Reference: Peter, Second Epistle Of
Easton
The question of the authenticity of this epistle has been much discussed, but the weight of evidence is wholly in favour of its claim to be the production of the apostle whose name it bears. It appears to have been written shortly before the apostle's death (1:14). This epistle contains eleven references to the Old Testament. It also contains (3:15, 16) a remarkable reference to Paul's epistles. Some think this reference is to 1Th 4:13-5:11. A few years ago, among other documents, a parchment fragment, called the "Gospel of Peter," was discovered in a Christian tomb at Akhmim in Upper Egypt. Origen (obiit A.D. 254), Eusebius (obiit 340), and Jerome (obiit 420) refer to such a work, and hence it has been concluded that it was probably written about the middle of the second century. It professes to give a history of our Lord's resurrection and ascension. While differing in not a few particulars from the canonical Gospels, the writer shows plainly that he was acquinted both with the synoptics and with the Gospel of John. Though apocryphal, it is of considerable value as showing that the main facts of the history of our Lord were then widely known.
Hastings
This Epistle cannot rank with 1Peter as a Christian classic; indeed, very many would agree with J
See Verses Found in Dictionary
All things are delivered to me by my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, but the Father; nor does any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom the Son is pleased to reveal Him.
Take but my yoke upon you, and learn of me, (for I am meek and lowly in heart,) and ye shall find refreshment to your souls:
but if I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, then certainly the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or, how can any one enter into the house of a strong man, and take away his goods, unless he first overpower the strong man? and then indeed he may strip his house.
Now when an impure spirit is gone out of a man, he wanders through dry desert places, seeking rest, and findeth none: then saith he, I will return into my house, that I came out of; and when he cometh, he findeth it empty, swept, and set off to advantage: read more. then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and so the last state of that man is worse than the first. And thus shall it be to this wicked generation.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I tell you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon the twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel:
So when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon his glorious throne:
But in those days, after that affliction, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give it's light; and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers in the heavens shall be shaken; read more. and then shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds, with great power and glory.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words cannot pass away.
And He said, To you it is granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but I speak to others in parables, that in seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
No man when he hath lighted a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a couch; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light.
and men ready to die for fear and apprehension of the things that are coming upon the land; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming, as on a cloud, with power and great glory. read more. But when these things begin to come to pass, look upwards and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.
Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast younger, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst about where thou wouldest: but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch out thine hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee where thou wouldest not. This He said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had said this, He saith unto him, Follow me.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out: that seasons of refreshing may come upon you from the presence of the Lord; and He may send Jesus Christ, who was before preached unto you: read more. whom heaven must indeed receive till the times of settling all things, of which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets from the beginning.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
destruction and misery are in their ways:
Neither yield your bodies as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but present yourselves to God as alive from the dead, and your bodies as instruments of righteousness to God.
And what if God, though resolved to shew his displeasure at last, and to make known his power, yet bore with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction?
For we know that if our earthly house, which is but as a tent, were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
that your hearts may be established unblameable in holiness, before God even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints.
And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly: and grant that your whole frame, spirit, soul, and body may be kept blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ to the strangers who are dispersed through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,
to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
concerning which salvation the prophets, who prophesied of the grace to be conferred on you, enquired and diligently sought after it: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did declare in testifying beforehand the sufferings that were to come upon Christ, and the glories following them: read more. to whom it was revealed, that it was not to themselves, but to us they ministered these things, which are now declared unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you, through the holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober, and stedfastly hope for the grace to be conferred upon you at the appearing of Jesus Christ;
but as He who hath called you is holy, be ye also holy in all your conversation: since it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.
Having therefore purified your souls by obedience to the truth, through the Spirit, to brotherly love unfeigned, love one another with a pure heart fervently: being regenerated not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.
and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. These stumble at the word through unbelief, unto which also they were appointed.
For so is the will of God, that by your good behaviour ye may silence the ignorance of foolish men:
but rejoice in that ye are partakers in the sufferings of Christ; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may also rejoice with exceeding joy.
