Without doubt this epistle was written to the same believing Jews as was the first epistle. Cf. 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 2, and of scoffing ones in 2 Peter 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”.
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, 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 2:12-22 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.