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 up to me by my Father: and no person knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any person the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son is pleased to reveal him.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest to your souls.
But if I by the Spirit of God cast out the devils, then truly the kingdom of God is come unto you. Else how can one enter into a strong man's house and plunder his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then will he plunder his goods?
When the unclean spirit is indeed gone out of a man, he traverses through places destitute of water, in search of rest, but cannot find it. Then he saith, I will return to my mansion, whence I came; and on his arrival, he findeth it unoccupied, swept, and furnished. read more. Then goeth he, and taketh 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 also be with this wicked generation.
Then said Jesus unto them, Verily I say unto 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 on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
but in those days, after that distressing season, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not emit her light; and the stars of the heaven will be falling, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken. read more. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with vast power and glory.
Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall never pass away.
And he said, To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables: that seeing they may not perceive, and hearing may not comprehend.
No man lighting a lamp hides it with a cover, or putteth it under a bed, but on a stand, that they who are coming in, may see the light.
men terrified to death with fear, and expectation of the calamities coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory. read more. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast a younger man, thou didst gird up thyself, and go about whithersoever thy choice led thee: but when thou shalt grow old, another person extending thy hands, shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This he told him, to intimate by what kind of death he should glorify God. And having thus spoken, he said to him, Follow me.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when refreshing seasons shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he will send Jesus Christ, who was before preached unto you: read more. whom the heaven indeed must receive, until the times of restoration of all things, which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy prophets from the beginning of the world.
Or despisest thou the riches of his kindness and patience and long-suffering, ignorant that this goodness of God is leading thee to repentance?
destruction and misery are in their ways.
there is not the fear of God before their eyes."
Neither present your members as weapons of unrighteousness for sin: but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as weapons of righteousness for God.
But what if God, willing to display his wrath, and to make known what is possible with him, hath borne with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for perdition:
FOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle should be taken down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
to the end that your hearts may be established blameless in holiness before God and our 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 faultless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
PETER, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the sojourners, dispersed through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
for an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in the heavens for you,
Concerning which salvation the prophets eagerly sought and diligently inquired, who prophesied of the grace which is come to you: investigating to what time and to what conjuncture the Spirit of Christ in them pointed, when predicting the sufferings coming upon Christ, and the glories subsequent thereto. read more. To whom it was revealed, that not for themselves, but for us were their ministrations employed in the things which are now declared unto you by those who have preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; on which things the angels bending forwards eagerly desire to gaze. Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, vigilant, wait with assured hope for the grace, which shall be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
but as he who hath called you is holy, be ye holy also in all your conduct: because it is written, "Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Having purified your souls by obedience to the truth through the Spirit unto fraternal affection undissembled, love each other intensely out of a pure heart: born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the quickening word of God, and which abideth for ever.
and a stone of stumbling, and rock of offence," to those who stumble at the word, disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed.
For such is the will of God, that by well doing ye hold under restraint the ignorance of foolish men:
but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations.
THE presbyters among you I exhort, who am a co-presbyter and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed:
But the God of all grace, who hath called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, when ye have suffered a little while, himself perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
SIMON Peter, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:
SIMON Peter, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:
SIMON Peter, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:
SIMON Peter, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:
SIMON Peter, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ: grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord,
grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord,
grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord,
grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord,
grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord,
grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord, as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fortitude:
as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fortitude:
as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fortitude:
as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fortitude:
as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fortitude: whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety; and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love.
and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love.
and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love.
and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love.
and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love.
and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love. For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days.
But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days.
But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days.
But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make sure your calling and election: for by doing these things, ye shall never at any time stumble:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make sure your calling and election: for by doing these things, ye shall never at any time stumble:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make sure your calling and election: for by doing these things, ye shall never at any time stumble:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make sure your calling and election: for by doing these things, ye shall never at any time stumble: but an entrance will thus be richly afforded you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
but an entrance will thus be richly afforded you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
but an entrance will thus be richly afforded you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
but an entrance will thus be richly afforded you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent continually to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore I will not be negligent continually to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore I will not be negligent continually to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.
Wherefore I will not be negligent continually to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth. Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you:
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you:
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you:
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you:
Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you: knowing that the deposition of this frail tabernacle of mine is hastily approaching, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath made evident to me.
knowing that the deposition of this frail tabernacle of mine is hastily approaching, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath made evident to me.
knowing that the deposition of this frail tabernacle of mine is hastily approaching, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath made evident to me.
knowing that the deposition of this frail tabernacle of mine is hastily approaching, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath made evident to me. I will endeavour then that even after my decease, ye may always have wherewith to preserve the remembrance of these things.
I will endeavour then that even after my decease, ye may always have wherewith to preserve the remembrance of these things.
I will endeavour then that even after my decease, ye may always have wherewith to preserve the remembrance of these things.
I will endeavour then that even after my decease, ye may always have wherewith to preserve the remembrance of these things. For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.
And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.
And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.
And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.
And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts.
And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts.
And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts.
And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts.
And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts.
And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts. Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions.
Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions.
Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions.
Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions.
Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions.
Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions. For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.
For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.
For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.
For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.
For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.
For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.
And many will go out of the way after their fatal errors; by means of whom the way of truth will be injuriously reviled.
