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 were delivered unto me by my Father: and no one perfectly knows the Son, except the Father; neither does any one perfectly know the Father, except the Son; and he to whom the Son may wish to reveal Him.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; because I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.
But if I through the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come nigh unto you. Or how is any one able to enter into the house of a strong man, and spoil his goods, unless he may first bind the strong man, and then he can spoil his house.
And when the unclean spirit may go out from the man, he goes through dry places seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, I will return to my own house whence I came out; and having come, he finds it empty, swept, and beautified. read more. Then he goes, and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and having come in dwells there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So it will also be with this wicked generation.
And Jesus said to them, Truly I say unto you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man may sit upon the throne of His glory, you shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
But when the Son of min may come in His glory, and all His angels with Him, then will He sit upon the throne of His glory:
And in those days, after that desolation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, and the stars of heaven will be falling, and the powers which are in the heavens shall be shaken. read more. And then they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
And He said; To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; in order that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
But no one having lighted a candle covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but he places it on a candlestick, in order that those coming in may see the light.
the souls of men failing from fear, and expectation of those things coming upon the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. read more. And these things beginning to take place, straighten up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption is nigh.
Truly, truly, I say unto you, When you were young, you girded yourself, and walked about where you wished: but when you get old, you will reach forth your hands, and another will lead you, where you do not wish. And He spoke this, signifying by what death he shall glorify God. And having spoken this, He says to him, Follow me.
Repent, therefore, and turn, that your sins may be blotted out, in order that seasons of soul-renewing may come from the presence of the Lord, and he may send forth Jesus, who has been preached unto you as the Christ, read more. whom it behooves heaven indeed to receive until the times of the restitution of all things which God spoke through the mouth of all his prophets from the beginning.
Do you look with contempt upon the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God is leading you to repentance?
destruction and misery are in their ways:
neither present your members arms of iniquity unto sin; but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members arms of righteousness unto God.
But if God, wishing to show forth his indignation and make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of indignation having been perfected unto destruction:
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle may be taken down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
in order to establish your hearts blameless in holiness in the presence of God even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints: amen.
And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect sojourners of the Dispersion of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and never fading, having been kept in the heavens unto you,
Concerning which salvation the prophets, who prophesied concerning the grace towards you, sought out and investigated, searching into what, or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ who was in them, witnessing the sufferings towards Christ, and the glories after these, did show: read more. to whom it was revealed, because they were ministering not these things for themselves, but for you, which are now proclaimed unto you by those who preach to you the gospel with the Holy Ghost having been sent from heaven; into which things the angels desire to look down. Therefore having girded up the loins of your minds, being perfectly sober, hope unto the grace which is conferred on you in the revelation of Jesus Christ.
but according to the Holy One who has called you. Be ye also holy in all your deportment; because it has been written, Ye shall be holy; because I am holy.
Having purified your souls through obedience of the truth unto unhypocritical, brotherly love, fervently from the heart love one another with divine love: having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God, who lives and abides.
who stumble over the word, disbelieving: unto which they indeed were appointed.
because thus it is the will of God, that doing good you should put to shame the ignorance of the ignorant people:
but as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice; in order that you may also rejoice in the revelation of his glory, being glad.
Therefore I, being a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, also a communicant of the glory which is about to be revealed, exhort the elders who are among you:
But the God of all grace, the one having called you into his own eternal glory in Christ, will himself make you perfect, having suffered a little while, will establish you, will strengthen you, will settle you.
Simon Peter, the servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those receiving like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter, the servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those receiving like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter, the servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those receiving like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter, the servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those receiving like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter, the servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those receiving like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord. As His divine power having given unto us all things which appertain to life and godliness, through the perfect knowledge of the one having called us to his own glory and virtue:
As His divine power having given unto us all things which appertain to life and godliness, through the perfect knowledge of the one having called us to his own glory and virtue:
As His divine power having given unto us all things which appertain to life and godliness, through the perfect knowledge of the one having called us to his own glory and virtue:
As His divine power having given unto us all things which appertain to life and godliness, through the perfect knowledge of the one having called us to his own glory and virtue:
As His divine power having given unto us all things which appertain to life and godliness, through the perfect knowledge of the one having called us to his own glory and virtue: through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. And in harmony with this same thing also, add to your faith heroism; and to heroism, knowledge;
And in harmony with this same thing also, add to your faith heroism; and to heroism, knowledge;
And in harmony with this same thing also, add to your faith heroism; and to heroism, knowledge;
And in harmony with this same thing also, add to your faith heroism; and to heroism, knowledge;
And in harmony with this same thing also, add to your faith heroism; and to heroism, knowledge; and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness;
and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness;
and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness;
and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness;
and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness;
and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love.
and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love.
and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love.
and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love.
and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love.
and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love. For these things, being in you and overflowing, render you neither barren nor unfruitful in the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
For these things, being in you and overflowing, render you neither barren nor unfruitful in the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
For these things, being in you and overflowing, render you neither barren nor unfruitful in the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
For these things, being in you and overflowing, render you neither barren nor unfruitful in the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
For these things, being in you and overflowing, render you neither barren nor unfruitful in the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; for he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins.
for he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins.
for he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins.
for he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be the more diligent to make your calling and election sure: for doing these things you can never fall.
