A Study of II Peter

A Study of II Peter

A Study of I & II Peter

I Peter

Introduction

Authorship:

There was never a discussion that Peter the apostle was not the author of this epistle. First century writers and teacher such as Polycarp, Eusebius, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian all quote Peter and attribute this writing to him.The introduction of the epistle is enough to take away all doubt. The author clearly identifies himself in vs. 1 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,…”

Date of the Letter:

Unlike the authorship of this epistle, the date of writing is of great question among the scholars. The range is wide, from 58 to 65 A.D. We don’t know with certainty which of the Roman persecutions the letter was penned in. Unlike the authorship of this epistle, the date of writing is of great question among the scholars. The range is wide, from 58 to 65 A.D. Because Peter’s knowledge of at least some of Paul’s writings (2 Pet. 3:15-16) we may place the date of 63-64 A.D as viable.

The Persons to Whom the Letter was Written:

The first epistle is addressed to the “…strangers scattered…(dispora)”, throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, the Asia Minor region.

These scattered would be those scattered among the worldly in the regions named.

The Purpose of the Epistle:

The first letter addresses the trials of those to whom it was written, urging them to endure. This is seen clearly in chap. 1:6-7, 4:12-19, 5:8-11. The persecution against Christians was strong at this time, and the need of a message to endure was fulfilled by Peter in this work.

Addressed in this letter are the elect (1:2) to indicate God’s grace toward them. They are called obedient children (1:14) indicating their manner of life. They are referred to as living/lively stones (2:5) indicating their part in God’s house. They are the royal priesthood, holy nation, a people for His own possession/peculiar people (2:9) showing forth the work of service, particular relationship with God, and their separation from the world. All of this to indicate to them the need to persevere in times of trial because of God’s great grace toward them.

Lesson 1

I Peter 1:1-25

  1. What is meant by the statement in vs. 2; “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,”? Compare Eph. 1:4-14. Do Peter and Paul both affirm the doctrine of Calvin’s TULIP or predestination?
  1. In vs. 2 also, how is one sanctified of/through the Spirit?
  1. In vs. 3 by what means are we born again to a living hope? What else is through or by this means? Cf. Rom. 1:4, 1 Pet. 3:21
  1. Does vs. 5 teach the impossibility of apostasy by the word “guarded/kept” used there? Cf. Phil. 4:7
  1. What is the “tested genuineness/trial of faith” in vs. 7?
  1. In vs. 9-12 summarize the points of Peter’s statements:

6.1 What is the end consequence of faith (vs. 9)?

6.2 How did the prophets inquire of salvation?

6.3 If the prophets foretold of Christ coming, how was it not for them (vs. 12)?

6.4 Who are the angels of vs. 12?

  1. How can we be holy (vss.14-17)? Where else is this passage found? Define the word “holy”.
  1. Who was foreknown/foreordained before creation (vss. 18-20)?
  1. How are our souls purified (vs. 22)?
  1. How are we born again (vs. 23)?
  1. In vss. 24-25 what two things does Peter contrast?
  1. What O.T. passage speaks of God’s word in a similar way as in vs. 25? Hint: Look in Isaiah

Lesson 2

I Peter 2:1-25

  1. Vs. 1-3 have been used by some to point out the need for the new convert, the babe in Christ. Are these passages speaking to babes? Note one word in vs. 2 that would help us to understand the meaning.
  1. In vs. 4-8 Peter presents Jesus to us as what? From which Old Testament passages does he refer?
  1. In vs. 9 how are we:

3.1 A chosen race/generation?

3.2 A royal priesthood?

3.3 Holy nation?

3.4 People for His own possession/Peculiar people?

  1. In vs. 10 Peter says they were not a people, but now they are. What does he mean? Note Rom. 9:25-26, 2 Cor. 6:14-18
  1. In vs. 11-20 what teaching does Peter give about living in society?
  1. In vs. 21-24 list the examples of conduct given to us by Jesus
  1. What was our condition as described in vs. 25 before becoming a child of God?
  1. In the same verse, it says that we have “returned unto the Shepherd and Oversee/Bishop”. What does the word “return” indicate? Are we separate from God at birth because of “Original Sin”, or does this verse tell us something else?

