2 Peter

2 Peter is the sixty-first book of the Bible. It is traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter, written shortly before his death in the mid-60s AD. The authorship has been more disputed than most New Testament letters; the style differs noticeably from 1 Peter. The letter is addressed broadly to Christians, with no specific church named.

Peter's concern in this letter is false teachers who have infiltrated the churches. He writes urgently, knowing he does not have much time left, to warn his readers and remind them of what they have been taught.

The opening chapter calls believers to grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Peter describes himself as an eyewitness of Jesus's transfiguration, having been on the mountain when the voice from heaven declared Jesus the beloved Son.

The middle chapter is a sharp warning against the false teachers. Peter compares them to fallen angels, to the people of Noah's day, to the people of Sodom. He describes them as bold, arrogant, greedy, exploiting believers with fabricated stories.

The closing chapter addresses scoffers who mock the idea that Jesus will return. Peter argues that with the Lord a day is as a thousand years; the apparent delay is patience, not failure. He ends with a call to live holy and godly lives while awaiting the day of God.