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
my father has instructed me in every thing: and no one knoweth the son, except the father: nor does any one know the father, except the son, and he to whom the son is pleased to reveal him."
take my yoke upon you, and learn to be meek like me, and of an humble temper: and ye shall enjoy tranquillity of mind.
but if I exorcize devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is set up among you. besides, how could any one enter into the house of a man of might to rob him of his goods, except he first master the strong man? and then indeed he might plunder his house.
When an unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he roams about the deserts, seeking rest, and findeth none. I will return then, says he, into my house, which I have quitted; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. read more. then he goes and takes seven other spirits besides himself, but more mischievous than himself, and they all enter in and lodge there: so that the last state of that man is worse than the first. just so shall it likewise fare with this wicked generation.
Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
When the son of man shall come in his majesty, accompanied with all his holy angels, he shall sit upon the throne of his glory.
Now after the time of that distress, the sun shall be dark, and the moon shall give no light: the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. read more. then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory.
heaven and earth shall fail, but my words shall never fail.
he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear.
Now, no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel, or under a bed: but sets it on a stand, to give light to all the company.
men dying with fear under the apprehension of those calamities, which are coming upon the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. and then shall they see the son of man come on a cloud, with power and great glory. read more. now when these things begin to appear, then lift up your heads, and behold your redemption drawing nigh.
I tell you for certain, tho' when you was a youth you girded your self, and rambled where you had a mind: yet when you are old, your hands shall be stretch'd out, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee where you will be unwilling to go. this he said to signify to Peter by what death he should glorify God. and when he had spoken this, he said to him, follow me.
repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ, who has been beforehand prepar'd thereto, read more. but must reside in heaven, till the time of the restitution of all things, of which God has spoken from the beginning by the mouth of his holy prophets.
or do you despise the riches of his kindness, and forbearance, and long-suffering; not considering that the kindness of God invites you to repentance?
destruction and misery are in their ways:
there is no fear of God before their eyes."
neither yield your members as instruments to iniquity: but yield yourselves unto God, as being alive after having been dead; and your members as instruments of righteousness.
if the divine Being has patiently bore with those objects of his displeasure, that had been working out their own destruction, why may he not reveal himself to make them feel his vindictive power,
For I know, that if my body, which is but a tent for my sojourning upon earth, were dissolved, I have what is not fram'd by human art, but by the divine architect, a mansion eternal in the heavens.
that by the sanctity of your affections, you may stand unreprov'd in the presence of God our father, when our Lord Jesus Christ shall come with all his holy angels.
Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
PETER an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the foreigners dispers'd thro' Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, whom God the father has chosen in pursuance of his decree,
in the enjoyment of a state, that can never change or decay, a state reserv'd in heaven for us,
'Twas this salvation, that employ'd the most profound enquiries of those, who predicted the dispensation that was to be in your behalf: when the spirit of Christ inform'd the minds of the prophets of his future sufferings, and of the glorious consequences, they were solicitous to know the circumstances of the times pointed at: read more. and were answer'd, that it was not they, but we, who were concern'd in the events which they predicted, events which have been now represented to you by those, whom the holy spirit from heaven inspired to preach the gospel to you: a secret which the angels desire to penetrate into. Let your minds then be duely prepar'd, be vigilant, and constantly expect the favour you will meet with at the appearance of Jesus Christ.
but as he, who has called you, is holy: let your whole conduct be an imitation of his holiness. for it is written, "be ye holy, because I am holy."
You that have purified your souls by the holy spirit, in obeying the gospel, which obliges you to an undisguised benevolence, let your hearts be mutually affected with the most disinterested ardour; since your regeneration is not owing to any corruptible principles, but to the unchangeable word of the immortal God.
and which the architects rejected, will be an occasion to the incredulous of their stumbling, and bruising themselves thereby:
and to encourage those who do well. for such is the divine pleasure, that by your good conduct you obviate the cavils of inconsiderate
on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.
I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest;
but may the all-gracious God, who has called us to eternal glory, perfect, confirm, fortify, and settle you, during the short interval of your sufferings.
Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ.
Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ. may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power;
It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power;
It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power;
It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power;
It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power; by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world. Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge:
Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge:
Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge:
Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge:
Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge: to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:
to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:
to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:
to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:
to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:
to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety: to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence.
to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence.
to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence.
to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence.
to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence.
to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence. for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves.
for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves.
for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves.
for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves.
for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves. but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.
but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.
but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.
but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins. Wherefore be the more diligent, my brethren, to secure your vocation and election by your virtuous actions, for by so doing, you will never relapse:
Wherefore be the more diligent, my brethren, to secure your vocation and election by your virtuous actions, for by so doing, you will never relapse:
Wherefore be the more diligent, my brethren, to secure your vocation and election by your virtuous actions, for by so doing, you will never relapse:
Wherefore be the more diligent, my brethren, to secure your vocation and election by your virtuous actions, for by so doing, you will never relapse: and thus you will have a free admittance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
and thus you will have a free admittance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
and thus you will have a free admittance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
and thus you will have a free admittance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. for this reason I shall never omit to put you in mind of these things, however knowing you are already, and settled in the truth.
