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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER

INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER

The Second Epistle of Peter is placed by Eusebius among the writings whose genuineness had been called in question by many, and it is not to be denied that there were differences in the early church concerning its right to a place in the Canon. Yet it seems to have been quoted by several of the Fathers in the second century, and in the third the great Origen went so far as to write a commentary upon it. It was finally received by all the churches except the Syrian, in whose translation of the New Testament it was not embraced. Among the modern critics some have rejected it upon various grounds, but others not less able, such as Olshausen, Alford, Bruckner, and Schaff have pronounced it genuine. Upon the whole it seems probable that it was written by him whose name appears in the salutation, but written some time later than the first, near the close of his life, and specially directed against certain heresies which were beginning to appear. If there is some indefiniteness concerning the authorship, there is still more concerning the time and place where it was written. It contains no data for forming a conclusion. [370] (B. W. Johnson The People’s New Testament, 1891)

Preface

Possibly written by Peter in Babylon around the year 64 CE. Traditionally this is near his execution. Paul’s letters are well circulated and known according to 2 Peter 3:18. There are differences in style and syntax between 1 Peter and 2 Peter but it is possible the first epistle was dictated to Silvanus or written with his help. (1 Peter 5:12; Acts 15:22) It is reputed by some scholars that the Greek of 2 Peter is of a poorer quality. Though the letter is “poorly attested by the (early church) Fathers” there is some evidence it was accepted as part of the Bible canon before the Third Century.

Though the authorship and time of writing of 2 Peter is an ongoing debate, those who choose to believe it was canonical before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE will discover their own reasons; while those who reject Peter’s authorship will give their reasons, inferring this letter is a forgery. Despite these disagreements 2 Peter has been accepted as an inspired epistle for over 1,500 years. 2 Peter seems most contemporary for the 3^rd Millennium and the subject of the Return of Christ is still a hot topic. For many the inspiration of 2 Peter is found in the letter itself.

Peter writes about three main topics: the authenticity of prophecy by being an eyewitness; the danger of false teachers; and, patience in waiting for the parousia. What Peter writes is completely consistent with the rest of the Scriptures.