General Epistles · New Testament
2 Peter
c. AD 65–68
- Section
- General Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 65–68
- Written
- c. AD 67 critical view: c. AD 100–110 (often considered the latest New Testament book)
- Author
- Peter the Apostle critical view: Anonymous (pseudonymous), c. early 2nd century
In his final letter, Peter warns against false teachers who deny the truth and mock the promise of Christ's return. He calls believers to grow in godly character, to trust the prophetic word confirmed at the Transfiguration, and to remember that the Lord's apparent delay is his patience.
Key themes
- Growing in godliness
- Warning against false teachers
- The certainty of Christ's return
- The trustworthy word
- God's patience
The letter's message
- Add to your faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, and love, confirming your calling
- The prophetic word is sure, confirmed by the eyewitness glory at the Transfiguration
- False teachers will arise and be judged, as in the days of Noah and Lot
- Scoffers will mock the promise of Christ's return in the last days
- The Lord is patient, not slack; the day of the Lord will come like a thief
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”