Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of 2 Peter
Second Peter is the apostle's final letter, written to help believers grow in grace and stand firm against false teachers. It affirms the certainty of God's word and Christ's return, and calls the church to diligent, fruitful faith. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Second Epistle of Peter was written by the apostle Peter as his final letter, knowing that his death was near, likely in the mid-60s AD. He writes to fortify believers before he departs, urging them to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ, warning sharply against the false teachers who would arise, and affirming the certainty of Christ's return against those who scoff at it. His concern is that the church stand firm on the truth after he is gone.
This commentary covers 2 Peter verse by verse, with the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. The letter holds grace and diligence together: God has given us everything we need for godliness, and we are to build on it with all diligence, growing into the character of Christ. It grounds our confidence in the Spirit-given Scriptures and the sure promise of the day of the Lord. References are given at the foot of each chapter.
This commentary on 2 Peter is now complete, covering all three chapters verse by verse.
Author
The apostle Peter, in his final letter before his death.
Setting
A parting charge to believers, likely mid-60s AD.
Key Themes
Growth in grace, the certainty of Scripture, and Christ's return.
Central Truth
Partakers of the divine nature through God's promises (1:4).
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
2 Peter Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
2 Peter 1:1-21
Partakers of the Divine Nature
Peter reminds us God has given all we need for godliness and promises that make us partakers of the divine nature, calls us to diligently grow in grace, and grounds our confidence in the Spirit-given Scriptures.
Read Chapter 1 →2 Peter 2:1-22
False Teachers Among You
A solemn warning: 'there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.' Peter proves God's judgment is certain from the angels, the flood, and Sodom, and draws the double truth: 'The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment.' The teachers are 'wells without water,' who 'promise them liberty' while being 'the servants of corruption.'
Read Chapter 2 →2 Peter 3:1-18
The Day of the Lord Will Come
Against scoffers who ask, 'Where is the promise of his coming?', Peter shows God's delay is mercy: 'the Lord is not slack concerning his promise... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' Yet 'the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.' We look for 'new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,' and 'grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.'
Read Chapter 3 →