“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Peter’s second letter is quite different from his first, and exhorts believers to reject false teachings and look toward the return of Christ.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Peter gives advice on how believers can deal with the rise of false teachers and evildoers who were appearing in the church. He also encourages believers to grow in Christ, reject false teaching, and watch for the Lord’s return.
- Category: Epistle
- Theme: Maturity
- Timeline: Written around AD 64-68
Key Verse
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Living Victoriously
Second Peter was written for the purpose of exposing, thwarting, and defeating the invasion of false teachers into the church. Peter intended to instruct Christians in how to defend themselves against these false teachers and their deceptive lies.
Christians should not focus on Satan and his advances, but on the future coming of the Lord Jesus Christ when all wrongs will be made right and righteousness will reign upon the earth forever.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here’s a handy 7-day guide to the “catholic” epistles. (See 30-day reading guide below.)
Who Said It First?
Because 2 Peter and Jude are very similar, it is believed one borrowed from the other or that they drew from a common source.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
