2 Peter

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Genre

Second  Peter is a short letter from an Apostle. More specifically, 2 Peter is written by the Church leader upon whom Christ built his church. This letter was written towards the end of Peter’s life when there was increasing persecution and turmoil being exerted upon God’s children from the world. Peter wrote this letter to warn and exhort his audience in the faith.

Peter is writing this letter towards the end of his life, near 65 A.D. Tradition has Peter dying near the same time as Paul during Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome. It appears that Peter understood the time and was writing this letter as a testament and exhortation against false teachers who were attacking the church. Present circumstances of his audience have forced him to pen a letter or warning. False teachers have been luring his audience away from the truth of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Context

Socio-Historical Setting:

This passage is communicated towards the middle of the first century during a time when persecution upon Christians was starting to become more prevalent. Enough time had passed since the beginning of the early church to allow for false teaching to become a significant threat to the salvation of God’s people.

Understanding the characteristics of ancient letter writing helps to make sense out of this passage.

Genre

This passage is the Salutation of the letter stating the name and relationship of the author. The author goes on to address his audience with the standard elements of an ancient salutation. The author closes his salutation by blessing his audience.

Demarcation

There is  almost unanimous agreement across the English translations as to how to demarcate this passage.

• The NRSV, ESV, NIV, NET, NABRE, NLT, CEV, and MSG demarcates this passage as one cohesive section entitled Salutation (NRSV, NET).
• The NASB demarcates this passage to include v. 1-15 entitled Growth in Christian Virtue
• Douglas J. Moo, in his NIV Application Commentary entitled 2 Peter, Jude, demarcates this passage as one coherent section.

This passage contains all the hallmarks of an ancient salutation, including; the author’s name, the author’s position indicating his authority, the recipient, and a blessing. These textual markers make the demarcation analysis clear. 

Some of the English translations have chosen to include the salutation in the larger part of the letter.

The Argument of the Text

The author utilizes the formal ancient structure of a salutation to set the tone for his letter. The author identifies himself by name and position as a well-known Apostle of Jesus. He then addresses his recipients in endearing terms, again, setting the tone for his letter. The author then concludes his salutation by giving his recipients an endearing blessing.

In his salutation, the author clearly sets the tone for the rest of the letter.

There are no real issues addressed in this passage. This passage is a salutation from the author to his recipient with a blessing.

The author is addressing “those who share the same precious faith”.

In this passage, the author is not yet asking his recipient to do anything, he is just greeting and blessing his recipient.

Peter is writing this letter towards the end of his life, near 65 A.D. Tradition has Peter dying near the same time as Paul during Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome. It appears that Peter understood the time and was writing this letter as a testament and exhortation against false teachers who were attacking the church. Present circumstances of his audience have forced him to pen a letter or warning. False teachers have been luring his audience away from the truth of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

This passage gets its message across through a straight-forward salutation.

There is no information given about the location of this church.

This passage is about an Apostle of Jesus greeting and blessing a church.

The Co-text

Development of Important Words/Motifs:

Jesus Christ. In this short passage, Peter uses Jesus’ name three times. Each time, Peter applies a title to Jesus, twice Christ and once Lord.

Servant. The term “servant” could have a wide range of meanings. The Greek word is doulos, which should be translated conservatively as bond-slave and liberally as slave. It is not diakonos which would be translated household servant. The English term servant is not very faithful to the original text.

Knowledge. Knowledge is a key them in Peter’s letter. Knowledge in ancient times was not just about facts. Knowledge indicated intimate relationship as well. God’s children need to have complete knowledge, head and heart, fact and intimacy. Moo states “Peter’s central purpose in this letter is to encourage Christians to make this “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” productive and fruitful” (p. 36).

Without reading further, one cannot know the situation of the recipient that the author is addressing.

Context

Socio-Historical Setting:

This passage is communicated towards the middle of the first century during a time when persecution upon Christians was starting to become more prevalent. Enough time had passed since the beginning of the early church to allow for false teaching to become a significant threat to the salvation of God’s people.

Understanding the characteristics of ancient letter writing helps to make sense out of this passage. Understanding the salutation of a typical ancient letter and the differences found in this passage tell much about the author and his relationship to his audience. Also understanding how other spiritual leaders addressed their letters continues to shed additional light upon this specific letter.

The knowledge of this setting influences the reading of this text by setting the tone between the author and his audience.

The Interface of Contexts:

Within the world this passaged addressed, there was influence in the Church from false teachers. This author addresses this issue head on in his letter.

Similarly, in today’s current pluralistic culture, many Christians flock to hear pastors speak of the health and wealth gospel. In addition to this, the Western Church has been rocked in the last century with significant and widespread moral sin and decline within the clergy. Each of these issues make this letter from Jude very relevant to our current culture.

Intertext

Inter-Canonical Echoes:

Acts 15:14. “14 Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name.” This passage also has the unique spelling of Peter’s Hebrew name.

This passage is the “story of God and God’s people”. In this passage, the author, addresses his audience delivering a standard ancient salutation. This is how the kingdom of God is to work. Mature believers are to minister and serve other believers by being an example of Christ and passing the baton of leadership on to them. This is the “story of God and God’s people”.

