No other book in the New Testament poses as many problems of authenticity as does 2 Peter. But in spite of these problems, the traditional position of Petrine authorship overcomes more difficulties than any other option. This epistle was written just before the apostle’s death (1:14), probably from Rome.
TIMES: AD 64-66
KEY VERSES: 2 Peter 1:20-21, 3:16-18
THEME: While 1 Peter deals with suffering and persecution caused by people outside the church, 2 Peter deals more with the need for the true spiritual knowledge and maturity in the face of false teachers who would distort the faith from inside the church. He gives his readers insight into the thinking of the false teachers and encourages opposition to them. He also urges watchfulness for Christ’s return through all the events at the end of the age.
Growth in Christian Virtue
1:1-4 Peter introduces himself as a bond-servant and apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ. He identifies himself as an authorized spokesman for the truth that Christ proclaimed. He then describes the resources his readers have that will make growth in grace and knowledge possible.
His apostleship is the 1st of these resources. He addresses those who have received and possess [by God’s will] a precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. He wants them to know that anyone who has faith in Jesus has the same access to God as any other believer. This access is the 2nd great resource that his readers possess. He wishes that grace and peace be multiplied to them in the [true, intimate] knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus.
The Greek word translated knowledge is a keyword in this letter. It describes a special kind of knowledge, a kind that is complete. Since our knowledge of Jesus grows as we mature in faith, we will experience His grace and peace on many different occasions in our Christian walk.
His divine power [the power of his resurrection which is the 3rd resource for godly living that Peter lists] has bestowed upon us everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence [the qualities of Jesus that attract believers to Him]. The glory that John saw in Jesus was His authority and power. Jesus bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises so that we could escape the immoral freedom that is in the world and become shares of divine nature. These promises offer us the glory and virtue of Christ as the basis for our growing participation in the divine nature. We have Christ in us, as He promised (Jn 14:23).
1:5-10 Apply your diligence in your faith to develop moral excellence [a character of Christ] and from this gain knowledge [insight and understanding], self-control, steadfastness [not succumbing to discouragement and persevering], godliness, brotherly affection, and a Christian love [which is to learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and do things for their benefit]. These qualities are yours and are increasing in you. Whoever lacks these qualities is blind [only looks at earthly and material values] and closes his spiritual eyes to the truth. If you are diligent and actively develop these virtues, you will never stumble in your spiritual growth.
1:11 For this way your entry into the eternal kingdom will be assured. Scripture indicates that fruitful and faithful living will be rewarded by greater privileges and rewards in glory. [Rev. 12:12]
Eyewitnesses
1:16 Peter states that the apostles were eyewitness to the majesty of Jesus, and Peter himself had actually seen the power and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:17 Jesus was invested with honor [displayed the radiance of the Shekinah glory from God the Father] and a voice came from a splendid Majestic glory [in the bright cloud that overshadowed Him] saying, “This is My Son, My Beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased and delighted.” [Matt. 17:5]
1:19 So we have the prophetic word made more certain, and you’d be well to pay attention to it. The eyewitness account is good, but an even stronger confirmation comes from the written scriptures which are more trustworthy than the personal experience of Peter.
1:20-21 …No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own [personal] interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. The Greek word for interpretation can mean “origin.” In verse 21 Peter is saying that Scripture’s origin came from God Himself and not from the one who interpreted His word. The prophets did not supply their own solutions or explanations to the mysteries of life. Rather, it was God speaking through them.
The Rise of False Prophets
2:1 False prophets arose among the people just as false teachers among you will subtly introduce destructive heresies. Peter is addressing the ethical implication of false teaching. The Greek word translated destructive means “shameful” or “deliberately immoral.”
2:2-15 They will exploit you with false arguments and twisted doctrine. But God has demonstrated that He is a just God and has punished the evil and wicked in the past [like those in Sodom and Gomorrah]. So, those doing evil will not escape His wrath. They do not fear God and do not understand they will be punished for their evil ways and wrongdoings. They are constantly looking for sin and entice and lure away unstable souls. They have abandoned the straight road [the right way to live] and have gone astray.
2:17-21 These heretical teachers have awakened false expectations like wells that have no water. Their words mean nothing and have no spiritual truth. They promise liberty when they themselves are slaves to depravity. For those who get entangled, it would have been better if they had not known righteousness than have known it and turned back from the holy commandment handed them.
The Purpose of This Letter
3:1-2 Peter reminds the readers that to remember the words in the past spoken by the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior given by the apostles. “Men moved by the Holy Spirit” spoke words that were utterly reliable.
The Coming Day of the Lord
3:3-7 Mockers will come in the last days saying “Where is the promise of His coming? “They forget that the heavens existed long ago by the word of God, and the earth was formed out of water and by the water. And the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded by water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of the ungodly people.
3:8-9 …With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. [Ps 90:4] The Lord does not delay and is not slow about His promise. His timing is always perfect. He does not want anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance.
A New Heaven and Earth
3:10-15 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief and then the heavens will vanish with a mighty roar, and the material elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up. Since all these things will be destroyed this way, you should live a life that is set apart [as a believer] in godliness [displaying profound reverence towards our awesome God], while you await the coming day of God. But in accordance with His promises, we expectantly await new heavens and a new earth. [Is. 65:17;66:22] So, since you are looking for these things, make every effort to be found spotless and blameless at His return. And consider the patience of our Lord [His delay in judgment] as salvation [ that is, to allow more people to be saved].
3:16-18 Therefore, be warned, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so you will not be carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor) and to the day of eternity. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The primary purpose of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than work for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal. We should also be on our guard for teachers of false doctrine so that our faith will remain steadfast and we can grow in grace. We should also be on our alert as we expectantly await His return.
Have you encountered teachers that have promoted false doctrine? Have you been able to discern that in the spirit? If you have, feel free to share below.