The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you,
But may the God of all grace, who hath called us to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a little while, make you perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord; as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue,
as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue,
as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue,
as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue,
as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue, by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude;
And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude;
And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude;
And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude;
And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude; and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;
and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;
and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;
and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;
and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;
and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety; and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity.
and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity.
and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity.
and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity.
and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity.
and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity. For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins.
But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins.
But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins.
But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins. Wherefore, my brethren, be the more diligent thus to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.
Wherefore, my brethren, be the more diligent thus to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.
Wherefore, my brethren, be the more diligent thus to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.
Wherefore, my brethren, be the more diligent thus to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in mind of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in mind of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in mind of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in mind of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth. And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance:
And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance:
And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance:
And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance:
And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance: knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. And I will endeavour that after my departure also ye may always be able to call these things to remembrance.
And I will endeavour that after my departure also ye may always be able to call these things to remembrance.
And I will endeavour that after my departure also ye may always be able to call these things to remembrance.
And I will endeavour that after my departure also ye may always be able to call these things to remembrance. For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.
And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.
And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.
And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.
And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount. We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts:
We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts:
We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts:
We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts:
We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts:
We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;
knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation; for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
And many will follow their pernicious tenets, on whose account the way of truth will be reproached:
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgement; and if He spared not the old world,
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgement; and if He spared not the old world,
(for that good man by seeing and hearing their crimes, when he dwelt among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day with their
(for that good man by seeing and hearing their crimes, when he dwelt among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day with their
whereas angels, who are greater in strength and power, bring not a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.
who account it a pleasure to riot even in the day; spots and disgraces; revelling in their frauds, while they partake of your feasts: having eyes full of adultery, and which cannot be restrained from sin: ensnaring unstable souls, and having a heart practised in rapine; cursed people: read more. who have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity; but was reproved for his transgression: for a dumb beast speaking with the voice of a man checked the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm, for whom thick darkness is reserved for ever.
These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm, for whom thick darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak swelling words of vanity, they ensnare in the lusts of the flesh, through their lasciviousness, those who had indeed withdrawn from such as deal in error;
For when they speak swelling words of vanity, they ensnare in the lusts of the flesh, through their lasciviousness, those who had indeed withdrawn from such as deal in error; promising them liberty, while they themselves are the slaves of corruption: for by whom any one is vanquished, by him he is also enslaved.
promising them liberty, while they themselves are the slaves of corruption: for by whom any one is vanquished, by him he is also enslaved. For if, after they had escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled and vanquished by them, their last state is worse than the first; read more. for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than when they knew it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than when they knew it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than when they knew it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it is happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog is returned to his own vomit, and, The swine that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
This second epistle, my beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your sincere mind in remembrance,
This second epistle, my beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your sincere mind in remembrance, that ye may be mindful of the words formerly spoken by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: knowing this first, read more. that there will come in the last days scoffers,
For they are willingly ignorant of this, that by the Word of God the heavens were made of old, and the earth too from the water, and subsisting on the water. Whence the old world being drowned in water perished. read more. But the heavens and the earth, that now are, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire on the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men.
But the heavens and the earth, that now are, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire on the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men. But, beloved; be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. read more. The Lord is not slow as to his promise (as some count it slowness) but is long-suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works therein shall be burnt up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works therein shall be burnt up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works therein shall be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness,
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness,
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness,
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness, expecting and hastening on the coming of the day of God, whereby the heavens being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the burning elements shall be melted.
expecting and hastening on the coming of the day of God, whereby the heavens being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the burning elements shall be melted.
expecting and hastening on the coming of the day of God, whereby the heavens being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the burning elements shall be melted.
expecting and hastening on the coming of the day of God, whereby the heavens being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the burning elements shall be melted.
expecting and hastening on the coming of the day of God, whereby the heavens being set on fire shall be dissolved, and the burning elements shall be melted. But we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwelleth.
