Revised by Matthew L. Skinner, 04/23
Character and conduct
Nothing in this book is more vivid and memorable than the author’s no-holds-barred commitment to soundness of doctrine. But his insistence on the kind of behavior that is consistent with the truth is just as strong (see 3:11).
Consequences of ideas
As an insightful pastor, the writer of 2 PeterPeter (also known as Cephas, Simon Peter) was the disciple who denied Jesus during his trial but later became a leader in proclaiming Jesus. understands the allure of setting aside the belief in Christ as the coming judge. Certainly the delay of Jesus’ coming (parousiaThe parousia refers to the second coming of Christ in glory and triumph. This apocalyptic event fulfills various end-of-time prophecies such as the resurrection of the dead and the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. in Greek) and the force of hostile circumstances heightened the temptation to see the gospel as no more than an ethical framework for this world alone, with no eschatological dimension. But the author will have none of this; judgment is sure to come, and its effects will be all the more severe for those whose skepticism leaves them unprepared.
The witness of tradition
The author argues strenuously that the apostolic message is not only unassailable (whether by critics or by changing events and circumstances) but remains the only foundation for faithful teaching, ethics, and witness.
Jesus’ transfigurationThe Transfiguration was a mountaintop event in which Jesus was transformed and became dazzling white, in a manner that suggested his future glory. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration; Moses and Elijah appeared on the mountain and talked with Jesus. The event, which is…
In the Synoptic GospelsThe Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They are called Synoptics because they view the gospel story from a similar point of view; they also share large blocks of narrative material in common. (MatthewA tax collector who became one of Jesus’ 12 disciples., Mark, and LukeThe "beloved physician" and companion of Paul.), Jesus’ body undergoes a transfiguration while he is on a mountain with a few of his disciples. In this peculiar scene the disciples evidently glimpse JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God’s saving act for humanity. bathed in divine glory, which also provides an apt opportunity for God to address them, referring to Jesus as God’s Son and commanding them to “listen to him.” In 2 Peter 1:16-19, the author recalls the Transfiguration as a means of reinforcing Peter’s distinctive authority, especially when it comes to promises that Jesus possesses God’s glory and will come again with power. The implication is that readers can be assured that Jesus will return, because Peter witnessed a foretaste of the glory that belongs to him as the beloved Son of God.
Cosmic conflagration
In a discussion about the day of the LordThe Day of the Lord, in prophetic writing, is the day of judgment when God will intervene directly in world affairs. As described in Zephaniah, for instance, God will sweep everything away. In Matthew’s gospel God is described as gathering the elect on the day… and Christ’s return, 2 Peter speaks about the heavens being burned up and the elements of the universe being destroyed by fire (3:8-13). No other New Testament writing describes this kind of fiery destruction. An expectation of cosmic conflagration, in which a new cosmos comes to pass through the utter destruction of the old one, appears also in some ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature and was relatively common in Stoic cosmological assumptions. While other biblical writings speak of the transformation of the world, 2 Peter, a book replete with threats about judgment, prefers images of incineration.