Genre

Douglas J. Moo, in his NIV application commentary entitled 2 Peter, Jude, points out that Peter hastily skips the common thanksgiving for his audience and jumps right into the matter at hand. Peter utilizes several common literary techniques to communicate to his audience.

Demarcation

There general agreement across the English translations as to how to demarcate this passage. The majority of English translations reviewed demarcate this passage as one coherent text, while almost all of the remainder of translations demarcate this passage with a small variation.

The NIV, NET, NABRE, NLT, CEV, and MSG demarcate this passage as belonging to one cohesive section entitled Confirming One’s Calling and Election (NIV).

The NRSV and ESV demarcate this passage to include v. 3-15 entitling the section The Christian’s Call and Election (NIV).

The NASB demarcates this passage to include v. 1-15 entitled Growth in Christian Virtue.

Moo demarcates this passage as one coherent section.

With the salutation completed, the author begins his letter proper. Textual markers are not as prevalent in this and surrounding passages. The demarcation is based more upon the theme of each section.

The passage prior to this is clearly an ancient greeting and should not be included in the letter proper. To include the following passage in this section would confuse the emphasis of the author’s exhortation.

The Argument of the Text

The author uses exhortation to encourage his audience to continue to develop spiritual disciplines that will assure them of their “entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Moo points out that Peter uses the literary device sorites. Moo states that “This form links virtues or vices together in a series” (p. 50). Moo makes the point that the order of virtues is not important and should not be seen as a sequence to follow.

The author makes it clear in this passage that he is concerned with the eternal destination of his audience and gives them instructions on how to continue to grow in maturity in God’s kingdom.

The issue in this passage is the divine power that God’s people have been included into his kingdom. Through this divine power, God’s people can continue to grow into maturity realizing they have been cleansed of their past sins.

The author is addressing “those who share the same precious faith”. More specifically, it is probable, according to Moo, that Peter was addressing Gentiles from Asia Minor, Macedonia, or Greece who had received a letter also from Paul (p. 25).

In this passage, the author is asking his audience to “escape the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become participants of the divine nature.” Peter informs his audience that God “has given us everything needed for life and godliness.” Peter then gives his audience a specific progression they can follow to assure themselves of their call and election.

From this passage, it seems the audience live within a culture that is dominated by lust that has lead to corruption.

The author gets his message across through a straight forward homily. Moo states that 1 Peter 3-1l “forms, in fact, a “mini-sermon”… Like many good sermons, it has three points” (p. 40).

In this passage, Peter does not give specific details regarding the corruption his audience lives among.

This passage is about the divine call God’s people have through his glory and power and how they can work out this call and eternal salvation through specific spiritual disciplines.

The Co-text

Prior to this passage, the author greets his audience with a warm and formal literary greeting appropriate to their culture.

While only the salutation is applicable, it tells us much. The prior passage informs us that the author is Peter, an Apostle of Jesus, one of his closest friends, the one upon whom Jesus built his Church.

Development of Important Words/Motifs:

Given, called, provided. Throughout this passage, the author informs his audience that it is through God’s power that his people have what they have.

Without reading further, one cannot see that Peter has given his purpose for writing; that his audience may have a permanent testimony from an eyewitness of Jesus. Peter believes that his death is imminent after Jesus’ declaration to him (John 21:18-19). Peter goes on to warn his audience of false teachers who will attack them from both outside the church and from within the church.

Context

Socio-Historical Setting:

Understanding end time prophecy and gnostic thought helps make sense out of this passage. Jesus warned his followers that the world is not their home and that living in the worldly kingdom would be difficult.

The knowledge of this setting influences the reading of this text by setting the tone between the author and his audience.

Appeal to Particular Cultural Conventions/Cues:

This passage appeals to the cultural concern of purity. The Greco-Roman culture in which this letter was written was very much like our pluralistic culture today in which people felt free to indulge in their fleshly lusts.

The Interface of Contexts:

Within the world this passaged addressed, the church was under attack from outside sources as well as from false teachers within the church. Peter addresses this issue head on and exhorts his audience to stand firm utilizing spiritual disciplines.

Similarly, in today’s current pluralistic culture, many Christians flock to hear pastors speak of the health and wealth gospel. In addition to this, the Western Church has been rocked in the last century with significant and widespread moral sin and decline within the clergy. Each of these issues make this letter from Peter very relevant to our current culture.

Intertext

Passages brought to mind by a reading of this one and how this inform the canonical reading of this text.

• Matthew 13:41. “41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!” In this passage, Jesus states that he will come and collect his people out of the corruption of this world.
• Romans 5:3-4. “3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” In this passage, Paul also uses a list of virtues to exhort his audience to holy living.
• Romans 8:28-29. “28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family.” In this passage, Paul tells his audience that God’s people have been called and are being conformed into the image of his Son.
• 1 Corinthians 7:17. “17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches.” In this passage, Paul exhorts his audience to live the life that God has called them to.
• Galatians 5:6. “6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” In this passage, Paul informs his audience that “faith working through love” is what counts.
• Galatians 5:22-23. “22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control.” In this passage, Paul details the fruit of the Spirit.
• Colossians 1:13-14. “13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” In this passage, Paul informs his audience of how God’s people have been rescued from the world and into his kingdom.
• James 2:14-26. In this passage, James explains to his audience that faith without works is dead. He describes how faith and works contribute together in the believer’s life.
• 1 Peter 1:15-16. “15 Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”” In this passage, Peter exhorts his audience to be holy as God is holy.
• 1 Peter 2:9. “9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” In this passage, Peter describes to his audience that God’s people are chosen.
• 1 Peter 2:21. “21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.” In this passage, Peter describes to his audience that God’s people are chosen.
• 1 Peter 3:9. “9 Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.” In this passage, Peter describes to his audience that God’s people are chosen.
• 1 Peter 5:10. “10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” In this passage, Peter describes to his audience that God’s people are chosen.

