Second Epistle of Peter

Concise Bible Dictionary:

The object of this epistle appears to be primarily the confirmation of the minds of Jewish believers in the certainty of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have in it the only record by an eye-witness of what took place on the Mount of Transfiguration. This vision made more sure the word of prophecy to which saints did well in taking heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, till the day dawned, and the day-star arose in their hearts.

But before the kingdom could be displayed, it was necessary that the corruption of Christianity, which had already set in, should be complete; and the course and climax of this corruption are vividly portrayed in 2 Peter 2. It originated in false teachers privily bringing in destructive heresies, denying the Lord that bought them. The development of this evil is viewed in the light of wickedness (rather than of apostasy, as in the Epistle of Jude), as that which is specially obnoxious to the government of God. While in Jude the gainsaying of Core is shown to be the culminating point of apostasy, here the incitement to abominable wickedness by Balaam is before the mind of the Spirit, indicating how corrupting the influence of those who held the place of “prophet” would become.

In the concluding part of the epistle (2 Peter 3) we have also the closing phase of unbelief (perhaps Jewish), namely, skepticism, built up on the assumed unchangeability of the creation, as to the coming of the day of the Lord. And this becomes the occasion of the apostle’s leading the minds of the saints beyond the thoughts of the kingdom to that which, resting on perfect moral foundations, is eternal and unchangeable. The day of the Lord was a means to an end, and would make way for the day of God, and the fulfillment of His promise of new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness would reside, and in view of which the existing heavens and earth would pass away. Saints, knowing these things before, were not to fall from their steadfastness, but to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Bible Handbook:

Without doubt this epistle was written to the same believing Jews as was the first epistle (see ch. 3:1).

The epistle brings out divine power for life and godliness, and the government of God in judgment of the wicked — of professing ones in chapter 2, and of scoffing ones in chapter 3.

The rapture of the saints is not dwelt upon here, but the ‘coming’ of Christ, the ‘day of the Lord,’ and the ‘day of God.’

Chapter 1:14 refers to Peter’s departure being ‘soon,’ which has caused its date to be fixed about A.D. 66, written from Rome, where tradition says he suffered martyrdom.

Chapter 1

Simon Peter, bondman and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have received like precious faith through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ (faithfulness of God in fulfilling all His promises): grace and peace be multiplied, in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has given to us all things which relate to life and godliness, through the full knowledge of Him who has called us by glory and virtue (glory being the object, set before us to be pursued by spiritual courage).

Through which He has given us the greatest and most precious promises, that by these ye may become morally partakers of the divine nature.

Besides faith (see verse 1), use diligence to have also virtue, knowledge, temperance, endurance, godliness, or piety, brotherly love (love to others) and love (the divine nature in exercise, and embracing all saints, 1 John 5:1-2¹Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. ²By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 5:1‑2)). These subjective qualities are connected with the full knowledge of God revealed in Christianity: fruit would result.

Use diligence to make your calling and election sure (in firm consciousness of being called to God’s eternal glory), for doing these things ye will never fall; for thus an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord will be richly furnished unto you. (God’s government is over the saints, and, whilst all will have a place in the kingdom, there is a rich or abundant entrance for those who walk so as to please God.)

The Lord had manifested to Peter that he (he?) must shortly be leaving the body. He wrote in order that after his (his?) departure they might always have these things in remembrance (there being no apostle to succeed him). In making known the power and coming of the Lord Jesus he had not used fables, but had been an eye-witness of His majesty on the mount of transfiguration.

The prophetic word was thus confirmed. We do well to give heed to it as a lamp shining in a dark place (this world) until the day dawn and the morning star arise in our hearts. (If Christ the heavenly hope fills the heart it anticipates His coming.)

No prophecy of Scripture has its own private interpretation (not insulated, it agrees with, and is part of the great whole of God’s purpose in Christ), for holy men of God spake under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 2

There will be false teachers among the saints, who will bring in destructive heresies and deny the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. You could not say ‘redeemed’ here; all were ‘bought’, but only the saved are ‘redeemed.’

Instances are adduced of (1) the fallen angels (you could not say ‘redeemed’ here; all were ‘bought’, but only the saved are ‘redeemed.’); (2) of Noah (one of eight) and the flood; and (3) of Lot and Sodom, to show that the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of trial, and to keep the unjust to a day of judgment.

Verses 12-22 describe the gross ungodly condition of some who had made a profession ‘through knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,’ but had turned back to iniquity.

Chapter 3

This second letter was written to put them in remembrance of what they had learned. There would be mockers asking, Where is the promise of the Lord’s coming? for things remain as they were from the creation! But as the old world was destroyed by water, so the present heaven and earth are kept for fire in a day of judgment.

One day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord does not delay His promise; but He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief when the heavens will pass away, and the earth and the works in it will be burned up.

But in holy conversation and godliness wait for the day of God, when the elements shall melt with heat, and for a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness; being diligent to be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless, and account the longsuffering of the Lord to be salvation: as Paul had also written, some things being hard to be understood (especially by those who have not grasped Paul’s gospel), and which with other Scriptures are wrested by some to their own destruction.

Knowing these things, let us take care not to be led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Second Epistle of Peter

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