Background

2 Peter is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, though its authorship has been debated over the centuries due to stylistic and thematic differences compared to 1 Peter. However, the letter itself claims Peter as the author (2 Peter 1:1) and references his approaching death (2 Peter 1:14), which aligns with early church tradition that Peter was martyred in Rome around AD 64-68.

The occasion for this letter is a warning against false teachers and deceptive doctrines infiltrating the Christian community. Peter writes to believers who are growing in their faith but face the danger of being led astray by false teaching, particularly concerning the second coming of Christ. The letter serves as Peter’s final testament, urging believers to remain steadfast in truth and godliness.

The purpose of the letter is twofold: to encourage believers to grow in their knowledge of God and to warn them against the influence of false teachers who distort the gospel and live immoral lives.

Key Themes

The certainty of Christ’s return: One of the central issues Peter addresses is the denial of Christ’s second coming by false teachers. Peter emphasises that Christ’s return is certain and that believers should live in expectation of it (2 Peter 3:3-10).

Spiritual growth: Peter encourages believers to continually grow in their faith by adding virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to their faith (2 Peter 1:5-8). Spiritual maturity is crucial for withstanding false teaching and living in accordance with God’s will.

Warning against false teachers: A significant portion of the letter (chapter 2) is dedicated to warning believers about false teachers who promote destructive heresies, lead immoral lives, and exploit others for personal gain. Peter uses vivid language to describe their fate and the danger they pose to the church.

The Day of the Lord: Peter emphasises the coming judgment and the ultimate destruction of the heavens and the earth by fire (2 Peter 3:10-12). He encourages believers to live holy and godly lives in light of this coming reality.

The Message for Today

2 Peter remains highly relevant to modern Christians as it addresses the ever-present challenge of false teachings and deceptive influences that can undermine faith. In an era where believers are exposed to various interpretations and teachings, Peter’s warning to be vigilant and grounded in the truth is timely. The call to spiritual growth and holiness is also important, reminding Christians that their faith should lead to continual transformation in character and conduct.

The letter emphasises the importance of understanding and holding firm to the truth of Scripture, encouraging believers to discern truth from error. The certainty of Christ’s return should motivate Christians to live lives that reflect their hope in his coming, fostering a lifestyle of godliness, patience, and active faith.

The Different Kingdom Lens

In contrast to the false teachers who promote self-indulgence, Peter calls believers to a life of discipline, self-control, and perseverance—values that are often at odds with the world’s pursuit of pleasure and materialism. The Kingdom of God operates on the principle of self-sacrifice, humility, and godliness, all of which run counter to the pride and greed exhibited by the false teachers in the letter.

Additionally, Peter’s emphasis on the return of Christ and the final judgment serves as a reminder that the present world is not the ultimate reality. The Kingdom of God, which will fully come with Christ’s return, calls believers to live in light of eternity, prioritizing godly character and faith over worldly pursuits.

The letter presents a worldview in which suffering and discipline are part of the Christian journey, but these hardships lead to spiritual maturity and eternal reward. Peter’s call to grow in knowledge and godliness reflects the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God, where greatness is measured not by power or wealth but by obedience, humility, and love.