This passage is the “story of God and God’s people”. In this passage, the author, an Apostle of the God and Lord Jesus Christ, the rock upon which God built his Church, addresses his audience by warning them of the enemy’s tactics from within and from outside the church to draw them away from God’s promises to his children. Moo states that “Too many Christians are content simply with being Christians, happy simply to know they won’t go to hell. But the true Christian never rests content with such a minimal (albeit important!) level of Christian experience. True “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (end of v. 8) should always spark the unquenchable desire to know him better and better and to seek to use that knowledge in the service of others” (p. 47). This is the “story of God and God’s people”.

1 Peter 1:3 (NRSV)

“3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Main Verbs

(has) Given

Called

Verb

(has) Given

• Tense – Past
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

Called

• Tense – Past
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Active

Douglas J. Moo, in his NIV application commentary entitled 2 Peter, Jude, states that “many scholars classify it as a “testament” or at least think that it has many of the characteristics of a testament. This word takes its literary sense from the legal sphere: A “testament” (from Latin testamentum) refers to the arrangement one makes for the disposition of one’s property at death. The word has then been applied by modern scholars to a book, or part of a book, in which a person makes a final speech from his or her deathbed” (p. 64). points out that Peter hastily skips the common thanksgiving for his audience and jumps right into the matter at hand. This passage is perhaps the most poignant in Peter’s “testament”.

Demarcation

There is general agreement across the English translations as to how to demarcate this passage. None of the English translations reviewed demarcate this passage as this study does.

The NIV, NET, NABRE, NLT, CEV, and MSG demarcate this passage to include v. 16-21 entitled Prophecy of Scripture (NIV).

The NRSV and ESV demarcate this passage as belonging to two separate sections. The first section includes v. 3-15 entitled the section The Christian’s Call and Election (NRSV). The second section includes v. 16-21 entitled Eyewitnesses of Christ’s Glory (NIV).

The NASB demarcates this passage as belonging to two separate sections. The first section includes v. 1-15 entitled Growth in Christian Virtue. The second section includes v. 16-21 entitled Eyewitnesses.

Moo demarcates this passage as belonging to parts of two separate sections. The first section includes v. 12-15. The second section includes v. 16-21.

The textual marker that assists in the analysis of this section’s demarcation is the word “therefore”. This section is tied very closely with the previous section. In this section, however, Peter informs his audience that because of those things detailed earlier, he “intend[s] to keep on reminding you of these things.” Peter then establishes his credentials to his audience. In verse twenty, Peter begins a new section that transitions into his detailing the misdeeds of false teachers.

Keeping these passages demarcated as indicated becomes crucial in understanding Peter’s argument. When the boundaries are moved, this clouds the argument and the purpose of the argument.

The Argument of the Text

In this passage, Peter utilizes a Testament to gain the attention and present the purpose of his writing to his audience. Peter then informs his audience of his eyewitness testimony to the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter finally reminds his audience that this prophecy will eventually become evident in the hearts of his audience.

The author makes it clear in this passage that he is concerned with the eternal destination of his audience. Peter cements his authority in the minds of his audience by reminding them of his eyewitness testimony. Peter then informs them that they too will experience within their hearts the true identity of Jesus as the Son of God.

Issues in this passage:

• Peter’s coming death. Peter elaborates on the details of his conversation with Jesus on the beach found in John 20.
• Peter’s commitment to preserving his testimony after his death. Peter makes it clear that his purpose is to communicate his testimony and to make sure the testimony continues even after his own death.
• Peter’s eyewitness testimony of the Father’s declaration of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Peter documents the details of the Father’s words over Jesus as his one and only Son as Jesus was transfigured.
• This message will be a light in the hearts of Peter’s audience. Peter informs his audience that this prophetic message will come to light in the hearts of his audience and will continue to guide them if they are attentive.

In this passage, Peter  is addressing “those who share the same precious faith”. More specifically, it is probable, according to Moo, that Peter was addressing Gentiles from Asia Minor, Macedonia, or Greece who had received a letter also from Paul (p. 25).

In this passage, Peter is asking his audience to accept his eyewitness testimony and to “be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place” until it becomes a light shining in their hearts.

From this passage, it seems the audience live within a culture that is dominated by lust that has led to corruption.

Peter gets his message across through a testament presented in a personal letter.

In this passage, there is nothing left out. This passage is complete as an eyewitness testimony.

This passage is about Peter’s eyewitness testimony and the light that this testimony is in the hearts of audience if they remain attentive to the message.

