Introduction to 2 Peter

We begin our study of Second Peter, following our exploration of First Peter in the Petrine corpus. While these two letters share the name Peter, many scholars argue that this is where their similarities end. First Peter is universally recognized among the 22 New Testament books classified as canonical, whereas Second Peter has a more complicated history. It is often categorized as a “disputed book” in the reception of the canon.

The historian Eusebius notes that by the 4th century, most of the early church had accepted Second Peter as Scripture. Michael Kruger, a New Testament scholar and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, highlights this struggle in his book Canon Revisited. He asserts that Second Peter endured one of the most challenging journeys into the New Testament canon.

Today, Second Peter is widely viewed as pseudonymous, with many scholars dating it to the early 2nd century. However, others argue for traditional authorship and an earlier date. John Calvin, in his commentary on Second Peter, acknowledged the stylistic differences between the two letters but concluded that Peter was the author. Calvin suggested that Peter may have dictated the letter to a disciple due to his old age. Scholars like Michael Kruger and Thomas Schreiner, however, believe there is strong evidence for Peter’s direct authorship and an early date.

The Case for Petrine Authorship

One argument for Peter’s authorship is the external evidence. For example, First Clement (written in 96 AD) refers to Second Peter, indicating its existence before that time. Early church fathers ultimately accepted Second Peter as the Word of God.

The internal evidence is even more compelling. The author identifies himself as Simeon Peter—a less common form of Peter’s name used only in Acts 15:14 in the New Testament. A forger would likely have used the more common “Peter” to create a convincing narrative. The use of “Simeon Peter” adds credibility to the letter’s authenticity.

Additionally, the author claims to be an eyewitness to the Transfiguration and speaks of his impending death as foretold by Jesus. These personal details suggest genuine authorship rather than forgery. A forger would likely have borrowed heavily from First Peter to establish continuity, but Second Peter addresses entirely different topics, supporting its authenticity.

Calvin’s observation about the stylistic differences between the letters need not trouble us. Different topics often call for different styles. First Peter addresses one issue, while Second Peter deals with another, naturally resulting in stylistic variation.

If Peter authored this letter, it must have been written before his death under Nero’s reign, which ended in 68 AD. This places the writing of Second Peter around 66–67 AD, shortly after First Peter.

Who Was Second Peter Written To?

Unlike First Peter, this letter does not specify a particular audience. However, in 3:1, Peter refers to it as his second letter to the same recipients. If this is indeed the follow-up to First Peter, it was addressed to the “elect exiles of the dispersion” in Asia Minor, encompassing both Jewish and Gentile believers.

Why Was It Written?

Simon Kistemaker identifies three main purposes in this epistle:

1. Encouraging Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1)
2. Opposing False Teachers (2 Peter 2)
3. Preparing for the End of the World and Judgment (2 Peter 3)

Peter, knowing his life was nearing its end, sought to equip Christians with perseverance and growth in faith. This letter aims to prepare them to resist false teachers and remain steadfast in the truth, confident in Christ’s return and the final judgment.

The Greeting as a Summary of Purpose

Peter’s opening greeting reveals the letter’s purpose, structured under three points:

1. Peter Reminds Believers Who They Are – Their identity as followers of Christ.
2. Peter Reminds Believers of What They Have – The gifts and promises of God.
3. Peter Reminds Believers of What They Need – Perseverance and growth in grace.

Through these reminders, Peter calls his audience to stand firm in their faith, preparing them for the challenges ahead.

Peter Sets The Stage For The Purpose Of The Letter