2 Peter: Grow while awaiting His day

Where 2 Peter sits

In the story

Act VI, Church · Rome, AD 60s and later

In the Bible

New Testament · Letters · book 61 of 66

Before it in the story

Hebrews

After it in the story

Jude

Near the close of the apostolic generation, Peter hands on the prophetic and eyewitness testimony that sustains the church until Christ returns and God's promised new creation arrives.

2 Peter summary

Peter writes as his death approaches, determined that the churches will remember the truth after his departure (1:12–15). God's power and promises supply the ground for a fruitful life; believers must diligently cultivate the qualities that confirm their calling and election (1:1–11). The apostles witnessed Christ's majesty, and the prophetic Scriptures came from God through the Holy Spirit (1:16–21). False teachers offer a destructive alternative: greed, sexual corruption and freedom that becomes slavery. God's judgments on rebellious angels, the ancient world and Sodom show that He knows both how to rescue the godly and how to judge the wicked (2:1–22). Scoffers mistake patience for failure. The word that created and judged the world guarantees the coming judgment and the promised new creation (3:1–13). Peter closes by urging peace, vigilance and growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, to whom glory belongs forever (3:14–18).

2 Peter in context

Written by

Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1), who identifies himself as a witness of the transfiguration (1:16–18).

Written to

Believers who share the apostles' precious faith (1:1). Peter previously wrote to them (3:1); the earlier letter is commonly identified with 1 Peter, but the text does not settle that identification.

Setting

Corrupt teachers threaten the churches, and scoffers dismiss the promise of Christ's return (2:1–3; 3:3–4). The letter does not identify a city of origin or destination.

When

During Peter's final years, probably in the AD 60s; the exact year is uncertain.

Why

To establish the churches in apostolic and prophetic truth so that they resist deception, pursue holiness and grow while awaiting Christ (1:12–21; 3:1–2, 17–18).

Themes of 2 Peter

• God's sufficient provision
• Remember the witnesses
• Counterfeit freedom
• Judgment and rescue
• Patient and certain
• A righteous new creation

Key verses in 2 Peter

• 2 Peter 1:3

  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

• 2 Peter 1:10

  Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

• 2 Peter 1:21

  For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

• 2 Peter 2:9

  if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

• 2 Peter 3:13

  But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

• 2 Peter 3:18

  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter chapter by chapter

Part 1 · Grow in the truth received 1

1. 1
   2 Peter 1: Eyewitnesses of His majesty

   God's power gives all we need, so grow in godliness; the apostles saw Christ's glory, and the prophets spoke from God.

Part 2 · Recognize destructive teachers 2

1. 2
   2 Peter 2: False teachers among you

   God judges corrupt teachers who promise false freedom; His past acts show that He rescues the godly and judges evil.

Part 3 · Await the promised day 3

1. 3
   2 Peter 3: Where is the promise of His coming?

   The Lord is not slow but patient; His day will come like a thief, so live holy lives, awaiting the new heaven and earth.

See the outline of 2 Peter