The Co-text

Prior to this passage, the author presents a list of virtues for his audience to follow to escape the corrupt world they find themselves in.

The author has informed us of his identity, Peter, an Apostle of Jesus, one of his closest friends, the one upon whom Jesus built his Church. Peter then presents to his audience a charge of how to continue in a life of godliness.

Development of Important Words/Motifs:

• Reminding, refresh, recall, attentive. Peter makes it clear that his audience needs to keep on the forefront of their minds the truth that Peter is sharing about the identity of Jesus Christ as God the Father’s beloved Son. Moo states that “The theme of reminding frames this passage, being found again at its conclusion…” (p. 61).

Without reading further, one cannot see that Peter goes on to warn his audience of false teachers who will attack them from both outside the church and from within the church.

Context

Understanding end time prophecy and gnostic thought helps make sense out of this passage. Jesus warned his followers that the world is not their home and that living in the worldly kingdom would be difficult.

The knowledge of this setting influences the reading of this text by setting the tone between the author and his audience.

Appeal to Particular Cultural Conventions/Cues:

The Interface of Contexts:

Within the world this passaged addressed, the church was under attack from outside sources as well as from false teachers within the church. Peter addresses this issue head on and exhorts his audience to stand firm utilizing spiritual disciplines.

Similarly, in today’s current pluralistic culture, many Christians flock to hear pastors speak of the health and wealth gospel. In addition to this, the Western Church has been rocked in the last century with significant and widespread moral sin and decline within the clergy. Each of these issues make this letter from Peter very relevant to our current culture.

Intertext

OT passages alluded to in this text:

• Isaiah 38:12. “12 My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent; like a weaver I have rolled up my life; he cuts me off from the loom; from day to night you bring me to an end;” In this Old Testament passage, the author alludes to human life in the body as dwelling in a shepherd’s tent.

Other texts explicitly cited in this text:

• Matthew 17:5. “5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”” This passage, from the Gospel of Matthew, details the Father’s declaration of Jesus’ identity at the mount of transfiguration.
• Mark 9:7. “7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”” This passage, from the Gospel of John Mark, a protégé of Peter, details the Father’s declaration of Jesus’ identity at the mount of transfiguration.
• Luke 9:35. “35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”” This passage, from the Gospel of Luke, details the Father’s declaration of Jesus’ identity at the mount of transfiguration.

Other passages brought to mind and how they inform a canonical reading of this text:

• Matthew 17:1. “1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.” This passage details the event that Peter is talking about in verse eighteen.
• John 21:18-19. “18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” This passage is what Peter alludes to when he states “our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.”
• 1 Corinthians 11:2. “2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on to you.” In this passage, Paul commends the Corinthians for their remembrance and adherence to his directives, just as Peter admonishes his audience to do.
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-3. “1 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. 3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures…” In this passage, Paul commends the Corinthians for their remembrance and adherence to his directives, just as Peter admonishes his audience to do.
• 2 Corinthians 5:1-4. “1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— 3 if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” In this passage, Paul speaks of the human bodily life as a tent.
• 2 Corinthians 10:7. “7 Look at what is before your eyes. If you are confident that you belong to Christ, remind yourself of this, that just as you belong to Christ, so also do we.” This passage highlights the importance of remembrance in the Christian life.

This passage is the “story of God and God’s people”. In this passage, the author, an Apostle of the God and Lord Jesus Christ, the rock upon which God built his Church, declares his eyewitness testimony to the true identity of Jesus Christ as the one and only beloved Son of God the Father. Peter goes on to declare that his audience continues to pay attention then their hearts will be enlightened by this truth. This is the “story of God and God’s people”.

1 Peter 1:19 (NRSV)

“19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Main Verbs

Have

(be) Attentive

Shining

Dawns

Rises

Verb

Have

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

(be) Attentive

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Imperative
• Voice – Active

Shining

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

Dawns

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

Rises

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

Genre

In this section of Peter’s letter, he continues his exhortation against false teachers.

Demarcation

There is general agreement across the English translations to demarcate chapter two as one cohesive passage. All but two of the English translation demarcate chapter two as cohesive. This study is consistent with that demarcation only adding 1:20-21. Verses 20-21 transition from the prophecy discussed in chapter one to the prophecy and false prophets of chapter two.

The NIV, NET, and NLT demarcate this passage as belonging to two separate sections. The first section includes v. 12-21 entitled Prophecy of Scripture (NIV). The second passage includes v. 2:1-22 entitled False Teachers and Their Destruction (NIV).

The NRSV, ESV, NASB, and CEV demarcate this passage as belonging to two separate sections. The first section includes v. 16-21 entitled Eyewitnesses of Christ’s Glory (NRSV). The second passage includes v. 2:1-22 entitled False Prophets and Their Punishment (NRSV).

The NABRE demarcates this passage as belonging to parts of four separate sections. The first section includes v. 12-21 entitled Apostolic Witness. The second passage includes v. 2:1-3 entitled False Teachers. The third section includes v. 4-10a entitled Lessons from the Past. The forth section includes v. 10b-22 entitled False Teachers Denounced.

The MSG demarcates this passage as belonging to parts of three separate sections. The first section includes v. 12-21 entitled The One Light in a Dark Time. The second passage includes v. 2:1-9 entitled Lying Religious Leaders. The third section includes v. 10-22 entitled Predators on the Prowl.

