First Peter deals with problems from the outside; Second Peter deals with problems from the inside. Peter writes in his second letter to warn believers about false teachers who promote damaging doctrine.
He begins by urging his friends in Christ to keep close watch on their personal lives. The Christian life demands diligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love. Such careful attention to godliness pays huge dividends, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8).
By contrast, the false teachers trying to seduce unsuspecting believers are sensual, arrogant, greedy, and covetous. They scoff at the thought of future judgment and live as if their current prosperity would remain the unalterable pattern for the future. Peter reminds his readers that although God’s longsuffering nature may prompt Him to delay in sending judgment, ultimately that judgment will come; and these false teacher “will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness” (2:12, 13), and so for them “is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” (2:17).
Peter does not want his Christian friends to forget that the Lord Jesus is most certainly coming back to earth in power and great glory, bringing both His judgment and His rewards with Him. In view of that awesome fact, believers should live in a godly, blameless, and steadfast manner (3:11–15).
To distinguish this epistle from the first by Peter, it was given the Greek title Petrou B, the “Second of Peter.”
Themes: False teachers may spread doctrine that appeals to the flesh, but they face the awesome judgment of God—and so will all those who embrace their teaching.
Author: The apostle Peter.
Time: Probably written around A.D. 65–67.
Structure: Peter introduces himself (1:1, 2), encourages his friends to grow in godliness (1:3–11), explains his purpose for and authority in writing (1:12–21), warns against false teachers (2:1–22), reminds them of the return of Jesus (3:1–16), and makes a few closing remarks (3:17, 18).
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As you read 2 Peter, watch for several life principles that play an important role in this book: 9. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. See 2 Peter 1:2–4. 3. God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm. See 2 Peter 1:19–21. 14. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. See 2 Peter 3:1–9. 30. An eager anticipation of the Lord’s return keeps us living productively. See 2 Peter 3:10–13. |