Without doubt this epistle was written to the same believing Jews as was the first epistle. Cf. 2 Peter 3:11This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: (2 Peter 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 2 Peter 21But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1), and of scoffing ones in 2 Peter 31This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: (2 Peter 3:1).
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”.
2 Peter 1:1414Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. (2 Peter 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.
2 Peter 1
Simon Peter, bondman and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have received like precious faith through the righteousness of our God and Savior 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 its 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 ail 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 must shortly be leaving the body. He wrote in order that after 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.
2 Peter 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.
Instances are adduced of (1) the fallen angels; (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.
2 Peter 2:12-2212But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:12‑22) describe the gross ungodly condition of some who had made a profession 'through knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,' but had turned back to iniquity.
2 Peter 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 Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.