For if God spared not the angels when they sinned, but casting them bound in chains of darkness into hell, delivered them to be kept fast until the judgment;
For if God spared not the angels when they sinned, but casting them bound in chains of darkness into hell, delivered them to be kept fast until the judgment;
for by seeing and hearing, that righteous man whilst sojourning among them, suffered torment day by day in his righteous soul from their lawless doings;
for by seeing and hearing, that righteous man whilst sojourning among them, suffered torment day by day in his righteous soul from their lawless doings;
Whereas the angels, though so much greater in might and power, bring not a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.
receiving the recompence of iniquity, counting daily luxury their pleasure; spots and blemishes, when they feast together with you; riotously indulging in their own delusions: having eyes full of adultery, and insatiable of sin; ensnaring souls of no stability; having a heart practised in all the wiles of covetousness; children for a curse: read more. who forsaking the strait road are gone out of the way, following the path of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of iniquity. But received a reproof for his peculiar transgression: the dumb ass articulating with a human voice restrained the perverseness of the prophet. These are fountains without water, clouds driven by a hurricane; for whom the blackness of darkness for ever is reserved.
These are fountains without water, clouds driven by a hurricane; for whom the blackness of darkness for ever is reserved. Uttering pompous discourses of inanity, ensnaring by the lusts of the flesh, by lascivious impurities, those who had truly escaped from such as live in a course of delusion.
Uttering pompous discourses of inanity, ensnaring by the lusts of the flesh, by lascivious impurities, those who had truly escaped from such as live in a course of delusion. Preaching liberty to them, while they themselves are the slaves of corruption: for by whatever a man is overcome, by that also he is enslaved.
Preaching liberty to them, while they themselves are the slaves of corruption: for by whatever a man is overcome, by that also he is enslaved. For if having escaped from the defilements of the world by the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again enveloped by them and overcome, their last deeds are worse than the first. read more. For it had been better for them never to have been acquainted with the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to have turned aside from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
For it had been better for them never to have been acquainted with the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to have turned aside from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
For it had been better for them never to have been acquainted with the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to have turned aside from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But the true proverb is verified in them, The dog hath returned to his own vomit; and the sow which was washed to its wallowing in the mire.
THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I rouse up your sincere mind by awakening your recollection
THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I rouse up your sincere mind by awakening your recollection to remember the words, that have been spoken aforetime by the holy prophets, and the injunction of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: read more. knowing this principally, that in the last of the days there will come scoffers, walking after their own lewd passions,
For this they chuse to keep out of sight, that by the word of God the heavens were created of old, and the earth rising out of the water and subsisting amidst the water; whence the world then existing, being deluged by water, was destroyed; read more. but the present heavens and earth by the same word are treasured up, reserved for fire at the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
but the present heavens and earth by the same word are treasured up, reserved for fire at the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But let not this particular be concealed from you, beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. read more. The Lord doth not delay the promise (as some count it delay); but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should have space for repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief by night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a rushing noise, and the first principles of matter in flames dissolve, and the earth and all the works upon it be burnt up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief by night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a rushing noise, and the first principles of matter in flames dissolve, and the earth and all the works upon it be burnt up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief by night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a rushing noise, and the first principles of matter in flames dissolve, and the earth and all the works upon it be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in a course of holy conduct and acts of piety,
Seeing then that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in a course of holy conduct and acts of piety,
Seeing then that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in a course of holy conduct and acts of piety,
Seeing then that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in a course of holy conduct and acts of piety, expecting and hastening towards the coming of God's day, at which the heavens on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements in flames be melted as wax?
expecting and hastening towards the coming of God's day, at which the heavens on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements in flames be melted as wax?
expecting and hastening towards the coming of God's day, at which the heavens on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements in flames be melted as wax?
expecting and hastening towards the coming of God's day, at which the heavens on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements in flames be melted as wax?
expecting and hastening towards the coming of God's day, at which the heavens on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements in flames be melted as wax? But we expect according to his promise new heavens and a new earth in which dwelleth righteousness.
But we expect according to his promise new heavens and a new earth in which dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye are expecting these things, be diligent to be found of him in peace, spotless and blameless.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye are expecting these things, be diligent to be found of him in peace, spotless and blameless. And account the long suffering of our Lord conducive to 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, of which some are difficult to be understood, which the uninstructed and the unstable torture, as indeed they do the rest of the scriptures unto their own destruction.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, of which some are difficult to be understood, which the uninstructed and the unstable torture, as indeed they do the rest of the scriptures unto their own destruction.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, of which some are difficult to be understood, which the uninstructed and the unstable torture, as indeed they do the rest of the scriptures unto their own destruction.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and unto the day of eternity. Amen.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and unto the day of eternity. Amen.
I know thy works and where thou hast thy abode, even where Satan's throne [is erected]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was put to death among you, where Satan dwelleth. Yet I have a few things against thee, that thou hast there some who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to lay a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat of idol sacrifices, and to commit whoredom. read more. Thou hast also some who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I abhor. Repent! but if not, I am coming to thee quickly, and will war against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him 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 pebble, and upon the pebble a new name inscribed, which no man knoweth except the person who receiveth it. And to the angel of the church which is at Thyatira write, These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes as a flame of fire, and his feet like the molten brass; I know thy deeds, and thy love, and thy charity to the poor, and thy faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and that the last are more abundant than the first. Yet I have a few things against thee, because thou hast suffered that woman Jezabel, calling herself a prophetess, to teach, and to lead my servants into error, to commit whoredom, and eat the idol sacrifices. And I gave her a space that she should repent of her whoredom, and she hath not repented. Behold, I am about to cast her on a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. And I will slay her children by death; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and the hearts: and I will give to you, even to every one, according to your works. But to you I say, and to the rest that are at Thyatira, as many as do not hold this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will lay upon them 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, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ: grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God, even Jesus our Lord, read more. as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and godliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fortitude: whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety; and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love. read more. For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make sure your calling and election: for by doing these things, ye shall never at any time stumble: but an entrance will thus be richly afforded you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent continually to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth. Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you: knowing that the deposition of this frail tabernacle of mine is hastily approaching, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath made evident to me. I will endeavour then that even after my decease, ye may always have wherewith to preserve the remembrance of these things. For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark passage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts. Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions. For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.