Douglas J. Moo, in his NIV application commentary entitled 2 Peter, Jude, demarcates this passage as belonging to parts of five separate sections. The sections are demarcated as follows; v. 1:16-21, v. 2:1-3, v. 2:4-10a, v. 2:10b-16, v. 2:17-22. Moo makes a good case for his decision in each of these demarcations. He also explains how this passage is closely tied together. Specifically, Moo states that “The “ALSO” in verse 1 suggest a close connection between this verse and what has preceded in chapter 1. This connection is to be found in the topic of “prophets.”” (p. 90).

The textual marker that assists in the analysis of this section’s demarcation is the phrase “above all”. This section is tied very closely with the previous section. In the previous section, Peter alludes to prophecy spoken of regarding Jesus return. Beginning with “above all”, Peter transitions into the next section of his letter about false prophets. In the section following this, Peter transitions into speaking of the holy prophets of God and their message.

None of the English translations include 1:20-21 in this section. This is acceptable as these two verses are transitional. However, given the flow of Peter’s argument, v. 20-21 best fit with chapter two.

The Argument of the Text

In this passage, Peter utilizes three Old Testament examples of false teachers and their punishments along with eschatological punishments to warn his audience from listening to and being enticed by false teachers.

Peter makes it clear in this passage that he is concerned with the eternal destination of his audience and the temptation they will face to be deceived by false teachers.

The issues in this passage: 

• Interpretation of Prophecy comes from God.
• False prophets have and will deceive. Moo states that “They are devious in their manner… introduce[ing] their false ideas “secretly”” describing these false teachers as those “who had “infiltrated” the ranks of some believing communities” (p. 92). Moo continues that “False teaching is often going to be naturally attractive to people” (p. 137).
• God will judge false prophets. 
• God judged the angels. 
• God judged the ancient world. 
• God judged Sodom and Gomorrah. 
• God knows how to save the righteous. Moo states that Christians “need to remember that the godly are often few but that God is always faithful to preserve them” (p. 104).

Peter is addressing “those who share the same precious faith”. More specifically, it is probable, according to Moo, that Peter was addressing Gentiles from Asia Minor, Macedonia, or Greece who had received a letter also from Paul (p. 25).

In this passage, Peter is asking his audience to be aware of false prophets, to understand they will be punished, and to not fear for God knows how to rescue the righteous.

From this passage, it seems the audience live within a culture that is dominated by lust that has led to corruption. Their assembly has been infiltrated by false prophets who are full of lies and deception trying to lure from the truth anyone who will listen to them.

Peter gets his message across through a polemic presented in a personal letter.

In this passage, there is nothing left out. This passage is complete warning of false prophets and their ensuing punishment.

This passage is about Peter’s warning to his audience of the danger and threat of false teachers and their ensuing punishment.

The Co-text

Prior to this passage, the author presents a list of virtues for his audience to follow to escape the corrupt world they find themselves in and presents his testimony as an eyewitness to Jesus Christ and his glory exhorting his audience to remember everything he has testified about.

Peter has informed us of his identity, Peter, an Apostle of Jesus, one of his closest friends, the one upon whom Jesus built his Church. Peter then presents to his audience a charge of how to continue in a life of godliness.

Development of Important Words/Motifs:

• Prophecy (prophets). In this passage, Peter focuses on prophecy. He begins the section describing true prophecy and then relates that truth to false prophets of that time.
• Teachers. Peter also uses the term teacher.
• False, deceptive, slander. Peter uses these negative terms throughout this passage.
• Destruction, condemned, destroyed. Throughout this passage, Peter explains that these false prophets/teachers who lie, deceive, and slander will be held accountable.
• Rescued. Peter completes his message by assuring his audience that believers who persevere will be rescued by God. 

Openness to Interpretive Possibilities:

Without reading further, one cannot see that Peter goes on to warn his audience of false teachers but presents to his audience the hope and promise of God’s deliverance on the day of Christ’s return.

Context

Understanding end time prophecy and gnostic thought helps make sense out of this passage. Jesus warned his followers that the world is not their home and that living in the worldly kingdom would be difficult.

The knowledge of this setting influences the reading of this text by setting the tone between the author and his audience.

Appeal to Particular Cultural Conventions/Cues:

Within the world this passaged addressed, the church was under attack from outside sources as well as from false teachers within the church. Peter addresses this issue head on and exhorts his audience to stand firm utilizing spiritual disciplines.

Similarly, in today’s current pluralistic culture, many Christians flock to hear pastors speak of the health and wealth gospel. In addition to this, the Western Church has been rocked in the last century with significant and widespread moral sin and decline within the clergy. Each of these issues make this letter from Peter very relevant to our current culture.

Intertext

OT passages explicitly cited in this text:

• Proverbs 26:11. “11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit…” Peter quotes this proverb in his exhortation to his audience.

