Faith & Reason Nexus

AUTHOR: Peter

TIME WRITTEN: Shortly before A.D. 64

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 61st Book in the Bible
• 22nd Book in the New Testament
• 17th of 21 Epistle Books (Romans – Jude)
• 5 Books to follow it

CHAPTERS: 3

VERSES: 61

WORDS: 1,559

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT 2 PETER:

• Peter’s Background:
• One of the original 12 apostles and part of the inner circle with James and John.
• Denied Christ three times during the night of betrayal but was later restored.
• Given the “keys” to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing his role in the early church’s expansion to both Jews (Acts 2) and Gentiles (Acts 11).
• Was married, with his wife occasionally traveling with him (1 Corinthians 9:5).
• Served as an elder in the church (1 Peter 5:1-4).
• Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome before Nero’s death around A.D. 68.
• Authorship and Content:
• 2 Peter was written shortly before Peter’s death and addresses the dangers of false teaching.
• The epistle warns against “destructive heresies” (2:1) and provides guidance on how to counteract such teachings.
• Christian Virtues:
• Peter outlines eight virtues essential for Christians:
  • Faith
  • Virtue
  • Knowledge
  • Self-control
  • Perseverance
  • Godliness
  • Brotherly kindness
  • Love
• Themes:
• The letter focuses on internal opposition and the threat of false teachers leading Christians into error and immorality.
• It emphasizes the importance of growing in spiritual knowledge and living a godly life.
• Notable Verse:
• 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter is a vital part of the New Testament, providing warnings about false teachings and instructions on living a virtuous Christian life while awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises.