BACKGROUND NOTES ON THE BOOK OF 2 PETER

Author
The author of 2 Peter is identified as the apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:1). Conservative scholars affirm Petrine authorship, though some debate exists due to differences in style compared to 1 Peter. However, factors such as Peter using a different scribe or writing under different circumstances can account for these variations. Early church fathers, including Origen and Eusebius, acknowledged the letter as Peter's, though it faced more scrutiny in the canonization process.
 
Why was it written?
Peter wrote this letter to warn believers about false teachers infiltrating the church and to encourage them to remain steadfast in the true faith. He exhorts them to grow in godliness, reminds them of the certainty of Christ's return, and warns against moral corruption and doctrinal deception.
 
How and when was it written?
2 Peter was likely written in Rome between AD 65-68, near the end of Peter's life. The letter suggests that Peter was aware of his impending martyrdom (2 Peter 1:14), which, according to tradition, occurred under Emperor Nero's persecution.
 
First audience and destination
The letter was written to the same general audience as 1 Peter, likely believers scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These Christians faced not only external persecution but also internal threats from false teachers who denied Christ's return and promoted immoral behavior.
 
Literary style
2 Peter is written in a more forceful and direct style compared to 1 Peter. It contains elements of Jewish apocalyptic literature and makes heavy use of Old Testament references. The letter shares similarities with Jude, particularly in warning against false teachers.
 
Themes
· The danger of false teachers: A strong warning against deception and corruption.
· The certainty of Christ's return: Affirming the promise of His second coming.
· Growth in godliness: Encouragement to develop Christian virtues.
· The authority of Scripture: Affirming the inspiration of prophecy and apostolic testimony.
· Judgment and divine justice: Warnings about the coming judgment of the ungodly.
 
Special features
· Emphasis on the transfiguration of Christ as a confirmation of His power and return (2 Peter 1:16-18).
· Strong parallels with the book of Jude regarding false teachers.
· A reminder that God's timing is different from human perception (2 Peter 3:8-9).
· A call to remain steadfast and not be led astray by error (2 Peter 3:17).
· Reference to Paul's letters as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16), highlighting early recognition of the New Testament canon.
 
General structure
· Chapter 1:1-2: Introduction - Greeting and purpose
· Chapter 1:3-11: Call to spiritual growth - Developing Christian virtues
· Chapter 1:12-21: The authority of apostolic witness - Affirmation of prophecy and Scripture
· Chapter 2:1-22: Warning against false teachers - Description and judgment of false teachers
· Chapter 3:1-13: The certainty of Christ's return - Refuting skeptics and encouraging holiness
· Chapter 3:14-18: Final exhortations and conclusion - Call to remain faithful and grow in grace