Peter (the Aging Apostle)
Category: Endurance in teaching & preparing the church
Could avoid: Stay silent, protect himself from martyrdom.
“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth.” (2 Peter 1:12)
Cross-Refs: John 21:18–19; Acts 20:27.
Chose: To keep reminding the church of truth.
“I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.” (2 Peter 1:13)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 5:1–2; 2 Timothy 4:2.
Endured: Imprisonment, impending death.
“…because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.” (2 Peter 1:14)
Cross-Refs: John 21:18–19; Philippians 1:20.
Why: To leave a lasting testimony to Christ’s glory.
“We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 17:2–5; 1 John 1:1–3.
Result: Left a legacy of truth for future generations.
“And you will always be able to remember these things.” (2 Peter 1:15)
Cross-Refs: 2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 13:7.
Believers (Called to Grow in Godliness)
Category: Endurance in virtue & growth
Could avoid: Stagnation or falling away.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance.” (2 Peter 1:5–6)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 5:22–23; Romans 5:3–5.
Chose: To confirm their calling through spiritual growth.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.” (2 Peter 1:10)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Thessalonians 4:7.
Endured: Temptations, scoffers, doubts.
“You must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” (2 Peter 3:3)
Cross-Refs: Jude 18; Matthew 24:48–49.
Why: To be effective and fruitful in Christ.
“If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive.” (2 Peter 1:8)
Cross-Refs: John 15:5; Colossians 1:10.
Result: Entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom.
“…you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:11)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 22:14; Matthew 25:34.
False Teachers (Negative Example)
Category: Failure of endurance, corruption & greed
Could avoid: Abandon greed and deception.
“There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies.” (2 Peter 2:1)
Cross-Refs: Acts 20:29–30; 1 Timothy 4:1.
Chose (wrongly): To exploit with fabricated stories.
“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Peter 2:3)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 23:16; Jude 4.
Endured: Shameful ways, slavery to corruption.
“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity.” (2 Peter 2:19)
Cross-Refs: John 8:34; Romans 6:16.
Why (wrongly): Loved wages of wickedness.
“…they have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.” (2 Peter 2:15)
Cross-Refs: Numbers 22:21–23; Jude 11.
Result: Swift destruction, darkness reserved for them.
“Blackest darkness is reserved for them.” (2 Peter 2:17)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 8:12; Jude 13.
Christian Endurance (Theological Theme)
Category: Endurance in hope of Christ’s return
Could avoid: Doubt God’s promises, live carelessly.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Cross-Refs: Habakkuk 2:3; Hebrews 10:36–37.
Chose: To live holy and godly lives while waiting.
“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” (2 Peter 3:11)
Cross-Refs: Titus 2:13–14; 1 John 3:2–3.
Endured: Waiting for the new heavens and new earth.
“That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire.” (2 Peter 3:12)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1.
Why: God is patient, desiring repentance.
“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Cross-Refs: Ezekiel 18:23; 1 Timothy 2:4.
Result: Secure future in God’s eternal kingdom.
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 21:3–4; Romans 8:21.