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Introduction:
The Second Epistle of Peter, often referred to simply as 2 Peter, is a book in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, this epistle is addressed to those who have received faith through the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ. It is considered one of the General Epistles, written to a broad audience rather than a specific individual or congregation.

Authorship and Date:
The authorship of 2 Peter has been a subject of scholarly debate. However, the traditional view holds that the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, is the author. The epistle itself claims Petrine authorship, as seen in the opening verse: "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1). The letter is believed to have been written towards the end of Peter's life, likely between AD 64 and 68, during a time of growing persecution against Christians.

Purpose and Themes:
The primary purpose of 2 Peter is to address false teachings and to encourage believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The epistle emphasizes the importance of remembering the teachings of the apostles and the prophetic word, as well as the certainty of Christ's return.

Key themes include:

1.The Divine Power and Promises of God: Peter begins by reminding believers of the divine power granted to them for life and godliness through the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:3-4). He encourages them to partake in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world.

2.Christian Virtue and Growth: The epistle outlines a progression of Christian virtues, urging believers to add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). This growth in character is presented as evidence of their calling and election.

3.The Authority of Scripture: Peter underscores the reliability of the prophetic word and the apostolic witness, affirming that "no prophecy of Scripture comes from one's own interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). He emphasizes that prophecy is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

4.Warning Against False Teachers: A significant portion of the letter is dedicated to warning against false teachers who deny the Lord and exploit believers with deceptive words (2 Peter 2:1-3). Peter describes their destructive heresies and immoral behavior, assuring that their judgment is certain.

5.The Day of the Lord: Peter addresses skepticism regarding the return of Christ, affirming that "the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise" (2 Peter 3:9). He describes the coming day of the Lord as a time when the heavens will pass away and the earth will be laid bare, urging believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation.

Structure:
The epistle is structured as follows:

1.Greeting and Call to Growth (1:1-11): Peter opens with a greeting and an exhortation to grow in Christian virtues.

2.The Certainty of the Gospel (1:12-21): He emphasizes the reliability of the apostolic message and the prophetic word.

3.Warning Against False Teachers (2:1-22): Peter provides a detailed description of false teachers and their impending judgment.

4.The Day of the Lord (3:1-18): The letter concludes with a reminder of the promise of Christ's return and an exhortation to live in readiness.

Significance:
2 Peter holds a significant place in the New Testament as a testament to the early church's challenges with false teachings and the enduring hope of Christ's return. It serves as a call to steadfastness, spiritual growth, and adherence to the truth of the Gospel.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Second Epistle Of Peter

The following is a brief outline of the contents of this epistle: The customary opening salutation is followed by an enumeration of Christian blessings and exhortation to Christian duties. (2 Peter 1:1-13) Referring then to his approaching death, the apostle assigns as grounds of assurance for believers his own personal testimony as eye-witness of the transfiguration and the sure word of prophecy--that is the testimony of the Holy Ghost. vs. (2 Peter 1:14-21) The danger of being misled by false prophets is dwelt upon with great earnestness throughout the second chapter, which is almost identical in language and subject with the Epistle of Jude. The overthrow of all opponents of Christian truth is predicted in connection with prophecies touching the second advent of Christ, the destruction of the world by fire, and the promise of new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. ch. 3. This epistle of Peter presents questions of difficulty. Doubts as to its genuineness were entertained by the early Church; in the time of Eusebius it was reckoned among the disputed books, and was not formally admitted into the canon until the year 393, at the Council of Hippo. These difficulties, however, are insufficient to justify more than hesitation in admitting its ,genuineness. A majority of names may be quoted in support of the genuineness and authenticity of this epistle. (It is very uncertain as to the time when it was written. It was written near the close of Peter's life--perhaps about A.D. 68--from Rome or somewhere on the journey thither from the East --Alford .)

Library

TheSecond GeneralEpistle ofPeter
... in theEpistle of Jude."The priority of Jude is quite well established, though
especially Zahn, Spitta (who defends thesecond Epistle ofPeter at the cost...

TheSecond Epistle General ofPeter
... CHAPTER XXII THESECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OFPETER. [Sidenote: The Author.]
The difficulties which are connected with the authorship...

TheSecond Epistle of St.Peter
... THESECOND EPISTLE OF ST.PETER THESECOND EPISTLE OF ST.PETER. As in
the case of theepistle of Judas, the greeting or address...

Paul'sSecond Imprisonment, and Martyrdom;Peter, his Epistles...
... [158:2]. TheSecond Epistle ofPeter was written soon after the first,
and was addressed to the same Churches. [158:3] The author...

Introductory Notice to the Homily Known as theSecond Epistle of...
... be mere allusions, not textual quotations: as, eg, on p.517, at notes 20 and 22,
slight indications of a reference to theSecond Epistle of St.Peter and to...

Introduction
... THESECOND EPISTLE OF ST.PETER INTRODUCTION. THE atmosphere of this tract
is described in the introduction to theepistle of Judas....

TheEpistle of Clement and the Writings Falsely Ascribed to Him.
... it must be observed also that there is said to be asecond epistle of Clement... wordy
and lengthy writings under his name, containing dialogues ofPeter and Apion...

The General Epistles: James,Peter, and Judas
...PETER. THESECOND EPISTLE OF ST.PETER. INTRODUCTION. THESECOND EPISTLE OF ST.
PETER. THEEPISTLE OF JUDAS. INTRODUCTION. THEEPISTLE OF JUDAS....

The Revelation ofPeter. Introduction.
... Its only parallels in canonical scripture, with the notable exception of theSecond
Epistle ofPeter, are to be found in Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:44, 48, and the...

Chronology of the Apostolic Age.
... 64. 64-67. FirstEpistle ofPeter.Epistle of Jude (?).Second Epistle ofPeter.
60-70. The Synoptical Gospels and Acts. Seneca and Lucan put to death by Nero....