OT passages alluded to and the significance in this new context:

• Genesis 5:32-9:29. In this passage, the Old Testament author(s) detail the flood of Noah’s day.
• Genesis 6. In this passage, the Old Testament author(s) details the wickedness of humankind and the righteousness of Noah.
• Genesis 6:1-4. “1 When people began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that they were fair; and they took wives for themselves of all that they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My spirit shall not abide in mortals forever, for they are flesh; their days shall be one hundred twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went in to the daughters of humans, who bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, warriors of renown.” In this passage, the OT author describes the narrative of “the sons of God” and the “daughters of man”. This may be what Peter is describing in 2:4.
• Genesis 7. This passage describes the great flood of Noah’s day.
• Genesis 7:21-23. This passage describes how all life, except for Noah, was destroyed in the flood. Peter alludes to this when he states that God “did not spare the ancient world” except for Noah.
• Genesis 13. This passage details how Lot and Abram separated, and Lot chose to live near Sodom.
• Genesis 19. This passage details the depravity of Sodom and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• Numbers 22. This passage details the narrative of Balaam and his donkey.
• Numbers 22:5. “5 He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor…” This passage narrates Balak’s summoning of Balaam.
• Isaiah 14:12-17. “12 How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly on the heights of Zaphon; 14 I will ascend to the tops of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High.” 15 But you are brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the Pit. 16 Those who see you will stare at you, and ponder over you: “Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, 17 who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who would not let his prisoners go home?” This passage speaks of the fall of Satan.
• Jeremiah 1:9. “9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me…” This passage speaks to how prophecy does not come from man, but from God as his Spirit leads people.
• Ezekiel 13:3. “3 Thus says the Lord God, Alas for the senseless prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!” This passage speaks to how false prophecy comes from man, who are led by their own spirit, not God’s Spirit.
• Ezekiel 28:11-19. “11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me: 12 Mortal, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, carnelian, chrysolite, and moonstone, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald; and worked in gold were your settings and your engravings.  On the day that you were created they were prepared. 14 With an anointed cherub as guardian I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the stones of fire. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you. 16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and the guardian cherub drove you out from among the stones of fire. 17 Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you. 18 By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade, you profaned your sanctuaries. So I brought out fire from within you; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you. 19 All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.” This passage also speaks to the fall of Satan.

Other Ancient Texts (Greco-Roman or Jewish) alluded to and their significance in the context of this text.

• 1 Enoch 6:1-2. “1 And it came to pass, when the sons of men had increased, that in those days there were born to them fair and beautiful daughters. 2 And the Angels, the sons of Heaven, saw them and desired them. And they said to one another: "Come, let us choose for ourselves wives, from the children of men, and let us beget, for ourselves, children.” This passage from the book of Enoch describes angels desiring and having children with the daughters of men.
• 1 Enoch 10:4. “4 And further the Lord said to Raphael: "Bind Azazel by his hands and his feet and throw him into the darkness. And split open the desert, which is in Dudael, and throw him there.” This passage from the book of Enoch describes the order to Raphael to bind and evict Satan.

Other passages  brought to mind by a reading of this one, and how might this inform a canonical reading of this text.

• Matthew 12:31-32. “31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” This passage speaks of sins that will and will not be forgiven.
• Matthew 24:4-5. “4 Jesus answered them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray.” In this passage, Jesus warns his followers of future temptations.
• Matthew 24:10-11. “10 Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” In this passage, Jesus warns his followers of future temptations.
• Matthew 24:23-24. “23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘There he is!’— do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” In this passage, Jesus warns his followers of future temptations.
• Mark 13:22. “22 False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” In this passage, Jesus warns his followers of future temptations.
• Luke 12:48. “48 But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” In this passage, Jesus describes how those who have been blessed from them, more will be expected.
• vii. Luke 17:26-29. In this passage, Jesus also uses the examples of Noah and Lot to describe how things will be just prior to his return.
• Acts 20:29-31. “29 I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears.” In this passage, Jesus warns his followers of future temptations.
• Romans 12:2. “2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In this passage, Paul explains to the Romans to not be conformed, but to be transformed.
• Colossians 2:15. “15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.” In this passage, Paul explains to the Colossians that God is in control of everything.
• Colossians 2:18. “18 Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking…” In this passage, Paul warns the Colossians to some of the very same things that it seems like Peter is warning his audience of.
• 2 Timothy 3:1-6. In this passage, Paul warns Timothy of the false teachers that will come and entice people away from the truth of God.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” In this passage, Paul declares to Timothy that all scripture is inspired by God. This is very similar to what Peter tells his audience.
• Hebrews 1-2. In this passage, the writer describes that Jesus is superior to angels and that by worshiping angels people fall into sin by putting something above Jesus.
• Hebrews 6:4-6. “4 For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, since on their own they are crucifying again the Son of God and are holding him up to contempt.” In this passage, the writer of Hebrews speaks to something very similar to what Peter declares when he warns against those who have experienced the truth of God but have turned their back on it.
• 1 Peter 3:20. “20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.” In this passage from another letter of Peters, he speaks of those who refused to listen to God’s truth during the days of Noah.
• Jude 1:6. “6 And the angels who did not keep their own position, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains in deepest darkness for the judgment of the great day.” In this passage, Jude explains about the angels who sinned.
• Jude 1:7. “7 Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” In this passage, Jude also uses the ancient example of Sodom and Gomorrah as a warning about the consequences of sin.
• Jude 1:8-9. “8 Yet in the same way these dreamers also defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander the glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael contended with the devil and disputed about the body of Moses, he did not dare to bring a condemnation of slander against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”” In this passage, Jude speaks about those who slander angels.

