“The Second Epistle General of Peter,” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)
“The Second Epistle General of Peter,” New Testament Student Study Guide
The Second Epistle General of Peter
What Is the Message of 2 Peter?
Knowing he would soon die (see 2 Peter 1:14), and knowing there were some people who were teaching falsehoods and contradicting the truth (see 2 Peter 3:16), Peter wrote this letter in a simple and direct manner. Peter knew the eternal significance of the gospel and wanted the Saints to endure faithfully. This letter explains very clearly how we can gain a knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote that Peter’s words in 2 Peter “rank in spiritual grandeur and insight with those in the Vision of the degrees of glory and the sermons of the Lord himself” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:325).
An Easy Outline of 2 Peter
One purpose of the gospel is to help us overcome sin so that we can partake of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. This purpose is clearly taught in 2 Peter. Chapter one teaches how we can come to a knowledge of the Lord and partake of His divine nature. Chapter two contrasts a true knowledge of Christ with the false teachings being spread by apostates. And chapter three calls attention to the hope a true knowledge of the Lord brings—the promise of His glorious return to the earth.