2 Peter

The book of 2 Peter, written by the apostle Peter around AD 65 while imprisoned in Rome, serves as a final message to believers as Peter anticipated his imminent execution. Peter reaffirmed the truths the believers had been taught while countering false teachers who denied Jesus’ return and lived immorally, claiming no future judgment awaited. Peter emphasized his firsthand experience of Jesus’ glory during the transfiguration and assured that all would witness this glory when Jesus returned. He warned of the false teachers' destructive influence and the judgment they would face. Peter explained that the delay in the Messiah’s return expressed God’s patience, allowing time for repentance.

Chapter 1

Peter introduced himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He addressed those who have received faith through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ. He called for grace and peace through the knowledge of God and Jesus.

Confirming One's Calling and Election

Peter encouraged believers to grow in virtue, add goodness to faith, knowledge to goodness, self-control to knowledge, and "to mutual affection, love." When practiced, these qualities ensure effectiveness and productivity in one's relationship with Christ. He urged them to confirm their calling and election, assuring that doing so would guarantee a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Prophecy Of Scripture

Peter reminded the believers of the truth they had received, urging them to remain steadfast as he anticipated his imminent death. He emphasized that the message they preached was not based on myths but on the firsthand witness of Christ’s glory. This experience affirmed the trustworthiness of the prophetic message, which should be valued as a light in darkness given by the Holy Spirit.

False Teachers And Their Destruction - Chapter 2

Peter warned that false teachers would rise among believers, introducing heresies and denying the Lord. Peter describes the teachers as driven by greed and exploitation and expresses that their condemnation was inevitable. Peter recalled God's judgment on the angels who sinned, the flood in Noah's time, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite their arrogance, these false teachers would face punishment on the day of judgment. Their actions would result in their own harm after preying on the vulnerable with promises of freedom while enslaving themselves to sin. Peter emphasized that those who had known the truth and turned away would have been better off not knowing the truth at all.

The Day Of The Lord - Chapter 3

Peter warned that in the last days, scoffers would question the coming of Christ and dismiss it as a myth. They would forget that God created and judged the world with the flood and that the current world is reserved for future judgment by fire. Peter explained that God's timing is not the same as ours—His patience is meant to bring people to repentance. Despite the apparent delay, the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, bringing destruction to the heavens, earth, and all that is in them. Peter encouraged believers to live holy and godly in anticipation of the new heaven and earth, where righteousness will reign. He reminded them to be cautious of false teachers who distort Scripture, instead calling believers to grow in Christ's grace and knowledge.