The Writings of 2 Peter

Peter was a pastor, and as a pastor he was a shepherd to his flock, the church. As any good shepherd would do, Peter not only fed his flock, but he also wanted to guide his flock in the right direction and protect them from danger. In his first letter, Peter took time to encourage the church as they were being persecuted because of their faith. Peter wanted to help them with attacks they were facing outside of the church. In this second letter, Peter turns his attention to inside the church. He knew that threatening situations came from both inside and outside the church. Outside of the church believers were persecuted. Inside the church believers were fed lies by false teachers that could lead them away from the truth of Christ. 

Before Peter uncovers the lies that false teachers were spreading in the church, he first reminds the church of the truth of Christ and what a God honoring life looks like. Peter could have started his letter by listing all the false doctrines in the church, but he didn’t. He made sure, before exposing the lies, to start with the truth about Christ. He wanted the church to know the God they were serving and who they were because of Him. Peter wanted the readers of his letter to know the truth fully and also to live in the truth fully, in their character and in their action. Imagine Peter writing this letter, thinking back to his early days as a disciple. He knew the truth but it took him time to live in the truth. He can write this letter from his own experience. 

After teaching the truth of Christ, Peter shifts his focus to addressing the false teachers in the church. Peter teaches the church how God is the source of His Word and that God revealed these things to these prophets through the Holy Spirit. Peter knew this church had men, claiming to be prophets, but the Holy Spirit did not give their revelations to them. They were false prophets and false teachers. These prophecies did not build up the church, but threatened to destroy the church when they denied the truth about all Jesus Christ had done. Peter warned the church that many would be led down the wrong path because of these false teachers. 

This is why Peter closed his letter by reminding his readers to keep their eyes on Christ and His return. More than 2000 years have passed since Christ came to earth. During the past 2000 years, starting with churches like the one Peter is writing to, there have been false teachings. Peter had to remind his church of the truth, including the truth of Christ’s return. Peter had moments of confusion when he first started following Christ. Peter was impatient with Christ and His timing. He understands this church. Peter reminds them that God is not slow. He is actually being patient. It is His desire that everyone will have the opportunity to hear the truth! Once again, Peter points his readers back to living with eternity in mind. This letter reminds Christians the end of this time on earth is drawing near and Christ will return, so live a life that makes investments with eternity in mind.