This passage is the “story of God and God’s people”. In this passage, the author, an Apostle of the God and Lord Jesus Christ, the rock upon which God built his Church, warns his audience of the false prophets and teachers who are trying to lure them away from the truth with lies and deception. Peter continues by reassuring his audience that God will rescue them after they persevere. This is the “story of God and God’s people”.

1 Peter 2:1 (NRSV)

“1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

Main Verbs

Arose

(will) Be

Bring

Deny

Bought

Bringing

Verb

Arose

• Tense – Past
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Active

(will) Be

• Tense – Future
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

Bring

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Active

Deny

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Active

Bought

• Tense – Past
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Active

Bringing

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Active

Demarcation

There is a wide spectrum of demarcation of this passage across the English translations surveyed. 

The NIV, NET, and NLT demarcate this passage as one cohesive section entitled The Day of the Lord.

The NRSV, ESV, and CEV demarcate this passage as belonging to two separate sections. The first section includes v. 1-13 entitled The Promise of the Lord’s Coming (NRSV). The second section includes v. 14-18 entitled Final Exhortation and Doxology (NRSV).

The NLT demarcates this passage as belonging to two separate sections. The first section includes v. 1-16 entitled The Day of the Lord is Coming. The second section includes v. 17-18 entitled Peter’s Final Words.

NASB. The NASB demarcates this passage as belonging to three separate sections. The first section includes v. 1-2 entitled Purpose of This Letter. The second section includes v. 3-9 entitled The Coming of the Day of the Lord. The third section includes v. 10-18 entitled A New Heaven and Earth.

NABRE. The NABRE demarcates this passage as belonging to three separate sections. The first section includes v. 1-10 entitled Denial of the Parousia. The second section includes v. 11-16 entitled Exhortation to Preparedness. The third section includes v. 17-18 entitled Final Exhortation and Doxology.

MSG. The MSG demarcates this passage as belonging to parts of two separate sections. The first section includes v. 1-7 entitled In the Last Days. The second section includes v. 8-18 entitled The Day the Sky Will Collapse. 

Douglas J. Moo, in his NIV application commentary entitled 2 Peter, Jude, demarcates this passage as belonging to parts of four separate sections. The sections are demarcated as follows; 3:1-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-18.

The textual marker that assists in the analysis of this section’s demarcation is the phrase “This is now”. This analysis is also assisted by the change in theme from the previous section. This theme carries through to the very end of Peter’s letter.

As seen in the variety of demarcations represented by the English translations, there are many views on how to demarcate this passage.

The Argument of the Text

In this passage, Peter to exhort his audience to remain true to what they have been taught and to guard themselves against false teachers and the punishment that awaits them.

Peter makes it clear in this passage that he is concerned with the eternal destination of his audience and the temptation they will face to be deceived by scoffers that will come in the last days.

Issues in this passage:

• The purpose of Peter’s second letter is to help his audience remember. Moo states that “Christians, of course, should always be learning new things about the faith and discovering new avenues of serving the Lord in the way they live. But Christians also need reminders of basic truth, and they never outgrow the need for reminders” (p. 162).
• Scoffers will come in the last days. Peter wants his audience to remember what the prophets have been saying all along, that in the last days scoffers will come questioning prophesy of Jesus’ second coming.
• Jesus’ delay is an act of mercy. Peter tells his audience that God does not experience time as humans do. Peter states that God’s patience at Jesus’ second coming is an act of grace as God does not want anyone to perish.
• The old heaven and earth will be destroyed, and the new heaven and earth will come. Peter explains that heaven and earth will be destroyed by the elements and everything done will be disclosed. Then a new heaven and a new earth will come where righteousness is at home.

Peter  is addressing “those who share the same precious faith”. More specifically, it is probable, according to Moo, that Peter was addressing Gentiles from Asia Minor, Macedonia, or Greece who had received a letter also from Paul (p. 25).

Peter is asking his audience to be aware of scoffers, to understand that Jesus’ return is coming, and to be prepared for that day without spot or blemish.

From this passage, it seems the audience live within a culture that is dominated by lust that has led to corruption. Their assembly has been infiltrated by false prophets who are full of lies and deception trying to lure from the truth anyone who will listen to them.

Peter gets his message across through a polemic presented in a personal letter. Peter “turns from denunciation” in his previous passage against the false teachers “to exhortation” as he instructs his believing audience. (p. 160)

In this passage, there is nothing left out. This passage is complete warning of false prophets and their ensuing punishment.

This passage is about Peter’s warning to his audience of the danger and threat of false teachers and their ensuing punishment.

The Co-text

Prior to this passage, the author presents a list of virtues for his audience to follow to escape the corrupt world they find themselves in and presents his testimony as an eyewitness to Jesus Christ and his glory exhorting his audience to remember everything he has testified about.

Peter has informed us of his identity, Peter, an Apostle of Jesus, one of his closest friends, the one upon whom Jesus built his Church. Peter then presents to his audience a charge of how to continue in a life of godliness.

