Book of 2 Peter
Summary of the Book of 2 Peter
This summary of the
book of 2 Peter provides information about the title, author(s), date of
writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the
chapters of the Book of 2 Peter.
The author identifies
himself as Simon Peter (1:1). He uses the first person singular pronoun in a highly
personal passage (1:12-15) and claims to be an eyewitness of the
transfiguration (1:16-18 [see note on 1:16]; cf. Mt 17:1-5). He asserts that this is his second letter
to the readers (3:1) and refers to Paul as "our dear brother" (3:15; see note there). In short, the letter claims to be Peter's,
and its character is compatible with that claim.
Although 2 Peter was
not as widely known and recognized in the early church as 1 Peter, some may
have used and accepted it as authoritative as early as the second century and
perhaps even in the latter part of the first century (1 Clement [a.d. 95] may
allude to it). It was not ascribed to Peter until Origen's time (185-253), and
he seems to reflect some doubt concerning it. Eusebius (265-340) placed it
among the questioned books, though he admits that most accept it as from Peter.
After Eusebius's time, it seems to have been quite generally accepted as
canonical.
In recent centuries,
however, its genuineness has been challenged by a considerable number of
interpreters. One of the objections that has been raised is the difference in
style from that of 1 Peter. But the difference is not absolute; there are
noteworthy similarities in vocabulary and in other matters. In fact, no other
known writing is as much like 1 Peter as 2 Peter. The differences that do exist
may be accounted for by variations in subject matter, in the form and purpose
of the letters, in the time and circumstances of writing, in sources used or
models followed, and in scribes who may have been employed. Perhaps most
significant is the statement in 1Pe 5:12that Silas assisted in the writing of 1 Peter. No such statement
is made concerning 2 Peter, which may explain its noticeable difference in
style (see Introduction to 1 Peter: Author and Date).
Other objections arise
from a secular reconstruction of early Christian history or misunderstandings
or misconstructions of the available data. For example, some argue that the
reference to Paul's letters in 3:15-16 indicates an advanced date for this book
-- beyond Peter's lifetime. But it is quite possible that Paul's letters were
gathered at an early date, since some of them had been in existence and perhaps
in circulation for more than ten years (Thessalonians by as much as 15 years)
prior to Peter's death. Besides, what Peter says may only indicate that he was
acquainted with some of Paul's letters (communication in the Roman world and in
the early church was good), not that there was a formal, ecclesiastical
collection of them.
2 Peter was written
toward the end of Peter's life (cf. 1:12-15), after he had written a prior letter (3:1) to the same readers (probably 1 Peter). Since Peter was
martyred during the reign of Nero, his death must have occurred prior to a.d.
68; so it is very likely that he wrote 2 Peter between 65 and 68.
Some have argued that
this date is too early for the writing of 2 Peter, but nothing in the book
requires a later date. The error combated is comparable to the kind of heresy
present in the first century. To insist that the second chapter was directed
against second-century Gnosticism is to assume more than the contents of the
chapter warrant. While the heretics referred to in 2 Peter may well have been
among the forerunners of second-century Gnostics, nothing is said of them that
would not fit into the later years of Peter's life.
Some have suggested a
later date because they interpret the reference to the fathers in 3:4 to mean an earlier Christian generation. However, the word
is most naturally interpreted as the OT patriarchs (cf. Jn 6:31, "forefathers"; Ac 3:13; Heb 1:1). Similarly, reference to Paul and his
letters (3:15-16; see Author) does not require a date beyond
Peter's lifetime.
There are conspicuous
similarities between 2 Peter and Jude (compare 2Pe 2 withJude 4-18), but there are also significant differences. It has been
suggested that one borrowed from the other or that they both drew on a common
source. If there is borrowing, it is not a slavish borrowing but one that
adapts to suit the writer's purpose. While many have insisted that Jude used
Peter, it is more reasonable to assume that the longer letter (Peter)
incorporated much of the shorter (Jude). Such borrowing is fairly common in
ancient writings. For example, many believe that Paul used parts of early hymns
in Php 2:6-11 and 1Ti 3:16.
In his first letter
Peter feeds Christ's sheep by instructing them how to deal with persecution
from outside the church (see 1Pe 4:12); in this second letter he teaches them how to deal with false
teachers and evildoers who have come into the church (see 2:1; 3:3-4 and notes). While the particular
situations naturally call for variations in content and emphasis, in both
letters Peter as a pastor ("shepherd") of Christ's sheep (Jn 21:15-17) seeks to
commend to his readers a wholesome combination of Christian faith and practice.
More specifically, his purpose is threefold:
IV.
Warning against False
Teachers (ch. 2)
