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 have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son, but the Father; nor does any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.
But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has already come upon you. Or, how can any one enter the house of the strong man and spoil his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? and then he will plunder his house.
When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says: I will return to my house, out of which I came. And he comes and finds it empty, swept, and. set in order. read more. Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it be with this wicked generation.
Jesus said to them: Verily I say to you, That, in the restoration, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you also who have followed me shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
When the Son of man shall come in his own glory, and all the holy angels with him, then will he sit on the throne of his own glory;
But in those days, after that affliction, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, and the stars of heaven will fall, and the hosts that are in the heavens will 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 shall not pass away.
He replied: To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that when they see, they may not see, and when they hear, they may not understand.
No one when he has lighted a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a divan, but sets it on a lamp-stand, that they who come in may see the light.
men's hearts failing on account of the fearful expectation of the things that are coming on the land; for the hosts of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. read more. When these things begin to take place, look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.
Verily, verily I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself, and walked whither you chose; but when you have become old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you, and lead you whither you would not. But this he said, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said to him: Follow me.
Repent, therefore, and turn, in order that your sins may be blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus Christ, who was destined for you; read more. whom heaven must retain, till the time for restoring all things that God has spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets of ancient times.
Or, do you despise the riches of his goodness, and his forbearance, and his long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
destruction and misery are in their ways;
and present not your members to sin, as instruments of unrighteousness: but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead; and your members to God, as instruments of righteousness.
What, then, if God, intending to show his wrath, and to make his power known, yet, in much long-suffering bore with the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction:
For we know that if our earthly house, which is but a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
in order that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness, in the presence of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the sojourners that are dispersed through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
in respect to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for us,
Concerning which salvation the prophets that prophesied of the grace that should be for you, did inquire, and search diligently, inquiring what things, and what time, the Spirit of Christ that was in them did signify, when it testified, before hand, the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them; read more. to whom it was revealed, that, not for themselves, but for us, they ministered the things that are now preached to you by those who have made known to you the gospel, through the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; into which things angels desire to look. Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind; be watchful, and hope constantly for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ:
but as he who has called you is holy, so be you holy in all your behavior: because it is written, Be you holy, for I am holy.
Having purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, to unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another with a pure heart fervently, having been begotten again, not with corruptible seed, but with incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.
and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense to the disobedient, who stumble at the word because they are disobedient, to which stumbling they were also appointed.
For such is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men;
But, inasmuch as you are partakers of the sufferings of the Christ,, rejoice, that, at the revelation of his glory, you may also be exceedingly joyful.
The elders that are among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and a sharer in the glory that is to be revealed.
But may the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, confirm you.
SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained faith, equally as precious as our own, in the plan of justification revealed by our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained faith, equally as precious as our own, in the plan of justification revealed by our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained faith, equally as precious as our own, in the plan of justification revealed by our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained faith, equally as precious as our own, in the plan of justification revealed by our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained faith, equally as precious as our own, in the plan of justification revealed by our God and Savior Jesus Christ: grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord.
grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord.
grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord.
grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord.
grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord.
grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord. As his divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who has called us by his glorious power,
As his divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who has called us by his glorious power,
As his divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who has called us by his glorious power,
As his divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who has called us by his glorious power,
As his divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who has called us by his glorious power, through which things very great and precious favors that were promised have been given us, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through desire:
through which things very great and precious favors that were promised have been given us, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through desire:
through which things very great and precious favors that were promised have been given us, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through desire:
through which things very great and precious favors that were promised have been given us, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through desire:
through which things very great and precious favors that were promised have been given us, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through desire: so, even for this very purpose, uniting to these things all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
so, even for this very purpose, uniting to these things all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
so, even for this very purpose, uniting to these things all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
so, even for this very purpose, uniting to these things all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
so, even for this very purpose, uniting to these things all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if these things be in you, and abound, they cause you to be neither idle, nor unfruitful as it respects the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they cause you to be neither idle, nor unfruitful as it respects the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they cause you to be neither idle, nor unfruitful as it respects the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they cause you to be neither idle, nor unfruitful as it respects the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they cause you to be neither idle, nor unfruitful as it respects the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
But he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
But he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
But he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Wherefore, brethren, give the greater diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you will never fall.
Wherefore, brethren, give the greater diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you will never fall.
Wherefore, brethren, give the greater diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you will never fall.
Wherefore, brethren, give the greater diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you will never fall. For thus will an entrance be given you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For thus will an entrance be given you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For thus will an entrance be given you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For thus will an entrance be given you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Wherefore, I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore, I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore, I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore, I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to arouse you by putting you in remembrance.
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to arouse you by putting you in remembrance.
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to arouse you by putting you in remembrance.
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to arouse you by putting you in remembrance.
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to arouse you by putting you in remembrance. For I know that the putting off of this my tabernacle is near at hand, even as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.
For I know that the putting off of this my tabernacle is near at hand, even as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.
For I know that the putting off of this my tabernacle is near at hand, even as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.
For I know that the putting off of this my tabernacle is near at hand, even as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. But I will earnestly endeavor that you may be able, even after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance.
But I will earnestly endeavor that you may be able, even after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance.
