OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER

Faith’s Conflict and Victory

Salutation, 2Pe_1:1-2

I. Faith Implanted, 2Pe_1:3-11

1. Partakers of the Divine Nature, 2Pe_1:3-7

2. The Christian’s Security, 2Pe_1:8-11

II. Faith Quickened, 2Pe_1:12-21

1. The Cultivation of Christian Memory, 2Pe_1:12-15

2. The Twofold Witness to Christ, 2Pe_1:16-21

III. Faith Assaulted, 2Pe_2:1-22

1. The Invasion of Unbelievers, 2Pe_2:1-3

2. Warnings from Past Judgments, 2Pe_2:4-10

3. Bond-Servants of Corruption, 2Pe_2:11-22

IV. Faith Victorious, 2Pe_3:1-18

1. The Answer to Mockers, 2Pe_3:1-9

2. The New Heavens and Earth, 2Pe_3:10-13

Conclusion, 2Pe_3:14-18

INTRODUCTION

This Epistle was addressed to the same persons or churches as the former one, 2Pe_3:1. But years separate the two, and the aged Apostle was expecting to be called upon to seal his witness with his blood, 2Pe_1:14. His purpose in this dying charge is to caution the Christian community against the dangers which were insidiously at work among them, and were more to be feared than persecution from without. His great argument to this end is the near advent of our Lord.

The genuineness of this Epistle has been questioned; but it is contained in the list of canonical books put forth by the Council of Carthage in a.d. 397. There is so strong an identity in the use of words, between these two Epistles, and the testimony of the writer as an eye-witness of the glory of the Transfiguration is so unmistakable, that we need entertain no doubt as to the justice of its position among the accepted Scriptures. Compare 2Pe_1:16-17 with 1Pe_5:1.

{e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of 2 Peter in the printed edition}



REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER

Outline

(a) What is the theme of the Epistle?

(b) What are its main divisions?



Introduction

(c) To whom was this Epistle addressed?

(d) What interval had elapsed since the first Epistle was written?

(e) What was the writer’s purpose?

(f) What is to be said regarding the genuineness of the Epistle?



II Peter 1-3

Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments.

1. What elements enter into a fruitful Christian life?

2. What special testimony had Peter received concerning Christ?

3. What evidence is there that judgment awaits evil-doers?

4. Against what influences must the Christian contend?

5. How do scoffers seek to overthrow the faith?

6. What is the great expectation of the Christian?