Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Introduction to 2 Peter From a fiance From selfish sister From a lazy co-worker Context can radically change the meaning of a message received

Authorship of 2 Peter 2 Peter 1:1 The Greek text here actually says, "Simeon Peter" not "Simon Peter.“ Peter is also called "Simeon" by James in Acts 15:14. It is more likely that the real person would use a variant of his name than a forger

Authorship of 2 Peter 2 Peter 1:1 2 Peter 3:4, "ever since our fathers died," refers to the first-generation of Christians that had died “Our fathers “ refers to Old Testament Patriarchs in Acts 3:13; Romans 9:5 & Hebrews 1:1 2 Peter is written more than 30 years after Jesus’ resurrection, and some early disciples had already died

Authorship of 2 Peter 2 Peter 1:1 There is too much variation between First and Second Peter 1 Peter 5:12 tells us that Silvanus was the Peter’s secretary in writing First Peter Second Peter is either Peter’s own writing or he is using a different secretary

Time of Writing Peter expected to die soon (2 Peter 1:14) He died during Nero’s reign which ended A.D. 68 2 Peter was written about A.D. 66 or 67

Audience Those who "received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior. . .” (2 Peter 1:1) The same as those in 1 Peter 1:1 - Jewish & Gentile believers throughout what is modern northern & central Turkey

The Purpose of 2 Peter A plea to grow in maturity in order to combat false teachers and in view of coming Day of the Lord Remind them of what they have already been taught (2 Peter 1:12; 3:1) Biblical churches are marked by adherence to Apostolic doctrine The cults, apostate & aberrant Christianity are marked by men developing new doctrine

2 Peter Outline Chapter 1 - Call to Maturity (Holiness) Chapter 2 - Combating False Teachers (Heresy) Chapter 3 - Coming of the Day of the Lord (Hope)

2 Peter Outline Chapter 1 - Call to Maturity (Holiness) 1-2: Salutation 3-11: Growth in Christ 12-21: Ground of belief

2 Peter Outline Chapter 2 - Combating False Teachers (Heresy) 1-3 Danger of false teachers 4-9 Destruction of false teachers 10-22 Description of false teachers

2 Peter Outline Chapter 3 - Coming of the Day of the Lord (Hope) 1-7 Mockery in the last days 8-10 Manifestation of the Day of the Lord 11-18 Maturity in view of the Day of the Lord

Simon Peter The brother of Andrew. Both were followers of John the Baptist & looking for the coming of the Messiah Jesus gives Simon the additional name of Cephas / Peter, meaning “stone” Peter traveled with Jesus back to Galilee and saw Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana along the way.

Simon Peter Peter’s prejudices were challenged when Jesus spoke to the woman at the well & they stayed in Samaria Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James & John to be “fishers of men” (Luke 5:10) Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:30) Peter led around a believing wife on his missionary journeys (1 Cor. 9:5)

Simon Peter Peter follows Jesus in ministry for three years, learning & growing in Faith Peter could be bold in faith (getting out of the boat), but could also waver (sinking) Matthew 14 Peter correctly identified Jesus and His origin, but could be shortsighted & boastful (Matt. 16:16-17, 21-23)

Simon Peter Peter was bold when Jesus was present (John 18:10), but fearful when standing alone (Luke 22:55f) Jesus restored Peter to ministry (John 21), and he became bold after the coming of the Holy Spirit

Simon Peter Peter was the primary preacher Acts 2-5 Peter broke the barrier to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10) Peter identified himself as the slave (dou'lo" / doulos) & an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ

Conclusions Peter was a common fisherman, but he yielded his life to follow Jesus and God used him mightily. God desires to use your life in a similar manner.

Conclusions Are you willing to be humble enough to both trust and follow the Lord as His slave?

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