The Bible Says Commentary on 2 Peter

Second Peter was written by the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers. Scholars generally place its composition between AD 65 and AD 68, possibly near the end of Peter’s life during the reign of Emperor Nero (who ruled from AD 54 to AD 68). The letter addresses believers who faced confusion and threats from false teachers undermining Christian truth. Peter’s goal is to call believers to a steadfast faith rooted in the divine promises of Christ.

The opening of the letter encourages believers to grow in virtue, knowledge, self—control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, as Peter writes, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8). Such qualities help guard against falling prey to deceitful doctrines. Peter also reminds readers that his teaching is based on firsthand experience, saying, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:16). This emphasis on being eyewitnesses affirms the reliability of his message.

A central concern of Second Peter is confronting false teachers who challenge the promise of the Lord’s return and twist God’s Word for their own troubled gain. Peter warns that these individuals live in wanton sin and seek to exploit believers. He reassures his audience that God will bring judgment upon evil, just as He has done in the past, highlighting that the Lord’s patience is an act of mercy before the ultimate day of reckoning. As Peter urges readers to wait faithfully for Christ’s return, he says, “But do not let this one fact escape your notice…that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (3:8).

Closing the letter, Peter underscores the importance of continuing to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This call serves as both a remedy against false teaching and as a motivation to live in anticipation of the new heavens and new earth. Thus, Second Peter stands as an urgent encouragement for believers to remain vigilant and to cultivate a mature faith that holds fast to God’s promises, even in a hostile and misleading environment.