2nd Letter of Peter
in a Nutshell
2nd Letter of Peter
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Second Letter of Peter is a final exhortation from the apostle Peter, written to believers shortly before his death. The letter serves as both a warning and a reminder: to stand firm in the truth of the gospel, to grow in godly character, and to remain vigilant against false teachers. It emphasizes the reliability of God's Word and the certainty of Christ’s return, even amid growing skepticism.
Peter opens by encouraging believers to build their lives on the foundation of faith, supplementing it with virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Those who grow in these qualities will be effective and fruitful in their knowledge of Christ. He reminds them that God's power has given everything needed for life and godliness.
Peter then turns to the authority of Scripture and his personal witness of Jesus’ majesty, recalling the transfiguration where he saw Christ’s glory firsthand. He assures readers that prophecy never originated from human will but was spoken by men carried along by the Holy Spirit. This contrast sets the stage for his warning against false teachers who distort the truth for selfish gain.
In a strong rebuke, Peter exposes these corrupt teachers as greedy, arrogant, and immoral, comparing them to Balaam and emphasizing their destructive influence. He reminds the church that God has judged the wicked in the past—such as fallen angels, the flood generation, and Sodom and Gomorrah—and will do so again. At the same time, God knows how to rescue the godly from trials.
Finally, Peter addresses doubts about the return of Christ. Scoffers claim that nothing has changed and mock the promise of His coming. Peter responds that God's timing is different from human perception: “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years.” He assures them that the delay is due to God's patience, giving more time for repentance. He urges believers to live in holiness and expectation, looking forward to the new heavens and new earth. 2 Peter is a sober call to remain anchored in truth, growing in grace, and standing firm until the day of the Lord.
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Greek Scriptures
Greek Scriptures
(New Testament Books)
Outline of 2 Peter
Outline of 2 Peter
I. Introduction and Greeting – 2 Peter 1:1–2
A. Address from Simon Peter – 2 Peter 1:1
B. Blessing of Grace and Peace – 2 Peter 1:2
II. A Call to Spiritual Growth – 2 Peter 1:3–11
A. God's Divine Power Provides All We Need – 2 Peter 1:3–4
B. Make Every Effort to Grow in Virtue – 2 Peter 1:5–7
C. The Fruit and Reward of Growth – 2 Peter 1:8–11
III. The Trustworthiness of the Apostolic Witness – 2 Peter 1:12–21
A. Peter’s Purpose and Reminder – 2 Peter 1:12–15
B. Eyewitness Testimony of Christ’s Majesty – 2 Peter 1:16–18
C. The Authority of Scripture – 2 Peter 1:19–21
IV. Warnings Against False Teachers – 2 Peter 2:1–22
A. Introduction to False Teachers – 2 Peter 2:1–3
B. God’s Judgment on the Ungodly – 2 Peter 2:4–10a
1. Angels who sinned – 2 Peter 2:4
2. The ancient world of Noah – 2 Peter 2:5
3. Sodom and Gomorrah – 2 Peter 2:6–8
4. Jehovah rescues the righteous – 2 Peter 2:9–10a
C. Characteristics of False Teachers – 2 Peter 2:10b–22
1. Arrogance and rebellion – 2 Peter 2:10b–12
2. Corruption and greed – 2 Peter 2:13–16
3. Empty promises and bondage – 2 Peter 2:17–19
4. Worse off after apostasy – 2 Peter 2:20–22
V. Reminder of the Lord’s Return – 2 Peter 3:1–18
A. Recall the Words of the Prophets and Apostles – 2 Peter 3:1–2
B. The Coming of Scoffers – 2 Peter 3:3–7
1. Denial of Jehovah’s promises – 2 Peter 3:3–4
2. God's past judgment by flood – 2 Peter 3:5–7
C. God's Patience and the Day of Jehovah – 2 Peter 3:8–10
D. How to Live in Light of the End – 2 Peter 3:11–13
E. Final Exhortations and Warning – 2 Peter 3:14–18
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
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