for this reason I shall never omit to put you in mind of these things, however knowing you are already, and settled in the truth.
for this reason I shall never omit to put you in mind of these things, however knowing you are already, and settled in the truth.
for this reason I shall never omit to put you in mind of these things, however knowing you are already, and settled in the truth. whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions:
whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions:
whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions:
whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions:
whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions: knowing that I must soon leave this tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has signify'd to me.
knowing that I must soon leave this tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has signify'd to me.
knowing that I must soon leave this tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has signify'd to me.
knowing that I must soon leave this tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has signify'd to me. However, I shall inculcate these things so as to make you continually remember them, even after my departure.
However, I shall inculcate these things so as to make you continually remember them, even after my departure.
However, I shall inculcate these things so as to make you continually remember them, even after my departure.
However, I shall inculcate these things so as to make you continually remember them, even after my departure. for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty.
for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty.
for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty.
for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty.
for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty. for he received this honourable and glorious testimony from his father, when the voice broke out from the magnificent splendor, in these words, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
for he received this honourable and glorious testimony from his father, when the voice broke out from the magnificent splendor, in these words, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
for he received this honourable and glorious testimony from his father, when the voice broke out from the magnificent splendor, in these words, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
for he received this honourable and glorious testimony from his father, when the voice broke out from the magnificent splendor, in these words, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
for he received this honourable and glorious testimony from his father, when the voice broke out from the magnificent splendor, in these words, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain.
we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain.
we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain.
we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain.
we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain. Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts.
Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts.
Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts.
Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts.
Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts.
Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts. But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed
But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed
But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed
But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed
But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed
But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.
from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.
from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.
from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.
from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.
from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.
many will follow their destructive maxims, and by their means christianity will be traduc'd.
for since God did not spare the angels, who had sinned, but having precipitated them to hell, confin'd them to chains of darkness, where they are reserv'd for judgment:
for since God did not spare the angels, who had sinned, but having precipitated them to hell, confin'd them to chains of darkness, where they are reserv'd for judgment:
for whilst this good man was among them, it daily pierc'd his virtuous soul, to see and hear of their detestable behaviour: this consider'd,
for whilst this good man was among them, it daily pierc'd his virtuous soul, to see and hear of their detestable behaviour: this consider'd,
whereas the angels, who are of superiour power and dignity, don't inveigh against one another.
they place their felicity in daily pleasure: they are a vile scandal to religion: when they are present at your love-feasts they indulge their luxury: their eyes are inflam'd with adultery, and unextinguishable vice: they insnare the souls of the inconstant. their minds are practis'd in the arts of avarice: an execrable race, who have deserted the right way, read more. and are gone astray to follow the practices of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity; but he was rebuked for his transgression: for an ass, as dumb as it was, spoke with an articulate voice, and reprimanded the extravagance of the prophet. These are wells without water; clouds agitated with a tempest, who are consigned to the obscurity of eternal darkness.
These are wells without water; clouds agitated with a tempest, who are consigned to the obscurity of eternal darkness. when their language swells with vanity, by applying to the sensual passions of the licentious, they allure those who were escap'd for a while, from such deceivers:
when their language swells with vanity, by applying to the sensual passions of the licentious, they allure those who were escap'd for a while, from such deceivers: whilst they promise others liberty, they themselves are slaves to their corrupt passions. for he that is vanquished, is a slave to the conqueror.
whilst they promise others liberty, they themselves are slaves to their corrupt passions. for he that is vanquished, is a slave to the conqueror. As for those who have renounc'd the pollutions of the world, by their owning Jesus Christ for their Lord and saviour, if they are prevail'd upon to be entangled therein again, their last state is worse than the first. read more. for it had been better for them, not to have made any profession of the gospel, than after they have embraced it, to abandon the holy injunction, that was delivered to them.
for it had been better for them, not to have made any profession of the gospel, than after they have embraced it, to abandon the holy injunction, that was delivered to them.
for it had been better for them, not to have made any profession of the gospel, than after they have embraced it, to abandon the holy injunction, that was delivered to them. but the proverb is exactly verified in them, "the dog is return'd to his own vomit: the sow that was wash'd, is wallowing in the mire."
