Book Overview - 2 Peter

by C.I. Scofield

Book Introduction - 2 Peter

WRITER: The Apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:1)

DATE: Probably A.D. 66

THEME: Second Peter and Second Timothy have much in common. In both, the writers are aware that martyrdom is near (2 Timothy 4:6; 2 Peter 1:14 with; John 21:18; John 21:19); both are singularly sustained and joyful; both foresee the apostasy in which the history of the professing church will end. Paul finds that apostasy in its last stage when the so-called laity (See Scofield "Revelation 2:6"), have become infected (2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Timothy 4:4); Peter traces the origin of the apostasy to false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Peter 2:15-19). In Peter the false teachers deny redemption truth (2 Peter 2:1); we shall find in First John a deeper depth--denial of the truth concerning Christ's person (1 John 4:1-5). In Jude all phases of the apostasy are seen. But in none of these Epistles is the tone one of dejection or pessimism. God and His promises are still the resource of the believer.

The Epistle is in four divisions:

1. The great Christian virtues, 2 Peter 1:1-14

2. The Scriptures exalted, 2 Peter 1:15-21

3. Warnings concerning apostate teachers, 2 Peter 2:1-22

4. The second coming of Christ and the day of Jehovah, 2 Peter 3:1-18

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