In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua]
was in the beginning with God.
SECOND PETER
The book of Second Peter is the fourth of the eight
general epistles.
Peter was in Rome when he wrote his first epistle in about AD 64. He
wrote his second letter shortly afterwards before being martyred prior
to AD 67. Paul addressed both letters to the Gentiles in Asia Minor,
which is present day Turkey.
Peter was aware that his remaining time on earth was short. He wanted
believers to continue growing in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, while understanding that their
calling is from a divine power. Their faith was based on the power and
glory of Christ and not on fables of men. He reminded
them of his personal witness of the transfiguration of Christ on the
holy mountain. God’s voice came from heaven and declared. “This is My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. The prophecy of scripture
including that of the coming of Christ came from
holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit. Peter warned that
there would be false teachers coming who would deny Christ. They would attempt to snare believers in destructive heresies.
Peter described their wickedness and God’s coming judgment against them.
In the midst of wickedness, however, God is able to deliver the godly
out of temptations.
Peter’s final message exhorted believers to mature in Christ in view
of the coming judgment in the Day of the Lord. Many will scoff at the
promise of Christ’s return and choose to walk in unrighteousness. They
forget that God judged the wicked with a great flood. He will again
judge the wicked by consuming the earth and its works with fire. God’s
delay is a result of His longsuffering, not willing that anyone should
perish but that all should come to repentance. Therefore, believers are
to be diligent in conduct and holiness. The Day of the Lord will come as
a thief in the night.
Second Peter 1: Growing in Christ; Peter’s witness of Christ’s
transfiguration; scriptural prophecy
Second Peter 2: The danger of heresies; God’s judgment of the wicked;
description of false teachers
Second Peter 3: Mockery of Christ’s return; God’s longsuffering;
final judgment; conduct of believers