The Authenticity of This Message

The second epistle of the Apostle Peter in the most ancient Christian Church was apparently not as widespread as the first, and therefore doubts were expressed about its authenticity. It was not in the Syriac translation of the Peshito. But we find indications and allusions to the existence of this epistle already in such Apostolic Fathers as St. Clement of Rome, Hermas, Barnabas, and Polycarp. Clear indications of it are found in Justin the Martyr, Irenaeus, and Theophilus of Antioch.According to Eusebius, Clement of Alexandria even wrote a commentary on this epistle. Origen directly quotes this epistle, not hiding his doubts about its authenticity. In the fourth century, Eusebius placed it in the composition of the conciliar epistles, which, however, ranked it among the controversial ones. Jerome in his catalogue accepts this epistle as authentic. Didymus of Alexandria has no doubts about its canonicity. From the fourth century onwards, all doubts about its authenticity ceased.Most of the Epistle undoubtedly bears the imprint of the personality of the Apostle Peter, like the first Epistle. If there is sometimes a difference in language in comparison with the first epistle, it is not so significant and can easily be explained by the fact that St. Peter, with his simple education, could not preserve a firm and strictly defined seal of syllable in all the particulars and details of his writings. The general character of the Epistle is undoubtedly Apostolic and specifically Peter's.

Contents of the Message

The second epistle of Peter has only three chapters with the following content:The first chapter: Inscription and greeting (1-2). Ascending by virtues (3-9). Conviction of firmness as an indication of death (10-15). On the Transfiguration of Christ (16-18). Old Testament Prophecy (19-21).Chapter Two: False Prophets and False Teachers (1-3). Examples of divine punishment (4-9). Detailed Characteristics of False Teachers (10-15). The example of Balaam (15-16). Continuation of the characteristic (17-19). Woe to Them (20-22).Chapter Three: False Teachers and False Teaching about the Second Coming of Christ and the End of the World with a New Heaven and a New Earth (1-15). Apostle Paul (16). Final Instructions 17-18).

Exegetical Analysis of Petrov's Second Epistle

The second epistle of Peter has only three chapters with the following content:The first chapter: Inscription and greeting (1-2). Ascending by virtues (3-9). Conviction of firmness as an indication of death (10-15). On the Transfiguration of Christ (16-18). Old Testament Prophecy (19-21).Chapter Two: False Prophets and False Teachers (1-3). Examples of divine punishment (4-9). Detailed Characteristics of False Teachers (10-15). The example of Balaam (15-16). Continuation of the characteristic (17-19). Woe to Them (20-22).Chapter Three: False Teachers and False Teaching about the Second Coming of Christ and the End of the World with a New Heaven and a New Earth (1-15). Apostle Paul (16). Final Instructions 17-18).

Chapter One

The first chapter can be called instructive, the second – warning, and the third – prophetic.

Chapter One

Inscription and salutation 1:1-2

The Epistle begins, as usual, with an inscription in which the author of the Epistle calls himself "Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ," and exalts his readers to himself as having "received" with him "an equally precious faith." However, it is possible that by this expression the Apostle only wanted to emphasize that Jewish Christians do not have an advantage over Gentile Christians, that the faith of both is equally precious in the eyes of God. In verse 2 he expresses the wish: "Grace to you and peace abound in the knowledge of God, and Christ Jesus our Lord" — by this he seems to want to say that the abundance of grace and peace depends on the knowledge of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: the greater and deeper this knowledge, the more abundant grace-filled gifts we receive.

Ascending by virtue 1:3-9

Further, the Apostle describes the steps of active ascent to the summit of Christian perfection.At the foundation of this ladder the Apostle places faith and points out that with faith must be connected efforts to prove its truth by virtues, which lead gradually to the summit of Christian perfection – to love (vv. 3-8). it must certainly manifest itself at every step.in virtue prudenceBut every matter requires prudence. One must consider one's own strength, time and circumstances, otherwise, with unreasonable zeal, one can do more harm than good. You need to be strict with yourself.patience in abstinenceThe path of abstinence requires constancy and patience. It's easy to get carried away with something for a short time. God wants us to be strengthened in our good work.in patience pietyIn the course of labors and feats, dryness, severity and isolation often arise. It is necessary to fight these feelings. The purpose of podvig is not in themselves, but in the correction of the heart.in piety brotherly loveA distinctive feature of true piety is a benevolent and affectionate attitude towards one's neighbors. We must learn to have compassion for people and "bear the burdens" of the weak.in brotherly loveThe ultimate goal is love from a pure heart. It is this that likens us to God and brings us closer to Him.Whoever is frozen in his self-righteousness and careless about the multiplication of the fruits of faith is blind (v. 9).

Persuasion of Firmness by Pointing to End 1:10–15