II PETER: AN OUTLINE

II Peter 1:3-4 ESV

Peter’s second letter is one of my favorite New Testament writings.  From the very beginning of Canon consideration this letter has been controversial.  There were three major arguments against it.  One was the difference in the Greek syntax.  It is far inferior to that of I Peter.  The second was that the theology between the two is so dissimilar.  And thirdly the whole of I Peter is so much more sophisticated in style and grammar.

Added to this was a problem some saw in II Peter chapter 2.  Is this a copy of the like material in Jude or is Jude a copy of II Peter?  Many if not most thought—for no good reason—that Jude was prior to Peter and therefore the author of II Peter was the copyist.

There is for me two simple answers.  The problem of the difference in syntax and style between I Peter and II is answered by I Peter 5:14.  Silas who was influenced by Paul was a co-author with Peter.  Secondly, the likeness between Peter and Jude is the result of similar background by which they both were influenced.

Having said this let me attempt an analysis of II Peter.  The subject of the letter is stated in vss 1:2-4.  Knowledge of and faith in the Scriptures is the single most important requirement for believers.  Having said this, now the writer must explain and defend his thesis.  This he does wonderfully well.  Note:

II Peter 1:2-21  The only certain knowledge of God is from the Scriptures

A.     This is the design of faith vs 5

B.     This is Peter’s demand  vs 15

C.     This is the determination of the Apostles vss 17-19

II Peter 2:1-21  A problem Scripture must face is false teachers

A.     False teachers are the norm and  not unexpected vs 1

B.     These false teachers are identifiable vs 12

C.     They will act according to their nature vss 21-22

II Peter 3:1-18  The prophetic word is certain and demands patience

A.     Unbelief and opposition is to be expected vs 3

B.     God’s time is not as our time vss 8-10

C.     The expectation and certainty of destruction demands holiness vs 14