Purpose

To warn against false teachers and encourage spiritual growth and knowledge.

Author

Peter the Apostle, writing his final letter before his martyrdom. Knowing his death was near, Peter warns against false teachers and encourages spiritual growth.

Historical Context

Written: 64-68 AD. Peter's final letter, written shortly before his martyrdom in Rome.

Significance

Warns against false teaching and provides assurance about Christ's second coming.

Key Themes

False Teachers, Spiritual Growth, Second Coming, Knowledge, Final Warning

Interesting Facts

• Peter's last letter before his crucifixion (upside down, he said he wasn't worthy to die like Jesus)
• Warns more about false teachers than any other New Testament book
• Peter mentions Paul's letters and calls them Scripture

Prophecies

• Scoffers will come in the last days (2 Peter 3:3) Fulfilled: Ongoing skepticism about Christ's return (2000 years later)

2 Peter Chapter 1 opens with an introduction from the Apostle Peter, identifying himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He addresses believers who share in the same faith through the righteousness of Jesus. Peter wishes for grace and peace to be multiplied to them through the knowledge of God and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of knowing Him. This chapter elaborates on the divine power of God that has granted believers everything necessary for life and godliness. Peter highlights how God's glory and excellence invite believers to partake in His divine nature while escaping the corruption of the world. Peter then shifts to practical instruction, urging believers to grow in their faith by cultivating specific virtues: supplementing faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities, he explains, are essential for effectiveness and fruitfulness in the knowledge of Christ. The absence of these traits leads to spiritual blindness and a forgetfulness of one's cleansing from sin. He encourages believers to confirm their calling and election through diligent practice of these virtues, assuring them that doing so will prevent them from stumbling and grant them a rich welcome into God's eternal kingdom. Peter expresses his intention to remind his audience of these truths, recognizing that his time is short due to the impending end of his earthly life. He also affirms the authenticity of his message, emphasizing that he did not follow cleverly devised myths but was an eyewitness of Christ's majesty during the transfiguration. The chapter concludes with a strong assertion about the reliability of prophecy, underscoring that prophetic scripture does not originate from human interpretation but is divinely inspired. Peter encourages his readers to pay attention to the prophetic word, likening it to a lamp in a dark place, until the day dawns in their hearts. This chapter serves as both a reminder and a call to action for believers to grow in their relationship with Christ, affirming their faith through active and intentional virtue-building.

Purpose

To warn against false teachers and encourage spiritual growth and knowledge.

Author

Peter the Apostle, writing his final letter before his martyrdom. Knowing his death was near, Peter warns against false teachers and encourages spiritual growth.

Historical Context

Written: 64-68 AD. Peter's final letter, written shortly before his martyrdom in Rome.

Significance

Warns against false teaching and provides assurance about Christ's second coming.

Key Themes

False Teachers, Spiritual Growth, Second Coming, Knowledge, Final Warning

Interesting Facts

• Peter's last letter before his crucifixion (upside down, he said he wasn't worthy to die like Jesus)
• Warns more about false teachers than any other New Testament book
• Peter mentions Paul's letters and calls them Scripture

Prophecies

• Scoffers will come in the last days (2 Peter 3:3) Fulfilled: Ongoing skepticism about Christ's return (2000 years later)

2 Peter Chapter 1 opens with an introduction from the Apostle Peter, identifying himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He addresses believers who share in the same faith through the righteousness of Jesus. Peter wishes for grace and peace to be multiplied to them through the knowledge of God and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of knowing Him. This chapter elaborates on the divine power of God that has granted believers everything necessary for life and godliness. Peter highlights how God's glory and excellence invite believers to partake in His divine nature while escaping the corruption of the world. Peter then shifts to practical instruction, urging believers to grow in their faith by cultivating specific virtues: supplementing faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities, he explains, are essential for effectiveness and fruitfulness in the knowledge of Christ. The absence of these traits leads to spiritual blindness and a forgetfulness of one's cleansing from sin. He encourages believers to confirm their calling and election through diligent practice of these virtues, assuring them that doing so will prevent them from stumbling and grant them a rich welcome into God's eternal kingdom. Peter expresses his intention to remind his audience of these truths, recognizing that his time is short due to the impending end of his earthly life. He also affirms the authenticity of his message, emphasizing that he did not follow cleverly devised myths but was an eyewitness of Christ's majesty during the transfiguration. The chapter concludes with a strong assertion about the reliability of prophecy, underscoring that prophetic scripture does not originate from human interpretation but is divinely inspired. Peter encourages his readers to pay attention to the prophetic word, likening it to a lamp in a dark place, until the day dawns in their hearts. This chapter serves as both a reminder and a call to action for believers to grow in their relationship with Christ, affirming their faith through active and intentional virtue-building.