The Second Letter of Peter

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The recipients of this letter were the same group of Christians addressed in Peter's first letter.  They were in danger of being confused by false teachers.

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Peter, as a "shepherd" of Christ's sheep is particularly concerned about the false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.  He teaches the church how to deal with these false teachers but also seeks to commend to his readers a wholesome combination of Christian faith and practice.  The Lord is certain to return, so the believers are to be watchful.


I.  Introduction (1:1-2)
II.  Growth in Christian Virtues (1:3-11)
III.  Peter's Message (1:12-21)
IV.  Warning Against False Teachers (2:1-22)
V.  Jesus' Return (3:1-16)
VI.  Conclusion (3:17-18)

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In chapters 1-2, Peter gives guidance and reassurance to the growing church and claims that the Gospel they are preaching is of Jesus Christ.  He claimed, “We were witness of His Majesty” (1:16), and that men who were, “Moved by the Holy Spirit” wrote all of the teachings of Scripture (1:21).  The trouble they were dealing with was the beginning of what we now know as “Gnosticism” a philosophical principal that was hurting the churches. Peter went on to teach that, in the end, God would judge all of the false prophets.

  • Chapter 3, Peter encourages believers with the coming Day of the Lord. The Earth will receive its punishment and the righteous will dwell in the “New Heavens and the New Earth”.  His final warning is critical which he claims, “Be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men” (3:17).

  • “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust”
    (1:4).
  • continue to 1 John...