2 Peter

About 2 Peter

Second Peter is a farewell letter urging believers to grow in godliness and stand firm against false teachers who twist the faith and mock the promise of Christ's return. It answers the scoffers' question, 'Where is his coming?', with a call to remember that God's patience means salvation. The letter looks ahead to the day of the Lord and a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.

Written by

The letter presents itself as the apostle Peter's farewell; tradition accepts that, but its authorship was questioned even in the early church, and many modern scholars think a later Christian wrote it in Peter's name.

When

If Peter wrote it, it dates to the mid-60s AD just before his death; many scholars place it later, anywhere from AD 80 to 110, which would make it one of the last New Testament books written.

Themes

• Growing in godliness
• Guarding against false teaching
• God's patience
• The day of the Lord
• Trustworthy promises

Key verses

• 2 Peter 1:3-4His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
• 2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
• 2 Peter 3:13But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.