the people
Secretly bring in heresies
Secretly – quietly
Heresies – religious group that accepts false teaching
Destructive – consists of eternal misery in hell
Deny the Master who has bought them
Deny – Reject
Master – Sovereign Lord
1 Cor. 6:20 – Christ bought us
Bringing swift destruction upon themselves
Swift – quick
Destruction – consists of eternal misery in hell
Many will follow their sensuality – vs. 2
Sensuality - Unbridled lust
Truth will be blasphemed
Blaspheme – revile, speak reproachfully
Exploit you with false words – vs. 3
Exploit – use a person or thing for gain
The condemnation (Judgment) was determined long ago. God is going to deal with the false prophets.
Peter uses phrases to describe what is going to happen to the false prophets –
Condemnation (the punishment for which you are sentenced) is not Idle – delay
Destruction (misery in hell) is not asleep – delay
The point that Peter is making is that you believers must be aware of the false prophets and their teaching.
So the question is how does this apply to us?
Believers must be aware of the false teachings that are in our world
Believers must know the word of God in order to refute false teachings
3. Knowledge about Christ’s return – 3
3. Knowledge about Christ’s return – 3
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Peter wants the Jewish believers to be aware of Christ return –
Like a thief in the night – unexpected time
Living in light of eternity
Living our lives in holiness and godliness
Conclusion – 3:18 –
18 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.
Grow in Grace
Grow in Knowledge
SO WHAT?
The question is how do we grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?
We do that by taking the knowledge that we have about the Christian life, false prophets, and Christ return and put them into practice in our everyday lives!!
