Introduction to 2nd Peter

Here's my introduction to 2nd Peter, and its course.

The 2nd letter of Peter was not written too long after his first letter. It is believed that Peter's life was taken away sometime around the year AD 64 when the persecution broke out in Rome under Emperor Nero. The first letter had come sometime just prior to that great persecution, so the 2nd letter couldn't have been too far behind! The audience in the second letter is primarily the same as the first--believers who were spread throughout the Roman Empire! It would also have been written from the same location, Rome. It is of note that 2nd Peter has been challenged more than any other New Testament letter for its authenticity as a letter from Peter, for some reasons such as a slightly different Greek level of refinement, and also not being so widespread at an early date. However, the letter's teaching is 100% in line with every other New Testament letter. It has Peter's name on it, and it tells Peter's personal stories and challenges exactly as they are reflected in other parts of the Bible. It even uses the word "tree" to describe the cross, just as Peter did in other places (that vocabulary choice is unique to Peter). Some minor stylistic differences between the 1st and 2nd letters are easily explained by the fact that Peter used Silas as a secretary with his first letter, but not with his second (1 Peter 5:12). We have no reason to ever doubt the authenticity or power of this letter and its message as God's inspired word through His chosen servant! (Peter)

This letter focuses on keeping the pure faith of Israel and not being lost to an unbelieving and wicked world! It reminds us to keep fresh in mind the facts of our faith and also the reasons for our faith! We must grow and have the righteous character of Jesus Christ produced in our lives! The letter begins with the mindset of faith, the goals, and powerful tools from God which are needed in the development of our characters. Then it warns of false teachers, and finally speaks of the scoffers and wicked unbelievers, and even professed believers who will deny or twist God's word to their own destruction. Peter, expecting to die a martyr's death soon at the hands of Roman authorities expresses his strong appeal to all who are God’s people to strive diligently to be holy, as we wait for Christ to return, when He will strike down evil, and reward the righteous with the eternal joys of His holy land in the earth made new!

Peter mentions Paul, "our beloved brother," and his writings in chapter 3 of this letter. But, Paul, in his last letter (2nd Timothy), which was also written from Rome (in AD 67) does not mention Peter. That serves to confirm that Peter died earlier than Paul did. Paul was taken captive into Rome in AD 67. Surely, Paul would have spoken of Peter if he was still around at the time. The words of 2nd Peter seal Peter's final message to the world before his death and remind of the truths so essential to our life which Peter was called by God to proclaim! May you be blessed as you study through this series!

Blessings,

Ben