Lesson 3

I Peter 3:1-22

  1. In vs. 1-6 who is addressed? What are the admonitions given to them?
  1. In vs. 7 who is addressed, and what admonitions are given them? Note the word “Likewise” for your answer.
  1. Who is addressed in vs. 8-17 and what admonitions are given?
  1. In vs. 8 is Peter giving us an impossible command i.e. “…have unity of mind/be ye all of one mind…”? What does he mean in this verse? Note Rom. 12:16, 15:5, Phil. 2:2-3
  1. In vs. 18 Christ died for the unjust, but made alive by the Spirit. Does “spirit/Spirit” mean Holy Spirit or is there another explanation?
  1. In vs. 19 Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison. There is a doctrine of men that states that during the three days while Jesus’ body was in the tomb, He preached to the lost giving them a second chance. Is this the meaning of vs. 19? Consider vs. 20 and Chap. 4:6 in your answer.
  1. What is the “corresponds to/like figure” thing referred to in vs. 21? Note vs. 20 for your answer.
  1. How were Noah and his family brought safely/saved,through/by water.Weren’t they saved by the ark?
  1. What does baptism cleanse for the obedient in vs. 21?
  1. Where is Jesus now, and who are subject to Him in vs. 22?

Lesson 4

I Peter 4:1-19

  1. What are we to arm ourselves with in vs. 1?
  1. How are we to live in vs. 2? Cf. Rom. 8:1-10.
  1. Who does God judge in vs. 5?
  1. In vs. 7 was Peter saying that the end of time was immediately upon them? What might he be referring to?
  1. What is the gift referring to in vs. 10?
  1. How can we be blessed/happy to be insulted/reproached in vs. 14?
  1. In vs. 15-16 what prerequisite to suffering must be seen in us?
  1. What is meant in vs. 17-18:
  2. Judgment begins at the household/house of God?

8.2 If the righteous scarcely are saved?

  1. How can we entrust/commit our souls unto God in vs. 19?

Lesson 5

I Peter 5:1-14

  1. Who are the elders of vs. 1-4? Are they older men of the congregation, or those who serve in the work of elder? What instructions are given them in vs. 1?
  1. In vs. 5 the younger are to submit to the elder(s). Who is being spoken of?
  1. In vs. 8 what is Satan’s work?
  1. How can we resist Satan? Compare with Eph. 6:13-17.
  1. In vs. 13 was Peter among the Christians of Babylon of Assyria?
  1. Who is the Marcus referred to in vs. 13?

Concluding Questions:

  1. What word occurs often is 1 Peter?
  1. Can we not suffer and be a Christian? How might we suffer today?

A Study of II Peter

Introduction

The Author:

Many speculations were prevalent by the early historians that Peter was not the author of the second epistle. For a time the letter was not included as canonical. The epistle was accepted as Peter’s work by all except the Syrian historians by the 4th century. Barnes in his notes of the epistle states 4 overriding points to show Peter as the author:

  1. There was never a true rejection of the letter being attributed to Peter. There were just some doubts
  2. All doubts on the subject of authorship disappeared by the 3rd and 4th centuries for the most part
  3. The epistle claims to have been written by Peter, and has the marks of being genuine
  4. There is no evidence of plagiary, and no evidence that an anonymous writer would have gained anything by writing in Peter’s name

Date of the Letter:

Scholars vary on the date of the writing from 63-66 AD.

Peter’s death is agreed to be 66 AD.

Peter in chap. 1:14 mentions that he,”… shortly must put off this my tabernacle…” which assumes his impending demise.

If he died in 66 AD, then the letter must have been written before that time.

The time frame of 64-65 AD is probable.

The Persons to Whom the Letter was Written:

Chap. 3:1 states clearly it was a second address to the same group the first epistle was written- the “…strangers scattered…”, those of Asia Minor.

The Purpose of the Epistle:

Where the first letter dealt with the grace of God, and suffering for Him, the second epistle deals more with the danger of teachers of error, and that their doctrine would turn saints away from the truth.

The first letter implored them in the face of physical danger to hold true. The second emphasizes that no lesser concern needed be shown by the doctrine brought by these teachers of error.

Note: As we go through the study of 2 Peter Chapter 2 we will combine much of Jude in our discussion.

