The Second Epistle of Peter

• Who Wrote: the Apostle Peter
• Where Written: Babylon
• When Written: c. 64 C.E.

CHAPTER 1

Greetings

1 Simon[1] Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have acquired a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:[2]

Make Your Calling Sure

² Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the accurate knowledge[3] of God and of Jesus our Lord; ³ seeing that his divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the accurate knowledge[4] of him who called us by his own glory and excellence. ⁴ By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Qualities Added to Faith

⁵ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply virtue, and in your virtue, knowledge, ⁶ and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, ⁷ and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the accurate knowledge[5] of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

⁹ For anyone lacking these things is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and choosing; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; ¹¹ for in this way you will be abundantly supplied with entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What God Has Revealed to Peter and Peter Requires from Us

¹² Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that is present with you. ¹³ I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle,[6] to stir you up by way of reminder, ¹⁴ knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle[7] is soon,[8] just as also our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. ¹⁵ And I will make every effort so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves.[9]

Prophetic Word Made More Sure

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming[10] of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was brought[11] to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” ¹⁸ and we ourselves heard this very voice brought from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.

The Inspiration of the Word of God

¹⁹ So we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place (until day dawns and a morning star  rises) in your hearts. ²⁰ But know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, ²¹ for no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

CHAPTER 2

The Rise of False Prophets

2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. ² Many will follow their acts of shameless conduct,[12] and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively; ³ and in their greed, they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Judgment of False Teachers Certain

⁴ For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into Tartarus[13] and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; ⁵ and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a proclaimer of righteousness, and seven others when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; ⁶ and by reducing the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes, he condemned them, making them an example for ungodly people of things to come; ⁷ and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the irreverent[14] men ⁸ (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), ⁹ then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials,[15] and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, ¹⁰ and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.

Characteristics of False Teachers

Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile glorious ones,[16] ¹¹ whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. ¹² But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, in their destruction will also be destroyed, ¹³ suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. ¹⁴ having eyes[17] full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; ¹⁵ forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ¹⁶ but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.

Hypocritical Lying

¹⁷ These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. ¹⁸ For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, ¹⁹ promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. ²⁰ For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the accurate[18] knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. ²¹ For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. ²² It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”

CHAPTER 3

Truths Spoken by the Old & New Testament Prophets

3 This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, ² that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.

The Coming Day of the Lord

³ Know this first of all, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, following after their own desires, ⁴ and saying: “Where is this promised coming[19] of his? For ever since the fathers fell asleep in death,[20] all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, ⁶ through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. ⁷ But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

God Is Not Slow

⁸ But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Like a Thief

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and its works will be exposed.[21]

What Sort of People You Ought to Be

¹¹ Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, ¹² looking for and hastening the coming[22] of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! ¹³ But according to his promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Do Not Be Led Astray

¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by him spotless and unblemished and in peace, ¹⁵ and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, ¹⁶ as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. ¹⁷ You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, ¹⁸ but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

[1] Two early MSS read Simeon

[2] Or, based on grammar and context, an alternative reading could be, of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ.

[3] Accurate Knowledge: (ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis) This is a strengthened or intensified form of gnosis (epi, meaning “additional”), meaning “true,” “real,” “full,” “complete” or “accurate,” depending upon the context. It is a personal recognition where one understands something clearly and distinctly or as true and valid. Paul and Peter alone use epignosis. Paul uses the term 15 times, while Peter uses it four times. Paul wrote about some who were “always learning and yet never able to come to accurate knowledge of truth.” (2Ti 3:6-7) He also prayed for those in the Colossian church, who clearly had some knowledge of the will and purposes of the Father, for they had become Christians, “that [they] may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Col 1:9) All Christians should desire to obtain or achieve accurate knowledge of God’s Word. (Eph 1:15-17; Php 1:9; 1Ti 2:3-4), It is crucial in one’s effort at putting on the new person that Paul spoke of, and in gaining peace. – Rom. 1:28; Eph. 1:17; Phil. 1:9; Col. 1:9-10; 3:10; 1 Tim 2:4; 2Pe 1:2.

[4] See 2Pe 1:2 fn.

[5] See 2Pe 1:2 fn.

[6] Or earthly dwelling or tent; that is, his earthly body

[7] Or earthly dwelling or tent; that is, his earthly body

[8] Or is coming swiftly

[9] Lit to call these things to remembrance

[10] Presence; Coming: (παρουσία parousia) The Greek word which is rendered as “presence” is derived from para, meaning “with,” and ousia, meaning “being.” It denotes both an “arrival” and a consequent “presence with.” Depending on the context, it can mean “presence,” “arrival,” “appearance,” or “coming.” In some contexts, this word is describing the presence of Jesus Christ in the last days, i.e., from his ascension in 33 C.E. up unto his second coming, with the emphasis being on his second coming, the end of the age of Satan’s reign of terror over the earth. We do not know the day nor the hours of this second coming. (Matt 24:36) It covers a marked period of time with the focus on the end of that period. – Matt. 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 1 Cor. 15:23; 16:17; 2 Cor. 7:6-7; 10:10; Php 1:26; 2:12; 1 Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:2.

