“Introduction To Second Peter”

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Second Peter is a different kind of letter than First Peter, presented in a different writing style, and many people have concluded that it was written by a different person. The differences in style, wording and subject matter can be explained reasonably, however, without insisting that Peter was not the author of one of the two New Testament letters that bear his name. Peter just had a different focus, chose more illustrative wording, and had a greater sense of urgency in getting his message across to his readers as he neared the end of his life (2 Peter 1:14). He may also have used a different “scribe” or “amanuensis” than Silvanus (1 Peter 5:12) in his second letter which could account for some differences.

In his first letter Peter emphasized the hope to be brought about at Christ’s return to his brethren who were experiencing external persecution for their faith. In Second Peter he warns about the dangers of “false prophets” that would arise from “among” them (2 Peter 2:1). He still stresses the importance of the Lord’s Second Coming but more to explain why He had delayed His return that many thought should have occurred more immediately (2 Peter 3:8-9). It is actually the Lord’s mercy and longsuffering that has prevented Him from returning and destroying the world, so we must strive to live in faithful tolerance of persecution that comes from without, but strive mightily against false doctrine that threatens to contaminate the community of faith from within.

The second general epistle ascribed to the Apostle Peter has been the subject of more suspicion and speculation possibly than any other New Testament book. Scholars are divided as to the date of its writing and the intended recipients, and there is even evidence to suggest that it may have actually been written before First Peter for an entirely different target audience. Laying all the uncertainties aside that really have no bearing on the value and importance of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, I see no reason to doubt that “Simon Peter” was the legitimate author of this work. He distinguishes himself by this name in 2 Peter 1:1, and identifies himself as being “an eyewitness of” the Lord’s “majesty” having been one of the blessed few to accompany Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-18).

I am really looking forward to studying this important piece of inspired literature with you!

Please read 2 Peter 1:1-4 for tomorrow.

Hope your day is blessed one!

-Louie Taylor

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