Bible Commentaries
2 Peter

The Second Epistle of Peter.

Hamilton Smith

1.

Introductory

In his second Epistle the apostle Peter, led by the Spirit of God, predicts with great plainness of speech the appalling present-day conditions of the Christian profession. Furthermore, he not only warns us of the corruption of Christendom in these last days, but, for our comfort and encouragement as believers, he sets before us the practical life of godliness which will alone enable us to escape the corruptions, and gain an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The divisions of the Epistle are very definite:-

First, in 2 Peter 1 we learn the rich provision of God in order that the believer may live a life of godliness, having before him the certainty of the glorious kingdom to which this life leads.

Secondly, in 2 Peter 2 , in opposition to the life of godliness, we are warned against the false teachers that will arise in the Christian circle, teaching heretical doctrines destructive to Christianity, bringing in the lawlessness and worldliness that has characterised Christendom throughout the ages.

Thirdly, in 2 Peter 3 we are warned that in the last days of Christendom there will arise mockers, who, by the grossest materialism, will deny the coming of Christ. This will be followed by the intervention of God in judgment.