2nd Letter of Peter = Interesting Reminders!

Bible Background: This letter is likely the ‘newest’ book in the New Testament, written somewhere between 100-150 AD (long after the Apostle Peter would have died.) It was not uncommon (nor was it considered a ‘forgery’) for a follower of a well-known leader to pen a letter in the leader’s name. 2nd Peter is a bit of an odd letter: It is not that similar to 1st Peter either in style, vocabulary, or message. It is addressed to various Christian communities, to reinforce faith and belief, and to resist false teachers. It is somewhat harsh in that regard and does not reflect the hospitality and welcome that 1st Peter expresses.

Digging Deeper: 1. So, why should we bother to read 2nd Peter? Well, partly because it’s in the Bible! And like any piece of scripture we should look for what is good and faithful and instructional-and we ought not be afraid to question those writings that are inconsistent with the Gospel. Second Peter was included in the Canon (the 66 ‘books’ of scripture) by church leaders centuries ago; likely on the assumption that Peter, the ‘head’ of the early church, wrote it! Honestly, some of its words are jarring and concerning, targeted at ‘false teachers’, and maybe ‘false believers?’

2. One scholar calls 2nd Peter “the Baby” of the family, as in: this writer likely had access to all the other scriptures (Old and New), and was of a new generation in history-who might have some legitimate concerns about tradition and changes. This is an “insider” letter, to insiders.

3. The opening ‘address’ in this letter is gracious and revealing: The writer, using the name “Simeon Peter” (which is a mixture of Greek and Jewish-suggesting he has a foot in two very different worlds!), offers “grace and peace in abundance!” Sounds good! By the end of the 1st paragraph, we also see how he is concerned about “corruption in the world, caused by lust”. There will be some sharp words to follow!

4. The 2nd paragraph also sounds good: “support your faith with goodness, godliness, knowlege, self-control, endurance, mutual affection, and love! Excellent points! In the next breath, the writer is ready to pronounce judgement on those who lack these things. “Judgement” looms large in this letter. “Grace” is harder to come by! He is not echoing Paul’s promise that “we are saved by grace, through faith.”

5. There is a reward for right belief and behavior: the eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ will come to you! Note the heavy emphasis on our need to get things right and do things right, vs. the promise elsewhere that Christ’s own righteousness has made us right in God’s sight.

6. Part of what we read in 2nd Peter can instruct us; and part can caution us. Christians/Churches are always to be attentive to right belief/behavior, but dare not become more exclusive than Jesus ever intended. This is exactly what drives so many denominations to split internally or refuse to partner with other denominations. The Christian Family Tree is not always a very cohesive group!