This is the second letter I now write to you, my brethren, by which I would awaken your sincere attention,
This is the second letter I now write to you, my brethren, by which I would awaken your sincere attention, by admonishing you to be mindful of the predictions of the holy prophets, and of the directions of the apostles of our Lord and Saviour. read more. Above all things you are to know, that in these last times, impostors will appear, who will abandon themselves to their own sensual passions, whose cry will be,
but they are wilfully ignorant, that the heavens were originally form'd by the divine Logos, and likewise the earth, which was separated from the water, and still subsists upon it. whence the former world was destroyed by an inundation. read more. but the heavens and the earth now existing are kept in store by his Logos, reserv'd for the conflagration of doomsday, when the impious shall be involv'd in perdition.
but the heavens and the earth now existing are kept in store by his Logos, reserv'd for the conflagration of doomsday, when the impious shall be involv'd in perdition. But there is one thing, my brethren, you ought to be appriz'd of, which is this, that "with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." read more. the Lord does not delay the accomplishment of his promise, as some do imagine. but he waits with patience upon our account, as being unwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. As for that day of the Lord, it will advance like a thief: then the heavens will rush with violence, the boiling elements will be dissolved, and the earth with all its contents, shall be burnt away.
As for that day of the Lord, it will advance like a thief: then the heavens will rush with violence, the boiling elements will be dissolved, and the earth with all its contents, shall be burnt away.
As for that day of the Lord, it will advance like a thief: then the heavens will rush with violence, the boiling elements will be dissolved, and the earth with all its contents, shall be burnt away. Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety?
Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety?
Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety?
Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety? expecting, and vehemently desiring the day of the Lord would come, when the heavens all on fire shall be dissolv'd, and the elements shall melt with intense heat.
expecting, and vehemently desiring the day of the Lord would come, when the heavens all on fire shall be dissolv'd, and the elements shall melt with intense heat.
expecting, and vehemently desiring the day of the Lord would come, when the heavens all on fire shall be dissolv'd, and the elements shall melt with intense heat.
expecting, and vehemently desiring the day of the Lord would come, when the heavens all on fire shall be dissolv'd, and the elements shall melt with intense heat.
expecting, and vehemently desiring the day of the Lord would come, when the heavens all on fire shall be dissolv'd, and the elements shall melt with intense heat. As for us, in consequence of his promise, we expect a new heaven, and a new earth, where justice shall reside.
As for us, in consequence of his promise, we expect a new heaven, and a new earth, where justice shall reside. since then, my dear brethren, your expectations are such, take care to appear before him, without any defect or blemish, in order to be happy; and be persuaded,
since then, my dear brethren, your expectations are such, take care to appear before him, without any defect or blemish, in order to be happy; and be persuaded, that the patience of our Lord is for your advantage: as our dear brother Paul, according to the information he receiv'd, has writ to you, read more. as it were in all his epistles, where he takes notice of these things: in which there are some passages that are difficult to understand, which the illiterate, and unstable wrest, as they do the rest of the scriptures, to their own ruin.
as it were in all his epistles, where he takes notice of these things: in which there are some passages that are difficult to understand, which the illiterate, and unstable wrest, as they do the rest of the scriptures, to their own ruin.
as it were in all his epistles, where he takes notice of these things: in which there are some passages that are difficult to understand, which the illiterate, and unstable wrest, as they do the rest of the scriptures, to their own ruin.
on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.
on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where the throne of satan is: thou maintainest my name, and hast not renounced your faith in me, even at a time when Antipas my faithful martyr was slain among you, where Satan dwells. but I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who counselled Balac to ensnare the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. read more. you have likewise those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate. repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight 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 will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man understands, except he that receives it." And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira, write, "THESE things saith the son of God, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass; I know thy works, your charitable offices, your faith, and your patience, and that your last works exceed the first. notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel, who stiles herself a prophetess, and teaches and seduces my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her space to repent of her fornication, but she repented not. behold, I will confine her to her bed, and those that commit adultery with her I will severely afflict, except they repent of their actions. I will strike her children dead; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and the heart: and I will give to every one of you according to your works. but I say to the rest that are in Thyatira, who do not follow this doctrine, and have not been initiated in the depths, as they are called, of satan, I will put upon you no other burden, but what you have:
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 equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ. may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. read more. It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power; by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world. Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge: to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety: to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence. for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves. but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins. Wherefore be the more diligent, my brethren, to secure your vocation and election by your virtuous actions, for by so doing, you will never relapse: and thus you will have a free admittance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. for this reason I shall never omit to put you in mind of these things, however knowing you are already, and settled in the truth. whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions: knowing that I must soon leave this tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has signify'd to me. However, I shall inculcate these things so as to make you continually remember them, even after my departure. for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty. for he received this honourable and glorious testimony from his father, when the voice broke out from the magnificent splendor, in these words, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain. Besides, we have the more authentic accounts of the prophets, to which you do well in giving your attention, as to a lamp shining in an obscure place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star arises in your hearts. But you must above all consider, that no prophecy of the scripture did proceed from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.