Page 135 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Second Peter starts with the greeting, then he reminds his audience of their Christian identity—as those
saved from their sins by Jesus—and calls them to be godly people who live as if Jesus’ return is a reality
(1:3–21). Peter then warns about false teachers who are motivated by greed and lust rather than by love
for God (2:1–22). Much of this section and the start of the next section have strong similarities with the
letter of Jude (compare 2 Pet 2:1–18; 3:1–3 with Jude 4–18). There are several explanations for these
overlaps: 2 Peter relies on Jude, Jude relies on 2 Peter, or both Jude and 2 Peter rely on a common
source (perhaps oral tradition). 188

Peter argues more against false teaching, assuring his readers that Christ will surely come again (2 Pet
3:1–13). The letter closes with a final instruction for the believers to depend on what they know to be
true, refusing to be led astray by the false teachers (3:14–18). 189

Outline
• Greeting (1:1–2)
• Call to develop Christian character (1:3–21)
• The danger of false teaching (2:1–22)
• Hope in the Lord’s return (3:1–13)
• Closing commands (3:14–18)

How does 2 Peter impact our lives?

Transformation of the entire person—thoughts, feelings, and actions—was very important to Peter.
What areas of your life remain untransformed? How might God’s promises connect to Christ’s
redemptive work in your life now (2 Pet 1:3–4)?

How has knowing the truth about Christ contributed to your growth in character and faithfulness to God
(2 Pet 1:5–8)?
Peter says that “one day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day” and
that “the Lord is not delaying [his return], as some consider slowness, but is being patient toward you,
because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:8–9). If this is the case,
what needs to change about your life?

What are some of the most dangerous false teachings of our day? Which of these false ideas do you find
attractive? How might you focus on the truth of Christ to purify your perspective (2 Pet 3:1–2)?

Atmosphere

Peter probably wrote this letter from a Roman prison about A.D. 67–68, shortly before his death (1:14).
Twisted versions of Christian truth were being taught, which Peter describes in vivid terms (ch. 2).
Recalling his firsthand experience of Christ’s glory at the Transfiguration (1:17-18), Peter explains the
“surer” truth of the gospel as an antidote to heresy. The gospel is like “a lamp shining in a dark place”
(1:19). In chapter 3 Peter focuses on those who scoff at the idea of Christ's triumphant return and the
final judgment. Just as God once destroyed the earth with water, he will one day destroy it with fire. In
light of this, we should live in “holiness and godliness” as we await his return and the salvation he has
promised to all believers.

188 Ibid
189 Ibid

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