Lesson 1

II Peter 1:1-21

  1. In verse 1, Peter mentions the “a faith of equal standing/like precious faith…” they had with him (us). How was this faith attained? Who is the “us” mentioned?
  1. In vs. 3 who received “…all things that pertain unto life and godliness…”, and in vs. 4 who received the "great and precious promises"? Compare this to the rest of the verse, who are the "you"?
  1. In vs. 3 what are the “…all things that pertain unto life and godliness…”. How was this to be attained? Define “…life and godliness…”.
  1. In vs. 4 Peter mentions the, “…divine nature…”. What is the contrast to the divine nature mentioned in this verse?
  1. Beginning in verse 5 through verse 7 we have a listing of attributes. What do we usually call this section of scripture? What is the first attribute mentioned?
  1. List and define each of the other attributes:

6.1. Virtue-

6.2. Knowledge-

6.3. Self control/Temperance-

6.4. Steadfastness/Patience-

6.5. Godliness-

6.6. Brotherly affection/kindness

6.7.Love-

  1. In verse 10, what is our, “…calling and election…”? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  1. Also in verse 10 Peter says that in so doing the afore mentioned things, “…ye shall never fall…”. Explain this statement. Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  1. In verse 12, what is the importance of, “I intend always to remind you/put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them…”? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  1. In verse 16 what importance is there of Peter and others being “…eyewitnesses…”? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  1. What is being referenced in verse 17 by the statement, “voice was born to Him/there came such a voice…, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  1. In verse 19, define the word prophetic word/prophecy.
  1. What is the meaning of, “no prophecy of scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation/is of any private interpretation.”?
  1. Verse 21 is speaking of what God-given attribute? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.

Lesson 2

II Peter 2:1-22

  1. Name some of the false prophets mentioned in the Old Testament. Name some false prophets of the New Testament.

2. Name the attributes listed by Peter of what makes one a false prophet.Include Jude’s discussion of false prophets also.

2.1. Vs 1-

2.2. Vs. 2-

2.3. Vs. 3-

2.4. Vs. 10-

2.5. Vs. 12-

2.6. Vs. 13-

2.7. Vs. 14-

2.8. Vs. 15-

2.9. Vs. 17-

2.10. Vs. 18-

2.11. Vs. 19-

  1. What are the consequences of their actions? List the verses.
  1. Is it scriptural to call one a false prophet based on his doctrine alone? Consider Mt. 5:21-22 and Acts 18:24-28 in your answer.
  1. Explain the statement in vs. 20, “…the last state/latter end is worse with them than the beginning. Are there degrees of punishment?
  2. Are there degrees on sin? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  1. What Old Testament passage is referenced in vs. 22? What is the meaning of the proverb?

Lesson 3

II Peter 3:1-18

  1. If the Jews were tormentors of the saints, and the Old Law was abolished, why did Peter say to/be, “remember the predictions/mindful of the words which were spoken by the prophets…”?
  2. Paul in Galatians 3:25-26 states that we are no longer, “…under a schoolmaster (pedagogue), but that we are all,”…children by faith…” . The Old Law contained ordinances and laws (covenants) for them to keep. Peter says in verse in vs. 2 for us to be mindful, “…of the commandments through us the apostles…”. Are we under law before God today? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer.
  3. What are “scoffers” that are mentioned in verse 3? Give a passage depicting a scoffer in the New Testament.
  4. What is the attitude that is depicted in vs. 4 of people that would doubt the Lord’s coming?
  5. Vs. 8 states that, “…one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” What is this verse saying?
  6. Some use this verse to say that in creation a day could have been thousands to billions of years long. Is verse 8 saying this?
  7. What is the desire of God expressed in verse 9?
  8. In vs. 10 what is meant by the statement that, “…the Lord will come like a thief/in the night…” How should this affect our attitude in life?
  9. There are those who promote the doctrine of pre-millennialism. Explain if this is possible by verses 10-12, and by other N.T. passages.
  10. If there will be no thousand year reign of Christ on the earth, explain verse 13.
  11. In Rom. 3:23 Paul say that, “…all have sinned and come short…”. In I Jn. 1:8 John says that, “…If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…”. Peter says in vs. 14 that we be diligent to be, “…found… without spot or blemish and at peace/blameless.” How can this be? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer. Consider I Jn. 1:9 in your answer.
  12. In Peter’s comment on Paul’s writing, does Peter admit that the Bible cannot be understood? Give book, chapter and verse for your answer. What is the real point that Peter makes of Paul’s letters?
  13. Vs. 17 gives the summation of the purpose of the letter. What was the purpose of the letter? Compare Hosea 4:6 to this verse.
  14. Vs. 18 sums up what other verses in the 2nd epistle?

Concluding Questions:

  1. What are the main thoughts of chapter 1?

2. What are the main thoughts of chapter 2

3. What are the main thoughts of chapter 3?

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