NT Survey I 2 Peter

Introductory Matters for 2 Peter Author: The Apostle Peter, a member of Jesus’ inner circle and spokesman for the twelve. Author: The Apostle Peter, a member of Jesus’ inner circle and spokesman for the twelve. His ministry from Pentecost until the Jerusalem Council is recorded in the book of Acts, after that he disappears. His ministry from Pentecost until the Jerusalem Council is recorded in the book of Acts, after that he disappears. Tradition says he was crucified upside down by Nero in approximately 67 AD. Tradition says he was crucified upside down by Nero in approximately 67 AD. Date: Sometime between 65 and 67 AD, sometime after Peter’s first letter (cf. 3:1). Though not explicit in the letter, Peter may have written from a prison in Rome, where he faced imminent death. Date: Sometime between 65 and 67 AD, sometime after Peter’s first letter (cf. 3:1). Though not explicit in the letter, Peter may have written from a prison in Rome, where he faced imminent death.

Introductory Matters for 2 Peter Audience: The letter is addressed generally “to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (1:1). Audience: The letter is addressed generally “to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (1:1). While this would include those addressed in 1 Peter, the letter probably had an even broader circulation. While this would include those addressed in 1 Peter, the letter probably had an even broader circulation. The churches who received it would have been made up of both Jews and Gentiles, but with the Gentiles in the majority. The churches who received it would have been made up of both Jews and Gentiles, but with the Gentiles in the majority.

Introductory Matters for 2 Peter Occasion: Occasion: Information received about the outbreak of false teaching within the church. Peter’s first epistle addressed believers to persevere as they faced dangers from without; this one warned them about dangers from within. Information received about the outbreak of false teaching within the church. Peter’s first epistle addressed believers to persevere as they faced dangers from without; this one warned them about dangers from within. Perhaps Peter’s personal circumstances also prompted him to write. He knows his death is near (1:14), and wants to leave something to encourage believers even after he is gone. Perhaps Peter’s personal circumstances also prompted him to write. He knows his death is near (1:14), and wants to leave something to encourage believers even after he is gone. Character: Vivid description and strong denunciation of false teachers; close connections with the letter of Jude. Character: Vivid description and strong denunciation of false teachers; close connections with the letter of Jude.

Major Themes in 2 Peter False Teaching False Teaching Christian Growth/Godliness/Holiness Christian Growth/Godliness/Holiness Know/Knowledge (16x) Know/Knowledge (16x) Reminding Reminding The Coming Day of the Lord The Coming Day of the Lord

Purpose Statement for 2 Peter Peter exhorts believers to grow in Christ, warning them of the dangers of false teachers and false teaching arising within the church and reminding them to live a holy life in light of the coming Day of the Lord. Peter exhorts believers to grow in Christ, warning them of the dangers of false teachers and false teaching arising within the church and reminding them to live a holy life in light of the coming Day of the Lord.

Survey of 2 Peter Greeting and Prologue (1:1-4) Greeting and Prologue (1:1-4) After his opening greeting Peter, affirms that God has given believers everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of God. After his opening greeting Peter, affirms that God has given believers everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of God. Exhortation to Growth in the Christian Life (1:5-21) Exhortation to Growth in the Christian Life (1:5-21) Verses 3-4 describe what God has done; verses 5-11 describe the believer’s responsibility to pursue holiness: “make your calling and election sure” (1:10). Verses 3-4 describe what God has done; verses 5-11 describe the believer’s responsibility to pursue holiness: “make your calling and election sure” (1:10). Peter explains why he is writing (1:12-15), the character of his witness (1:14-18), and the character of scripture (1:19-21). Peter explains why he is writing (1:12-15), the character of his witness (1:14-18), and the character of scripture (1:19-21).

Survey of 2 Peter Warning About False Teachers (2:1-22) Warning About False Teachers (2:1-22) Peter warns believers against the infiltration of false teachers into the church, describing their unrighteous character and practices. He uses examples from the OT to show the ultimate outcomes for both the wicked and the righteous. Peter warns believers against the infiltration of false teachers into the church, describing their unrighteous character and practices. He uses examples from the OT to show the ultimate outcomes for both the wicked and the righteous. Warning About Scoffers and the Coming Day of the Lord (3:1-18) Warning About Scoffers and the Coming Day of the Lord (3:1-18) Peter warns against those who are mocking at the return of Christ, who say “all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (3:4). He reminds his readers of the certainty of the Day of the Lord and exhorts them to walk in light of it. Peter warns against those who are mocking at the return of Christ, who say “all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (3:4). He reminds his readers of the certainty of the Day of the Lord and exhorts them to walk in light of it.

Next Week: 1 John Spring semester will start on Jan 27.