Greetings (1:1–2)
- Introduction and Salutation: Peter introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He addresses those who have received a faith of equal standing with his own, through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ. He prays for grace and peace to be multiplied to them in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
Exhortation to Growth in Christian Virtues (1:3–11)
The Divine Enablement (1:3–4)
- God’s Power and Promises: Peter emphasizes that God’s divine power has granted everything necessary for life and godliness through the knowledge of Jesus. Through His promises, believers partake in the divine nature, escaping the corruption in the world caused by sinful desires.
The Call for Growth (1:5–7)
- Building on Faith: Peter calls believers to actively grow in Christian virtues. Starting with faith, they should add to it goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
The Value of Such Growth (1:8–11)
- The Benefits of Virtue: These qualities, if possessed and increasing, will keep believers from being ineffective and unproductive in their knowledge of Christ. If they lack these qualities, they are nearsighted and blind, forgetting their purification from past sins. Peter reassures them that if they practice these virtues, they will never stumble and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Purpose and Authentication of Peter’s Message (1:12–21)
His Aim in Writing (1:12–15)
- Reminder of the Truth: Peter writes to remind believers of the things they already know and are established in. He desires to continue reminding them until his death, knowing his time is short.
The Basis of His Authority (1:16–21)
- Eyewitness Testimony: Peter affirms that the gospel he preaches is not based on myths or fables but on the eyewitness testimony of Christ’s majesty. He recounts the transfiguration of Christ on the mountain, where God declared Jesus as His beloved Son. Peter emphasizes that prophecy in Scripture comes not from human will but from men who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Warning Against False Teachers (ch. 2)
Their Coming Predicted (2:1–3a)
- False Teachers and Destructive Heresies: Peter warns that false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them. Their actions will lead many to follow their depraved conduct, and the way of truth will be maligned.
Their Judgment Assured (2:3b–9)
- Sure Judgment: The false teachers’ destruction is certain, as God did not spare the angels who sinned, nor did He spare the ancient world but preserved Noah. Similarly, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, making them an example of what will happen to the ungodly. However, God knows how to rescue the righteous from trials and hold the wicked for judgment.
Their Characteristics Set Forth (2:10–22)
- Pride and Depravity: Peter describes the false teachers as those who are bold and arrogant, despising authority and reveling in their deceit. They live in indulgence, are slaves to corruption, and lead others into similar depravity. Peter warns that they are worse off than before, for they have turned away from the holy commandment and are like dogs returning to their vomit.
The Fact of Christ’s Return (3:1–16)
Peter’s Purpose in Writing Restated (3:1–2)
- Reminder of Prophetic Words: Peter reminds believers that the purpose of his letter is to stir them up by way of reminder, encouraging them to remember the words spoken by the holy prophets and the command of the Lord and Savior given through the apostles.
The Coming of Scoffers (3:3–7)
- Mockers in the Last Days: Peter warns that in the last days, scoffers will come, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. They will argue that everything continues as it has since the beginning of creation. However, Peter asserts that the world was once destroyed by water in Noah’s time and is now reserved for fire, awaiting the judgment of ungodly men.
The Certainty of Christ’s Return (3:8–10)
- God’s Timetable: Peter reminds believers that God’s perspective on time is different from ours; a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish. However, the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, with destruction and judgment.
Exhortations Based on the Fact of Christ’s Return (3:11–16)
- Living in Holiness and Godliness: In light of the impending judgment, believers are urged to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. Peter encourages them to be found spotless and blameless, and to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Conclusion and Doxology (3:17–18)
- Final Exhortation: Peter warns believers to be on their guard so that they are not carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from their secure position. Instead, they are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Doxology: Peter concludes with praise, ascribing glory to Christ, both now and forever. Amen.