Author

Simon Peter (1:1), who is also the author of 1 Peter (cf. 3:1).

Recipient

The epistle does not identify a specific group as the recipient. Hence, it was probably written to believers in general.

Date

Peter wrote the second epistle shortly before his death (1:12-15). Since Peter was martyred during Nero’s reign (A.D. 54-68), the date of this epistle should fall between 64 and 68.

Place

Unknown.

Purpose/Occasion

This epistle mainly focuses on steadfastness in the faith until the Lord’s coming. He warns the believers to be aware of false teachers who indulged in sensuality and spoke presumptuously as well as scoffers who denied the Lord’s coming. Peter reminds the believers to remain true to the faith, which the apostles had received directly from the Lord, and to be diligent in seeking spiritual growth. He emphasizes the certainty and imminence of the Lord’s return, urging them to look forward to and be prepared for that day.

Central Verse

“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (1:16).

Survey

Read the entire epistle and record your observations in chart C.

Themes

Summarize the teachings in 2 Peter on the following themes.

Prophets and Prophecy

The Coming of the Lord

Judgment

Knowledge

Key Words/Phrases

Know, remind, prophecy, diligent, the day of the Lord, judgment.

Modern Relevance

The message in 2 Peter is particularly relevant to Christians today. While the promise of the Lord’s return seems to have been long delayed, many attempt to sway the conviction of true believers, sometimes even using the name of religion. These “false teachers” speak boastfully against the faith and influence others with godless living. New secular ideologies and trends constantly rise to challenge our beliefs. In view of such threats to our faith in these last days, we cannot afford to be spiritually stagnant. Not only do we need to hold fast to the sound doctrine, we must be diligent and make every effort to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only then will we enter the kingdom of Christ richly when the Lord comes.

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