2 Peter— Knowing and Growing
6.14.23
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
Peter grew up as Simon in a fisherman’s home, along with his brother Andrew. After Andrew came to the Lord, he found his brother, and brought him to Jesus. Simon’s name was changed by the Savior to Peter (Cephas), which means rock. Along with James and John, he became part of an inner circle of disciples that was especially close to the Lord.
The early life of Peter was characterized by impetuousness, but following Jesus’ ascension, Peter became a strong leader in the early church. He was especially called to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles [Acts 10].
The authorship of this epistle has been the most disputed in the NT. The chief problem was that it was seldom referred to in Christian writings during the first two centuries. It was not fully accepted as an authentic NT text until the third century. And yet, the internal evidence for its authorship is very strong. Peter identifies himself (1:1), asserts that he was a witness to the Transfiguration (1:16-18), and states that this is his second letter to his readers (3:1).
“The books of Holy Scripture and human compositions lie in different planes; they do not bear comparison. There is an indescribable something in the Word of God that appeals to the human nature which God created, to the conscience which bears witness of Him—something which tells us that the message comes from God. The Second Epistle of St. Peter possesses that authority, that holy beauty, those notes of inspiration that differentiate the sacred writings from the works of man.” [The Pulpit Commentary]
This was an encyclical letter to the same group of believers in Asia Minor to whom Peter wrote his first letter. He likely wrote this from the same location near the close of his life. He saw the dangerous clouds of false doctrines and Nero’s persecutions on the horizon. He was martyred by Nero in 67 or 68 BC.
Peter’s first epistle dealt with suffering, and the glory that is to come. In this second letter, Peter desired to counteract the influence of false doctrine, and encourage his readers to become mature in their Christian lives. In the first, he instructed the believers on how to react to external enemies, and in the second, he urged the believers to resist internal adversaries to the truth. The word ‘know’ is prominent, used some sixteen times.
The false teaching he warned about was of a lawlessness nature, leading to irreverence, immoral tendencies, and insubordination. Therefore, Peter laid great emphasis on three things: the Word of God (1:16-21), the fulfillment of all of the divine promises (1:2-11), and the certainty of Christ’s return (3:1-14). What Peter saw in its beginning stages has come to full fruition in our age. False doctrines, and the persecution of God’s people worldwide, are rife.
Peter speaks of Christ as the source of life and godliness. He also speaks of Christ’s Transfiguration and of His Coming. When He comes, all the world will see what Peter and the other two disciples were privileged to see on that holy mountain.
In light of Peter’s message, many people believe that the dawn of our atomic age has brought us to the brink of that great and terrible day of the Lord! Indeed, given what Peter has written, what manner of persons we ought to be, in holy living and godliness? We need to be readuy for His coming, and seek to reach others for the Savior.