2 Peter Introduction

[In] the Second Epistle of Peter, the Apostle Peter is going to successfully maneuver his hearers though a minefield of apostasy. The false teachers who brought in these “damnable heresies,” as Peter calls them, were jeopardizing the very existence of what was remaining of the kingdom church. Thus, the purpose of this writing was to challenge those who were saved under the kingdom gospel to stand fast in the face of false teaching. Furthermore, the warnings sounded throughout the epistle are even more relevant for the coming day of the Lord. Like First Corinthians, Second Peter is a letter of correction. — Sadler, page 173.

__________

If we compare 1 Peter 1:1 with 2 Peter 3:1, it is clear that Peter was writing to his countrymen a second time, who were scattered strangers (Greek Diaspora). That is, “sojourners of the dispersion” throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. The phrase “of the dispersion,” is distinctly Jewish and specifically refers to the Jews who were living in other nations outside the Promised Land.  …

The date of this writing was probably around 67 A.D., shortly after the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul, since Peter speaks of “all his epistles” being in circulation (2 Peter 3:16), which would have included 2 Timothy, Paul’s swan song. According to Church history [tradition, really, more than history], it is believed that Peter also suffered martyrdom under Nero, which had to be prior to June of 68 A.D. when the emperor committed suicide. — Sadler, page 175.

__________

There are differences between the style and vocabulary of First and Second Peter. The Greek of Second Peter is rough and awkward compared to that of First Peter, and there are also differences in informality and in the use of the Old Testament. But these differences are often exaggerated, and they can be explained by Peter’s use of Silvanus as his secretary for First Peter and his own hand for Second Peter.

[To explain the similarities between Second Peter 2 and Jude], it is possible [probable] that Jude quoted Peter or that both used a common source. — Talk through the Bible, by Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa.

I’m using the following commentaries for this study. In quotes in future posts, I’ll simply refer to the author and page number. In addition, because I don’t have a word study for this book, I’ll be relying on websites that translate and define the Greek terms.

The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter, by Paul M. Sadler. Berean Bible Society (2004)

The New Bible Commentary, edited by D. Guthrie and J.A. Motyer. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (1970)

Williams’ Complete Bible Commentary, by George Williams. Kregel Publications