2 Peter

Although 2 Peter internally purports to be a work of the apostle, most biblical scholars have concluded that Peter is not the author, and instead consider the epistle pseudepigraphical. Reasons for this include its linguistic differences from 1 Peter, its apparent use of Jude, possible allusions to 2nd-century gnosticism, encouragement in the wake of a delayed parousia, and weak external support.

If Peter the Apostle wrote this epistle then it must have been written prior to his death in c 65–67 AD. The letter refers to the Pauline epistles and so must post-date them, regardless of authorship: thus, a date before 60 is not probable. Many scholars generally consider the epistle to be written between c 100–150 AD.

1

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us. Through Christ’s great and precious promises, we become partakers of the divine nature. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. If you do, you will not be unfruitful in the knowledge our Lord Jesus Christ, and your call and election will be sure. Peter must shortly put off his tent (ie die), and writes these things so people may be reminded of them after his death. Peter witnessed the transfiguration. We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. True interpretation of scripture is not personal, but comes from the Holy Spirit.


2

False prophets bring in destructive heresies. Their destruction does not slumber. God did not spare the sinful angels, the world from the Deluge, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah and the righteous Lot were delivered, however. Peter contrasted the behavior of those who walk according to the flesh with faithful angels. The former (who do things like carouse in the daytime) will receive the wages of unrighteousness. They follow the ways of Balaam, whose madness was restrained by a donkey. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. They promise liberty, but are slaves of corruption. It would have been better for them never to have known righteousness than to have known it and then turn their backs on it.


3

Peter reminds them that scoffers will come, asking about the second coming. They say the world continues as it always was – but God’s judgment has already been poured out on the earth once before, in the time of Noah. With the Lord, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night – earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Holy and godly living is recommended in anticipation of a new heaven and new earth. The longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. Paul has also written to you of these things though some have distorted them. Do not be led away by the error of wickedness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.