Development of Important Words/Motifs:

• Beloved. Throughout this passage, Peter uses this endearing term to address his audience.
• Arouse, remind, remember, understand. It is clear throughout this passage, that Peter is trying to get the attention of his audience and wants to drive home the truth that they need to persevere during this time of lawlessness.
• Reserved, being kept. Peter makes it clear throughout this passage that the delayed coming of the Lord is an act of grace to be seen as an act of salvation.

Context

This passage is communicated towards the middle of the first century during a time when persecution upon Christians was starting to become more prevalent. Enough time had passed since the beginning of the early church to allow for false teaching to become a significant threat to the salvation of God’s people.

Understanding end time prophecy and gnostic thought helps make sense out of this passage. Jesus warned his followers that the world is not their home and that living in the worldly kingdom would be difficult.

The knowledge of this setting influences the reading of this text by setting the tone between the author and his audience.

Appeal to Particular Cultural Conventions/Cues:

Within the world this passaged addressed, the church was under attack from outside sources as well as from false teachers within the church. Peter addresses this issue head on and exhorts his audience to stand firm utilizing spiritual disciplines.

Similarly, in today’s current pluralistic culture, many Christians flock to hear pastors speak of the health and wealth gospel. In addition to this, the Western Church has been rocked in the last century with significant and widespread moral sin and decline within the clergy. Each of these issues make this letter from Peter very relevant to our current culture.

Intertext

OT passages alluded to and their significance in this new context:

• Genesis 1. Peter alludes to the truth of this passage that God created everything.
• Genesis 6-8. This passage speaks to how God destroyed the wickedness of humankind by water through the great flood.
• Psalms 1:1. “1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;” This passage speaks to the wisdom of not listening to scoffers that will come.
• Psalms 33:6. “6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.” This passage speaks to how God made everything.
• Psalms 90:4. “4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.” This passage speaks to how God experiences time differently than humankind.
• Proverbs 9:7-8. “7 Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse; whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt. 8 A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you.” This passage speaks to scoffers and wisdom.
• Isaiah 65:17-18. “17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.” This passage speaks to how God will create new heavens and a new earth.
• Isaiah 66:22. “22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, says the Lord; so shall your descendants and your name remain.” This passage speaks to how God will create new heavens and a new earth.
• Ezekiel 18:23. “23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live?” This passage speaks to how God wants all to repent and turn to him.
• Ezekiel 33:11. “11 Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?” This passage speaks to how God wants all to repent and turn to him.
• Micah 1:4. “4 Then the mountains will melt under him and the valleys will burst open, like wax near the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.” This passage speaks to how the mountains will melt as wax melts near a fire.

Other passages brought to mind and how this might inform a canonical reading of this text:

• Matthew 24:5. “5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray.” In this passage, Jesus states that many will come saying that they are the Messiah.
• Matthew 24:42-43 (Luke 12:39-40). “42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.” This passage speaks to how God’s people are to remain alert as Jesus’ return will be like a thief in the night.
• Matthew 24:50-51. “50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. 51 He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This passage speaks to how God’s people are to remain alert as Jesus’ return will be like a thief in the night.
• Acts 3:19-20. “19 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, 21 who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.” In this passage, Peter’s preaches to his audience in Jerusalem that people must repent and turn to God so that Jesus may return.
• Acts 20:29-30. “29 I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them.” Paul, giving his farewell speech to the leaders of the Ephesian church, warns them to expect wolves to come and attack the church.
• Romans 2:4-5. “4 Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.” In this passage, Paul tells the church in Rome that God’s patience is for their own good.
• Romans 8:18-25. In this passage, Paul describes how all of creation longs and labors to be returned to its perfection.
• Romans 9:22-23. “22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction; 23 and what if he has done so in order to make known the riches of his glory for the objects of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory…” In this passage, Paul describes that God’s delay in showing his wrath is an opportunity for the lost to repent.
• 1 Corinthians 15:23-52. In this passage, Paul describes some of the events in detail that will occur during the eschaton.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. “16 For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.” In this passage, Paul describes some of the events in detail that will occur during the eschaton.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. In this passage, Paul admonishes his audience to remain alert because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 
• 1 Timothy 2:4. “4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This passage declares that God desires everyone to be saved.
• 2 Timothy 4:1-5. “1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.” In this passage, Paul warns Timothy that in the last days, people will gravitate toward teachings that make them feel good.
• 1 Peter 3:20. “20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.” In this passage, Peter describes how God saved the righteous through water during the flood.
• Revelation 21:1. “1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” In this passage, John writes that he saw in his apocalyptic vision a new heaven and a new earth.

This passage is the “story of God and God’s people”. In this passage, the author, an Apostle of the God and Lord Jesus Christ, the rock upon which God built his Church, warns his audience of scoffers who will come trying to lure them away from the truth with lies and deception. Peter continues by reassuring his audience that God will rescue them after they persevere. This is the “story of God and God’s people”.

2 Peter 3:14-15a (NRSV)

“14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Main Verbs

(are) Waiting

Strive

Regard

Verb

(are) Waiting

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Indicative
• Voice – Passive

Strive

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Imperative
• Voice – Active

Regard

• Tense – Present
• Mood – Imperative
• Voice – Active