17: Steadfastness in the Faith (Introduction
to 2Peter)
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.