Therefore, brethren, be the more diligent to make your calling and election sure: for doing these things you can never fall.
Therefore, brethren, be the more diligent to make your calling and election sure: for doing these things you can never fall.
Therefore, brethren, be the more diligent to make your calling and election sure: for doing these things you can never fall. For in this way an entrance will be administered unto you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For in this way an entrance will be administered unto you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For in this way an entrance will be administered unto you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For in this way an entrance will be administered unto you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Therefore I will be about to always remind you concerning these things, even though knowing them, and being established in the present truth.
Therefore I will be about to always remind you concerning these things, even though knowing them, and being established in the present truth.
Therefore I will be about to always remind you concerning these things, even though knowing them, and being established in the present truth.
Therefore I will be about to always remind you concerning these things, even though knowing them, and being established in the present truth. But I consider it righteous, so long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by remembrance;
But I consider it righteous, so long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by remembrance;
But I consider it righteous, so long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by remembrance;
But I consider it righteous, so long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by remembrance;
But I consider it righteous, so long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by remembrance; knowing that the laying aside of my tabernacle is swift, as our Lord Jesus Christ also showed to me.
knowing that the laying aside of my tabernacle is swift, as our Lord Jesus Christ also showed to me.
knowing that the laying aside of my tabernacle is swift, as our Lord Jesus Christ also showed to me.
knowing that the laying aside of my tabernacle is swift, as our Lord Jesus Christ also showed to me. And I will endeavor to have each one of you after my departure make mention of these things.
And I will endeavor to have each one of you after my departure make mention of these things.
And I will endeavor to have each one of you after my departure make mention of these things.
And I will endeavor to have each one of you after my departure make mention of these things. For not having followed cunningly devised fables, have we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but having been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For not having followed cunningly devised fables, have we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but having been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For not having followed cunningly devised fables, have we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but having been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For not having followed cunningly devised fables, have we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but having been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For not having followed cunningly devised fables, have we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but having been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For having received from God the Father the honor and glory of such a voice having been borne to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
For having received from God the Father the honor and glory of such a voice having been borne to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
For having received from God the Father the honor and glory of such a voice having been borne to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
For having received from God the Father the honor and glory of such a voice having been borne to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
For having received from God the Father the honor and glory of such a voice having been borne to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. We, being with him in the holy mount, heard this voice borne from heaven.
We, being with him in the holy mount, heard this voice borne from heaven.
We, being with him in the holy mount, heard this voice borne from heaven.
We, being with him in the holy mount, heard this voice borne from heaven.
We, being with him in the holy mount, heard this voice borne from heaven. And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts:
And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts:
And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts:
And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts:
And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts:
And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts: know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.
know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
And many will follow their impurities; through whom the way of truth will be slandered:
For if God spared not the angels who sinned, but having sent them down to hell, committed them to chains of darkness to be kept unto judgment;
For if God spared not the angels who sinned, but having sent them down to hell, committed them to chains of darkness to be kept unto judgment;
(for the righteous man dwelling among them, by seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds:)
(for the righteous man dwelling among them, by seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds:)
where the angels, being greater in strength and power, do not bring a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord.
receiving the reward of unrighteousness, esteeming pleasure which is in the daytime; luxury; spots and blemishes, swelling in their deceits, feasting along with you, having eyes full of an adulteress, and unable to cease from sin; beguiling unestablished souls: having a heart which has been made fat with covetousness; children of the curse: read more. leaving the straight way, they have wandered off, following in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the reward of iniquity; and had the conviction of his own conscience: the dumb workbeast having spoken with the voice of a man, rebuked the madness of the prophet. These are fountains without water, and mists driven away by the storm, for which the blackness of darkness has been reserved.
These are fountains without water, and mists driven away by the storm, for which the blackness of darkness has been reserved. For speaking swelling words of vanity, in the lusts of the flesh they beguile with their impurities, those that have but partially escaped, who are still moving about in their delusion;
For speaking swelling words of vanity, in the lusts of the flesh they beguile with their impurities, those that have but partially escaped, who are still moving about in their delusion; promising them liberty, they themselves being the slaves of corruption: for to whatsoever any one has been subordinated, to this he has become enslaved.
promising them liberty, they themselves being the slaves of corruption: for to whatsoever any one has been subordinated, to this he has become enslaved. For if having escaped the pollutions of the world through the perfect knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and having again become entangled in these things, they are overcome, the last state has to them become worse than the first. read more. For it was better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment which has been delivered unto them.
