Here are some common questions people have about the biblical book of 2 Peter:
Who wrote 2 Peter?
2 Peter identifies the author as the apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:1). There has been some debate about whether Peter actually wrote this letter, but most conservative scholars believe Peter is indeed the author. The style, language, and themes of 2 Peter are consistent with Peter’s authorship.
When was 2 Peter written?
Most scholars believe 2 Peter was written between A.D. 60-68, shortly before Peter’s martyrdom under Emperor Nero. The epistle reflects an expectation of Peter’s impending death (2 Peter 1:14). The early church uniformly recognized 2 Peter as authoritative and canonical early on.
What is the purpose and message of 2 Peter?
Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians to grow in spiritual maturity in the midst of false teachers and evildoers. He reminds believers of the true knowledge of Christ and the trustworthy prophetic word (2 Peter 1:16-21). A major theme is combatting false teaching and remaining steadfast in the truth. Peter wants believers to be on guard against destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1). He assures them that wickedness will be judged and righteousness vindicated.
What are some key verses in 2 Peter?
– “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3)
– “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16)
– “Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires” (2 Peter 3:3)
– “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.” (2 Peter 3:18)
How is 2 Peter related to the book of Jude?
There are many linguistic and thematic parallels between 2 Peter and Jude, indicating literary dependence. Most scholars believe Jude was written first, and that Peter drew from Jude’s imagery and examples about false teachers. The overlaps are too significant to be coincidental. So 2 Peter apparently leverages and expands on Jude’s warnings.
How should Christians apply 2 Peter today?
Here are some key applications from 2 Peter for modern Christians:
– We should make every effort to grow in godliness, biblical knowledge, self-control, steadfastness and love (2 Peter 1:5-11). Spiritual maturity takes diligence.
– Scripture is fully authoritative and inspired by God (2 Peter 1:16-21). We should have complete confidence in biblical truth.
– Beware of false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1). Test teaching against Scripture.
– Remember that Christ’s return is certain (2 Peter 3:1-13). Live holy lives in anticipation of the day of God.
– View trials and persecutions as opportunities to grow in enduring faith (2 Peter 1:3-15)
– Use God’s promises to overcome worldly corruption (2 Peter 1:4)
How does 2 Peter portray the end times?
2 Peter addresses eschatological themes like Christ’s second coming and coming cosmic judgment:
– Scoffers will mock the promise of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3-7)
– The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief (2 Peter 3:10)
– The present heavens and earth will be destroyed and remade (2 Peter 3:10-13)
– Believers should live in readiness and eagerness for Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:11-14)
– Peter debunks the myth that nothing changes from the beginning (2 Peter 3:3-7)
– God’s apparent slowness in acting is an expression of mercy and patience (2 Peter 3:8-9)
So 2 Peter assures believers that divine judgments and promises will certainly come to pass in God’s perfect timing.
What false teachings does 2 Peter warn about?
2 Peter repeatedly warns about destructive false teachers who secretly introduce heresies:
– They exploit believers with deceptive words (2 Peter 2:3)
– They indulge the flesh and despise authority (2 Peter 2:10)
– They are arrogant, reviling, and twisted (2 Peter 2:18)
– They deny the Master who bought them (2 Peter 2:1)
– They twist Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16)
Peter says these false teachers bring swift destruction on themselves and will face condemnation for leading others astray.
How does 2 Peter present a biblical view of inspiration?
2 Peter 1:16-21 contains a strong affirmation of the inspiration and authority of Scripture:
– The apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ’s majesty, not following myths (v.16)
– Peter received honor and glory from the Father’s voice at the Transfiguration (v.17)
– This confirmed the prophetic word as completely reliable (v.19)
– No prophecy of Scripture comes from private interpretation (v.20)
– Prophecy was brought about by the Spirit (v.21)
– Scripture comes from God Himself (v.21)
So 2 Peter teaches that the prophets spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Scripture is the product of divine inspiration.
What are some other important themes in 2 Peter?
Additional key themes in 2 Peter include:
– God’s precious and magnificent promises enable us to share in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
– Make every effort to grow in godly virtues (2 Peter 1:5-7)
– God knows how to rescue the godly from trials and punish the unrighteous (2 Peter 2:4-10)
– Scoffers will question Christ’s second coming in the last days (2 Peter 3:3-4)
– Be on guard against lawlessness and falling from your secure position (2 Peter 3:17)
– Grow in grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18)
– God’s divine power equips believers with everything needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
So godliness, spiritual growth, divine power, future reward and judgment are all emphasized.
How is 2 Peter structured?
2 Peter follows this general outline:
– Opening greeting (2 Peter 1:1-2)
– God’s precious promises and our duty to grow in godliness (2 Peter 1:3-21)
– Warnings against false teachers and their destruction (2 Peter 2)
– Call to remember Christ’s return, beware scoffers, and continue growing (2 Peter 3)
The letter begins and ends on the theme of Christian virtue, with warnings about heretics in the middle. Peter uses vivid imagery and Old Testament references to make his points.
In summary, 2 Peter is a stirring call for Christians to mature in holiness while guarding against deceptive doctrines as they eagerly await the day of Christ. Peter offers timeless exhortation to stand firm in the true knowledge of Jesus amidst a crooked generation.