Title and Author: The book of 2 Peter is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus Christ's closest disciples. The title "2 Peter" signifies that it is the second epistle or letter attributed to Peter in the New Testament. Conservative Christian scholars affirm Petrine authorship based on internal evidence and early church tradition, despite some modern scholarly debates.

Historical Context: 2 Peter is believed to have been written in the mid-to-late first century, likely between AD 65 and 68, during a time of growing persecution against Christians under Roman rule. The letter addresses issues of false teachings and moral decay within the church, reflecting the challenges faced by early Christians in maintaining doctrinal purity and ethical integrity.

Audience: The epistle is addressed to "those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours" (2 Peter 1:1), indicating a broad audience of believers, possibly in Asia Minor. These Christians were facing external pressures and internal threats from false teachers.

Purpose: The primary purpose of 2 Peter is to warn against false teachers and to encourage believers to grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ. Peter emphasizes the importance of remembering the apostolic teachings and living a life of godliness in anticipation of Christ's return.

Genre and Style: 2 Peter is an epistle, characterized by its didactic and exhortative style. It employs vivid imagery and strong language to convey its warnings and encouragements.1. Simon Peter (2 Peter 1:1)
- Simon Peter is the author of the letter. He identifies himself as "a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ."

2. Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1)
- Jesus Christ is referred to as "our God and Savior" and is central to the faith and teachings that Peter is discussing.

3. Noah (2 Peter 2:5)
- Noah is mentioned as "a preacher of righteousness" who was preserved by God during the flood, highlighting God's judgment and salvation.

4. Lot (2 Peter 2:7)
- Lot is described as "a righteous man" who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless in Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing God's ability to rescue the godly from trials.

5. Balaam (2 Peter 2:15)
- Balaam, the son of Beor, is mentioned as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness and was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey.1. Babylon (2 Peter 1:1)
- While Babylon is not directly mentioned in 2 Peter, it is traditionally believed that Peter wrote this epistle from Babylon, as he mentions in 1 Peter 5:13. Babylon, in this context, is often interpreted as a symbolic reference to Rome, the center of the Roman Empire and a place of significant Christian persecution.

2. The Holy Mountain (2 Peter 1:18)
- This refers to the Mount of Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. The exact location of this mountain is not specified in the Bible, but it is traditionally identified as Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon in the region of Galilee.

3. Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6)
- These ancient cities are mentioned as examples of divine judgment due to their wickedness. They were located in the region of the Dead Sea and were destroyed by fire and brimstone as recounted in Genesis.

4. The World of the Ungodly (2 Peter 2:5)
- This phrase refers to the ancient world before the flood, which was destroyed due to its corruption and sinfulness. It is a general reference to the pre-flood world rather than a specific geographical location.

5. Balaam's Location (2 Peter 2:15)
- Balaam, a prophet mentioned in the Old Testament, is noted for his journey to Moab to curse the Israelites. While 2 Peter does not specify a location, Balaam's story is set in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River.1. Greeting and Introduction (2 Peter 1:1-2)
- Peter introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ and extends grace and peace to the readers through the knowledge of God and Jesus.

2. Divine Power and Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4)
- Peter explains that God's divine power has given believers everything they need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. He emphasizes the precious promises that enable believers to partake in the divine nature and escape worldly corruption.

3. Call to Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1:5-11)
- Peter urges believers to add to their faith virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He assures that possessing these qualities will keep them from being ineffective and unproductive in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.

4. Reminder of the Truth (2 Peter 1:12-15)
- Peter expresses his intention to remind the readers of these truths, even though they are already aware of them, emphasizing the importance of being constantly reminded of the teachings of Christ.

5. Eyewitness Testimony of Christ’s Majesty (2 Peter 1:16-18)
- Peter recounts his experience as an eyewitness of Christ's majesty, specifically referencing the Transfiguration, where he heard the voice of God affirming Jesus as His beloved Son.

6. The Prophetic Word Confirmed (2 Peter 1:19-21)
- Peter highlights the reliability of the prophetic word, urging believers to pay attention to it as a light shining in a dark place. He emphasizes that prophecy never originated from human will but from men who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

7. Warning Against False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)
- Peter warns that false teachers will arise among the believers, introducing destructive heresies and denying the Master who bought them. He cautions that many will follow their depraved conduct, and the truth will be maligned.

8. Examples of Divine Judgment (2 Peter 2:4-10)
- Peter provides examples of God's judgment, including the fallen angels, the ancient world during Noah's time, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, to illustrate that God knows how to rescue the godly and punish the unrighteous.

9. Characteristics of False Teachers (2 Peter 2:10-22)
- Peter describes the bold and arrogant nature of false teachers, their blasphemous behavior, and their exploitation of others. He compares them to irrational animals and highlights their eventual destruction.

10. The Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:1-10)
- Peter reminds the readers of the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord through the apostles. He addresses the skepticism about the coming of the Lord and affirms that the Lord's timing is different from human timing, emphasizing that the day of the Lord will come like a thief.

11. Call to Holy Living (2 Peter 3:11-14)
- In light of the coming judgment and the new heavens and new earth, Peter urges believers to live holy and godly lives, being diligent to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God.