But we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwelleth. Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye expect these things, give diligence to be found of Him in peace, spotless and blameless;
Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye expect these things, give diligence to be found of Him in peace, spotless and blameless; and account the long-suffering of our Lord salvation, as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, hath written unto you; read more. as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which are some things hard to be understood, which the illiterate and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which are some things hard to be understood, which the illiterate and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which are some things hard to be understood, which the illiterate and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: to Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: to Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and yet thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr; who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee; for thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. read more. So thou hast also them that hold the like doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate. Repent therefore---if not, I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword that goeth out of my mouth. Let him, that hath an ear, hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna: and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth, but He that receiveth it. And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, These things saith the Son of God, who hath eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass; I know thy works, and thy love, and thy service, and thy faith, and thy patience, and that thy last works are more than the first. But I have a few things against thee; because thou sufferest the woman Jezabel, who saith that she is a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her fornication, and she repented not. Behold I will cast her into a bed, and those that commit whoredom with her, into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds: and I will cut off her children by death; and all the churches shall know, that I am He who searcheth the reins and hearts, and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But to you I say, to the rest in Thyatira, As many as do not hold this doctrine, and who are unacquainted with the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will lay on you no other burden:
Morish
The object of this epistle appears to be primarily the confirmation of the minds of Jewish believers in the certainty of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have in it the only record by an eye-witness of what took place on the Mount of Transfiguration. This vision made more sure the word of prophecy to which saints did well in taking heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, till the day dawned, and the day-star arose in their hearts.
But before the kingdom could be displayed, it was necessary that the corruption of Christianity, which had already set in, should be complete and the course and climax of this corruption are vividly portrayed in 2 Peter 2. It originated in false teachers privily bringing in destructive heresies, denying the Lord that bought them. The development of this evil is viewed in the light of wickedness (rather than of apostasy, as in the Epistle of Jude), as that which is specially obnoxious to the government of God. While in Jude the gainsaying of Core is shown to be the culminating point of apostasy, here the incitement to abominable wickedness by Balaam is before the mind of the Spirit, indicating how corrupting the influence of those who held the place of 'prophet' would become.
In the concluding part of the epistle (2 Peter 3) we have also the closing phase of unbelief (perhaps Jewish), namely, scepticism, built up on the assumed unchangeability of the creation, as to the coming of the day of the Lord. And this becomes the occasion of the apostle's leading the minds of the saints beyond the thoughts of the kingdom to that which, resting on perfect moral foundations, is eternal and unchangeable. The day of the Lord was a means to an and, and would make way for the day of God, and the fulfilment of His promise of new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness would reside, and in view of which the existing heavens and earth would pass away. Saints, knowing these things before, were not to fall from their stedfastness, but to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Smith
Peter, Second Epistle of.
The following is a brief outline of the contents of this epistle: The customary opening salutation is followed by an enumeration of Christian blessings and exhortation to Christian duties.
Referring then to his approaching death, the apostle assigns as grounds of assurance for believers his own personal testimony as eye-witness of the transfiguration and the sure word of prophecy--that is the testimony of the Holy Ghost. vs.
The danger of being misled by false prophets is dwelt upon with great earnestness throughout the second chapter, which is almost identical in language and subject with the Epistle of Jude. The overthrow of all opponents of Christian truth is predicted in connection with prophecies touching the second advent of Christ, the destruction of the world by fire, and the promise of new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. ch. 3. This epistle of Peter presents questions of difficulty. Doubts as to its genuineness were entertained by the early Church; in the time of Eusebius it was reckoned among the disputed books, and was not formally admitted into the canon until the year 393, at the Council of Hippo. These difficulties, however, are insufficient to justify more than hesitation in admitting its ,genuineness. A majority of names may be quoted in support of the genuineness and authenticity of this epistle. (It is very uncertain as to the time when it was written. It was written near the close of Peter's life--perhaps about A.D. 68--from Rome or somewhere on the journey thither from the East --Alford.)
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Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord; read more. as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue, by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude; and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety; and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity. For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins. Wherefore, my brethren, be the more diligent thus to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in mind of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth. And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance: knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. And I will endeavour that after my departure also ye may always be able to call these things to remembrance. For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount. We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation; for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.