But I will earnestly endeavor that you may be able, even after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance.
But I will earnestly endeavor that you may be able, even after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came to him from the magnificent glory a voice, such as this: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight.
For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came to him from the magnificent glory a voice, such as this: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight.
For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came to him from the magnificent glory a voice, such as this: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight.
For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came to him from the magnificent glory a voice, such as this: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight.
For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came to him from the magnificent glory a voice, such as this: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight. And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy mount;
And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy mount;
And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy mount;
And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy mount;
And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy mount; and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts;
and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts;
and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts;
and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts;
and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts;
and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation:
knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation:
knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation:
knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation:
knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation:
knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation: for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
and many will follow their dissolute ways, on account of whom the way of truth will be reviled;
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and delivered them over to chains of darkness, to be kept for judgment;
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and delivered them over to chains of darkness, to be kept for judgment;
for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds:
for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds:
whereas angels, who excel in might and in power, bring no railing accusation against them in the presence of the Lord.
and receive the reward of unrighteousness. Counting it a pleasure to riot in the day-time, they are spots and stains, rioting in their delusions, while feasting with you; having eyes that are full of the adulteress, and that can not cease from sin, deceiving unstable souls, having a heart exercised in covetousness, accursed children, read more. who have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity, the dumb beast, speaking with man's voice, restrained the madness of the prophet. These men are fountains without water, clouds driven by a tempest, for whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever.
These men are fountains without water, clouds driven by a tempest, for whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever. For by speaking boastful words of folly, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, and through lasciviousness, those who had really escaped from those who live in error.
For by speaking boastful words of folly, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, and through lasciviousness, those who had really escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them freedom, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for by whatever any man is overcome, he is also enslaved.
While they promise them freedom, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for by whatever any man is overcome, he is also enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these, and overcome by them, the last state of such is worse than the first. read more. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: The dog has turned again to his own vomit; and, The sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire.
This second letter I now write to you, beloved; in both of these I arouse your pure mind to remembrance,
This second letter I now write to you, beloved; in both of these I arouse your pure mind to remembrance, that you may be mindful of the words formerly spoken by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior: read more. knowing this first, that there will come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
For they are willingly ignorant of this, that by the word of God, the heavens of old had their being as also the earth consisting of water and subsisting by water, by which things the world that then was, having been overflowed with water, perished. read more. But the heavens and the earth that now are, by the same word are kept in store, reserved for fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men.
But the heavens and the earth that now are, by the same word are kept in store, reserved for fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. read more. The Lord does not delay concerning his promise, as some men count delay, but he is long-suffering toward us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and the works that are on it, shall be burned up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and the works that are on it, shall be burned up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and the works that are on it, shall be burned up. Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in all holy behavior, and godliness,
Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in all holy behavior, and godliness,
Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in all holy behavior, and godliness,
Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in all holy behavior, and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, because of which coming the heavens shall dis solve in fire, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, because of which coming the heavens shall dis solve in fire, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, because of which coming the heavens shall dis solve in fire, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, because of which coming the heavens shall dis solve in fire, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, because of which coming the heavens shall dis solve in fire, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. But we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which dwells righteousness.
But we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you expect such things, earnestly strive, by being spotless and blameless, to be found by him in peace:
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you expect such things, earnestly strive, by being spotless and blameless, to be found by him in peace: and count the long-suffering of our Lord, salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, has written to you; read more. as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which the unlearned 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 Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
I know your works, and where you dwell, even where the throne of Satan is: and yet you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days in which Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. Yet I have a few things against you, that you have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to practice lewdness. read more. So, also, you have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitanes. Repent, therefore; if not, I will come to you quickly, and I will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him that overcomes, I will give of the hidden manna; and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he that receives it. And to the angel of the church in Thyatira, write: These things, says the Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass; I know your works, and your love, and your faith, and your service, and your patience, and your works, the last greater than the first. But I have against you that you suffer that woman Jezebel, who calls her self a prophetess, and teaches and deceives my servants to practice lewdness, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. And I have given her time to repent; and she will not repent of her lewdness. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searches the reins and the hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works. But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, and who have not known the depths of Satan, (as they call them,) 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 apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained faith, equally as precious as our own, in the plan of justification revealed by our God and Savior Jesus Christ: grace be to you, and peace be multiplied in the acknowledgment of God, and Jesus our Lord. read more. As his divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who has called us by his glorious power, through which things very great and precious favors that were promised have been given us, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through desire: so, even for this very purpose, uniting to these things all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if these things be in you, and abound, they cause you to be neither idle, nor unfruitful as it respects the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he who is wanting in these things is blind, and closes his eyes, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Wherefore, brethren, give the greater diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you will never fall. For thus will an entrance be given you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Wherefore, I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to arouse you by putting you in remembrance. For I know that the putting off of this my tabernacle is near at hand, even as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. But I will earnestly endeavor that you may be able, even after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came to him from the magnificent glory a voice, such as this: This is my beloved Son, in whom I delight. And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy mount; and we have the prophetic word better established. You do well to attend to this, as to a lamp that shines in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture came from private interpretation: for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.