Recipient
The epistle does not identify a specific group as the recipient. Hence, it was probably written to believers in general.
Date
Peter wrote the second epistle shortly before his death (1:12-15). Since Peter was martyred during Nero’s reign (A.D. 54-68), the date of this epistle should fall between 64 and 68. Place: Unknown.
Purpose/Occasion
This epistle mainly focuses on steadfastness in the faith until the Lord’s coming. He warns the believers to be aware of false teachers who indulged in sensuality and spoke presumptuously as well as scoffers who denied the Lord’s coming. Peter reminds the believers to remain true to the faith, which the apostles had received directly from the Lord, and to be diligent in seeking spiritual growth. He emphasizes the certainty and imminence of the Lord’s return, urging them to look forward to and be prepared for that day.
Unique Characteristics
Map A Geography in the time of the early church
Central Verse
“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (1:16).
Survey
Read the entire epistle and record your observations in chart C.
Themes
Summarize the teachings in
Prophets and Prophecy
1:19 ____________________________________________________
1:20-21 __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2:1 _____________________________________________________
3:1-2 ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
The Coming of the Lord
1:16 ____________________________________________________
3:3-4 ____________________________________________________
3:9 _____________________________________________________
3:10 ____________________________________________________
3:11-12 __________________________________________________
3:13 ____________________________________________________
Judgment
2:3 _____________________________________________________
2:4 _____________________________________________________
2:5 _____________________________________________________
2:6-7 ____________________________________________________
2:9-10 ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2:12-13 __________________________________________________
3:7 _____________________________________________________
Knowledge
1:2-3 ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
1:5-6 ____________________________________________________
1:8 _____________________________________________________
1:12 ____________________________________________________
1:16 ____________________________________________________
1:20 ____________________________________________________
2:12 ____________________________________________________
2:20-21 __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
3:3 _____________________________________________________
3:17 ____________________________________________________
3:18 ____________________________________________________
Modern Relevance
The message in
Map & Chart
[insert Chart C Survey of