For it was better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment which has been delivered unto them.
For it was better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment which has been delivered unto them. It has happened unto them according to the old proverb, The dog having returned to his own vomit; and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.
I indeed, beloved, write unto you this second epistle; in which I stir up your pure mind by remembrance:
I indeed, beloved, write unto you this second epistle; in which I stir up your pure mind by remembrance: to remember the words which have been spoken hitherto by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour by your apostles: read more. knowing this first, that at the last days mockers will come forth in scoffing, walking according to their own lusts,
For they willingly forget this, that the heavens were in the olden time, and the earth standing out of the water and through the water, by the word of God; by which the world at that time, being flooded with water, perished: read more. but now the heavens and the earth have been kept according to the same word, being reserved for fire in the day of judgment and the destruction of the ungodly people.
but now the heavens and the earth have been kept according to the same word, being reserved for fire in the day of judgment and the destruction of the ungodly people. But let not this one thing be forgotten, beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. read more. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some people count slackness; but is long-suffering for your sakes, not wishing that any should perish, but all come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements being scorched up will be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it will be burnt up.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements being scorched up will be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it will be burnt up.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements being scorched up will be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it will be burnt up. Then all these things being dissolved, what kind of people does it behoove you to be in holy deportment and godliness,
Then all these things being dissolved, what kind of people does it behoove you to be in holy deportment and godliness,
Then all these things being dissolved, what kind of people does it behoove you to be in holy deportment and godliness,
Then all these things being dissolved, what kind of people does it behoove you to be in holy deportment and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and the elements being scorched up are melted?
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and the elements being scorched up are melted?
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and the elements being scorched up are melted?
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and the elements being scorched up are melted?
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and the elements being scorched up are melted? But, according to his promises, we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells.
But, according to his promises, we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless unto him in peace:
Therefore, beloved, looking for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless unto him in peace: and consider the longsuffering of the Lord's salvation; as our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom which was given unto him has written unto you; read more. as also in all his epistles, speaking in the same concerning these things; in which there are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unestablished wrest, as they also do the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in the same concerning these things; in which there are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unestablished wrest, as they also do the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in the same concerning these things; in which there are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unestablished wrest, as they also do the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and unto the day of the age.
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and unto the day of the age.
I know where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is: and you are holding fast my name, and did not deny my faith, in the days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those holding the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the sons of Israel, and to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. read more. So you also have those in a similar manner holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent; otherwise I am coming to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Let the one having ears hear what the Spirit says to the churches; unto the one conquering will I give to him of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone my new name having been written, which no one knows but the one receiving it. And to the angel of the church among the Thyatireans write; The Son of God, the one having eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like burnished brass, says these things; I know your works, and your divine love, and faith, and ministry, and patience, and your works: the last more than the first. But I have it against you, that you suffer the woman Jezebel, who says herself to be a prophet, and teaches and deceives my servants to commit fornication, and to cat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time that she might repent, and she does not wish to repent of her fornication. Behold, I cast her on a bed, and those who commit fornication along with her into great tribulation, until they shall repent of her works. And I will slay her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am the one searching the reins and the hearts: and I will give to you each according to your works. But I say to you, the rest who are among the Thyatireans, so many as have not this teaching, whosoever have not known the depth of Satan, as they say; I cast upon 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.)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Simon Peter, the servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those receiving like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord. read more. As His divine power having given unto us all things which appertain to life and godliness, through the perfect knowledge of the one having called us to his own glory and virtue: through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. And in harmony with this same thing also, add to your faith heroism; and to heroism, knowledge; and to knowledge holiness; and to holiness patience; and patience, godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness divine love. For these things, being in you and overflowing, render you neither barren nor unfruitful in the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; for he unto whom these things are not present is blind, not seeing afar off, having received the forgetfulness of his purgation from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be the more diligent to make your calling and election sure: for doing these things you can never fall. For in this way an entrance will be administered unto you abundantly into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Therefore I will be about to always remind you concerning these things, even though knowing them, and being established in the present truth. But I consider it righteous, so long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by remembrance; knowing that the laying aside of my tabernacle is swift, as our Lord Jesus Christ also showed to me. And I will endeavor to have each one of you after my departure make mention of these things. For not having followed cunningly devised fables, have we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but having been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For having received from God the Father the honor and glory of such a voice having been borne to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. We, being with him in the holy mount, heard this voice borne from heaven. And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts: know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.