[11] Or borne or made

[12] Or their sensuality; their licentious ways; their brazen conduct

[13] Tartarus: Greek verb (ταρταρόω tartaroō) means to “cast into Tartarus.” In Greek mythology, Tartarus is the deep abyss used as a dungeon of torment and suffering for the wicked and as the prison for the Titans. The lesser gods who sinned were cast into the pagan mythological Tartarus, a place of torture or torment. However, in reality, this is not a place; it is a condition where Satan and his angels are restrained from using some of their former powers, such as materializing in human form.

[14] The Greek adjective (ἄθεσμος athesmos) has the sense of a lawless person, one who breaks legal restrictions to fulfill their own desires.

[15] Or temptation

[16] Or angelic majesties

[17] Eye: (עַיִן ayin; ὀφθαλμός ophthalmos) Both Hebrew and Greek can refer to the organ of sight. (Matt. 9:29; 20:34) Illustratively, the eye is an important way of communicating with the mind, which influences our emotions and actions. When Satan tempted Eve, he motivated her through what she saw with her eyes. Eve had seen this tree many times now “it was a delight to the eyes.” (Gen 3:6) Satan also tempted Jesus with the things seen by the eyes. (Lu 4:5-7) The apostle John spoke of “the lust of the eyes” as being “from the world.”(1 John 2:16-17) The Bible uses the “eyes” to express emotions, like “haughty eyes” (Pro. 6:17), “alluring eyes” (Pro. 6:25), “eyes full of adultery” (2 Pet. 2:14), “whose eye is evil [a selfish man]” (Pro. 23:6) or “an evil eye [a greedy man]” (Pro. 28:22). It can also refer to understanding.–Lu 19:42; Eph. 1:18.

[18] The Greek word (ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis) behind the English rendering accurate knowledge is a strengthened or intensified form of gnosis (epi, meaning “additional”), meaning “true,” “real,” “full,” “complete,” or “accurate,” depending upon the context. Paul and Peter alone use epignosis.

[19] Presence; Coming: (παρουσία parousia) The Greek word which is rendered as “presence” is derived from para, meaning “with,” and ousia, meaning “being.” It denotes both an “arrival” and a consequent “presence with.” Depending on the context, it can mean “presence,” “arrival,” “appearance,” or “coming.” In some contexts, this word is describing the presence of Jesus Christ in the last days, i.e., from his ascension in 33 C.E. up unto his second coming, with the emphasis being on his second coming, the end of the age of Satan’s reign of terror over the earth. We do not know the day nor the hours of this second coming. (Matt 24:36) It covers a marked period of time with the focus on the end of that period. – Matt. 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 1 Cor. 15:23; 16:17; 2 Cor. 7:6-7; 10:10; Php 1:26; 2:12; 1 Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:2.

[20] The Greek word (ἐκοιμήθησαν ekoimēthēsan) means to be or become asleep. In many cases, it refers to falling or being asleep in death. Fallen asleep in death: (κοιμάω koimaō; κεκοίμηται kekoimetai) Literally has fallen asleep. The condition of the dead is like the state of being asleep. – Matt 28:13; John 11:11; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor. 7:39.

[21] The earth and its works will be exposed (εὑρεθήσεται heurethesetai), “will be discovered” is the original wording according to א B KP 424^c 1175 1739^txt 1852 syr^ph, ^{hmg arm} Origen. The earth and the works in it will be burned up (κατακαησεται katakaesetai) is attested to by A 048 049 056 0142 33 614 Byz Lect syr^h cop^bo eth al. Another variant, the earth and the works in it will disappear, is supported by one witness, C. A third variant the earth and the works in it will be found destroyed (ευρεθησεται λυομενα heurethesetai luomena) supported by P⁷². Several other witnesses omit the verse, Ψ 1891 vg^mss. The multiple variants are scribal attempts at clarifying a difficult passage.

[22] Presence; Coming: (παρουσία parousia) The Greek word which is rendered as “presence” is derived from para, meaning “with,” and ousia, meaning “being.” It denotes both an “arrival” and a consequent “presence with.” Depending on the context, it can mean “presence,” “arrival,” “appearance,” or “coming.” In some contexts, this word is describing the presence of Jesus Christ in the last days, i.e., from his ascension in 33 C.E. up unto his second coming, with the emphasis being on his second coming, the end of the age of Satan’s reign of terror over the earth. We do not know the day nor the hours of this second coming. (Matt 24:36) It covers a marked period of time with the focus on the end of that period. – Matt. 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 1 Cor. 15:23; 16:17; 2 Cor. 7:6-7; 10:10; Php 1:26; 2:12; 1 Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:2.