12. Final Exhortation and Doxology (2 Peter 3:15-18)
- Peter encourages believers to regard the patience of the Lord as salvation and warns against being led astray by the error of lawless men. He concludes with a doxology, urging believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory both now and forever.1. Divine Power and Promises (2 Peter 1:3-4)
- Peter emphasizes that God's divine power has granted believers everything needed for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. The promises of God enable believers to partake in the divine nature and escape worldly corruption.

2. Moral Excellence and Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1:5-7)
- The letter encourages believers to diligently add to their faith virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and moral excellence.

3. Certainty of Christ’s Return (2 Peter 1:16-21)
- Peter assures readers of the certainty of Christ's return, emphasizing that the apostles were eyewitnesses of His majesty and that prophecy is not of human origin but inspired by the Holy Spirit.

4. Warning Against False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1)
- The letter warns of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, denying the Master who bought them. These false teachers are characterized by their greed and deceptive ways.

5. Judgment and Deliverance (2 Peter 2:4-9)
- Peter recounts examples of God's judgment on the wicked (e.g., fallen angels, the ancient world, Sodom and Gomorrah) and His deliverance of the righteous (e.g., Noah, Lot), illustrating God's ability to rescue the godly and punish the unrighteous.

6. Corruption and Depravity of False Teachers (2 Peter 2:10-22)
- The letter describes the corrupt nature and depraved conduct of false teachers, comparing them to irrational animals and emphasizing their eventual destruction. Their actions are driven by lust and they entice others into sin.

7. The Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:3-10)
- Peter addresses scoffers who doubt the coming of the Lord, affirming that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. He explains that God's delay is due to His patience, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance.

8. Call to Holy Living (2 Peter 3:11-14)
- In light of the coming judgment and the new heavens and new earth, believers are urged to live holy and godly lives, being diligent to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God.

9. Stability in Faith (2 Peter 3:17-18)
- The letter concludes with an exhortation to remain steadfast in faith, warning against being led astray by the error of lawless men. Believers are encouraged to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.1. Savior (2 Peter 1:1, 1:11, 2:20, 3:2, 3:18)
- Description: Jesus is referred to as "our Savior," emphasizing His role in delivering humanity from sin and its consequences. This title underscores the redemptive work of Christ and His central role in salvation.

2. Lord (2 Peter 1:2, 1:8, 1:11, 2:20, 3:18)
- Description: The title "Lord" signifies Jesus' authority and divinity. It reflects His sovereign rule over all creation and His rightful place as the one to whom believers owe allegiance and obedience.

3. Christ (2 Peter 1:1, 1:16, 3:18)
- Description: "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." This title affirms Jesus as the promised deliverer and king, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

4. Righteous One (2 Peter 1:1)
- Description: In the phrase "the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ," Jesus is associated with righteousness, highlighting His sinless nature and the moral perfection that He imparts to believers.

5. Beloved Son (2 Peter 1:17)
- Description: This title is used in the context of the Transfiguration, where God the Father declares Jesus as His "beloved Son." It emphasizes the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father and His divine approval.

6. Prophet (2 Peter 1:19)
- Description: While not directly called a prophet in this verse, Jesus is associated with the prophetic word made more certain. This implies His role in fulfilling and embodying the prophecies of the Old Testament.

7. Master (2 Peter 2:1)
- Description: The term "Master" is used in the context of false teachers denying "the Master who bought them." It underscores Jesus' ownership and authority over believers, as well as the cost of redemption.

8. Judge (2 Peter 3:7, 3:10-12)
- Description: Jesus is implied as the judge in the context of the coming day of the Lord, when the heavens and earth will be judged. This role highlights His authority to execute justice and bring about the final consummation of all things.1. Prophecy of the Coming of False Teachers
- Prophecy: "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you." (2 Peter 2:1)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is considered ongoing, as false teachings have been a continuous challenge for the Christian church throughout history.

2. Prophecy of the Destruction of the Ungodly
- Prophecy: "But by the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is eschatological, referring to the future judgment day, which is yet to be fulfilled.

3. Prophecy of the Day of the Lord
- Prophecy: "But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10)
- Fulfillment: This is also an eschatological prophecy, anticipated to occur at the end of times.

4. Prophecy of the Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth
- Prophecy: "But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is a future hope for believers, expected to be fulfilled after the final judgment.

1. Peter’s Final Challenge  ( 1:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. A Greeting from Peter  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2 )

b. Partakers of the Divine Nature  ( 1:3⁠–⁠15 )

c. Eyewitnesses of His Majesty  ( 1:16⁠–⁠21 )

2. Deliverance from False Prophets  ( 2:1⁠–⁠22 )

a. False Teachers Among You  ( 2:1⁠–⁠3 )

b. Historic Evidence for Their Judgement  ( 2:4⁠–⁠9 )

c. Characteristics of the False Teachers  ( 2:10⁠–⁠22 )

3. The Return of Jesus  ( 3:1⁠–⁠18 )

a. The Coming Judgement  ( 3:1⁠–⁠7 )

b. The Day of the Lord  ( 3:8⁠–⁠13 )

c. Final Exhortations  ( 3:14⁠–⁠18 )