The Bible: Second Letter of St Peter

Author The Authorship of this letter was somewhat controversial in early church history. It claims to be Peter’s and, in character, is compatible with that claim. Certainly, the evidence strongly supports the 2 Peter being written by the same author as 1 Peter (see 1 Peter 1:1 and 2 Peter 3:1), although differences in style between the two have led to doubts. Today, the consensus is that Peter wrote both letters.

The author identifies himself as Simon Peter (1:1). In a highly personal passage, speaks in the first person singular (1:12–15) when he claims to have been an eyewitness of the transfiguration (1:16–18). He says this epistle is his second letter to the readers (3:1) and refers to Paul as ‘our dear brother’ (3:15).

Date Tradition teaches that Peter ministered in Rome during the 60s ad. Peter died during Nero’s persecution around 65 ad so the letter was written prior to this date. 2 Peter was written toward the end of Peter’s life (1:12–15). He mentions having written a prior letter (3:1) to the same readers (which is probably preserved today as 1 Peter). Therefore, 2 Peter was probably written during the period 65 and 68.

Purpose 1 Peter and 2 Peter were written to address different situations, so the two letters vary in terms of content and emphasis. In both, Peter acts as a pastor (literally ‘shepherd’) of Jesus’ sheep (see John 21:15–17), and seeks to commend to his readers a combination of Christian faith and practice.

Peter’s first letter employs a metaphor of sheep and shepherds, so he ‘feeds’ Jesus’ sheep by teaching them how to deal with persecution from outside the church (see 1 Peter 4:12). In this, his second letter, Peter next teaches the members how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church (see 2:1, 3:3–4).

This, his second, letter is best divided into three sections which correspond to the three chapters. To that end, he wrote with three inter-related purposes, to:

1. stimulate Christian growth (chap. 1);
2. combat false t
   eaching (chap. 2); and
3. encourage watchfulness in view of Jesus certain return (chap. 3).

Chapter 1 encourages its readers by reminding them how Jesus has already equipped them to lead a godly life God. Their faith in Christ should be vibrant. He then cites the characteristics of that life (2 Peter 1:1–15). It is impossible to overestimate the impact of verse 1:4: ‘[by knowledge of this life] ‘you may participate in the divine nature’, which sponsors an entire branch of Greek and Russian Orthodox teaching.

Peter reminds his hearers that all prophecies, if genuine, will be fulfilled. For Peter, the most important evidence is his being an eyewitness of Jesus’ transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–21).

Next, in chapter 2, he warns against false teachers—voices that deceive and draw people away from Christ into sin. They do so by teaching about things they do not understand. Peter gives a dire warning for these teachers, who will be judged harshly by God (2 Peter 2:1–9). Those who fall for these schemes are enslaved to sin (2 Peter 2:10–22).

Finally, in chapter 3, Peter addresses the specific claims of those false teachers. He again warns that those who pervert the message of God will be subject to extreme judgment. Anything not preserved by Christ will be utterly destroyed (2 Peter 3:1–13).

Peter concludes the letter with a reminder that saved Christians must set aside sin and focus on preparing to live in peace with God. He also refers to the writings of the apostle Paul as ‘Scripture,’ supporting the doctrine of divine inspiration (2 Peter 3:14–18).

Oddity The Letter to Jude and parts of 2 Peter look very similar (so, for example, compare 2 Peter 2 with Jude 4–18); they also show great differences. It has been suggested that one borrowed from the other or that both draw on a common source. In fact, it is very likely that Peter remained in contact with Jesus’ brother Jude after Pentecost so any similarities reflect ancient teaching from Jesus himself.