2 Peter: A Synthetic Look

by
Jeff Miller

Book Background
Peter was writing to steadfast believers (3.17) negatively influenced by false teachers within the
assembly (2.1). He writes in defense of his Apostleship (1.1; 3.2) and the Apostolic faith to contradict the
false teaching that Christ is not returning (3.4) and judgment will not be affected upon the unrighteous
(3.7-13).

Definitions
Apostle (1.1; 3.2): One personally appointed and issued authority by Christ for first
generation Christian ministry.
Holy Spirit (1.21): The third person of the Godhead sent from the Father to glorify the
Son and to indwell believers (since Pentecost). 2 Peter highlights the role of the
Spirit in moving men to record revelation (1.20-21).
Knowledge/gnwsi" (1.5, 6; 2.12; 3.18): Perception of information. This form of
knowledge may or may not include a life-impacting aspect. Let context be the
guide.
Knowledge/ejpignwsi" (1.2, 3, 8; 2.20, 21): Affective perception of information. Peter
regularly uses this form of the word to suggest true, impacting knowledge of
Christ and the things of God.
Secretly introduce (2.1): Surreptitiously or slyly indoctrinate. When applied to false
teachers, oneshould avoid picturing a street preacher voicing overt heresy. This is
muchmore subtle.
Heresy (2.1): Opinions about major doctrines that are either uninformed by or opposed to
Scripture.
Denying (2.1): To turn from following Christ, deliberately or inadvertently (i.e., through
heresy).
Righteousness (1.1; 2.5, 7, 8, 21; 3.13): Conformity to God’s standard of uprightness and
truth.
Unstable (2.14; 3.16): Weakness due to lack of solid doctrinal grounding.
Repentance (3.9): Change of mind in the direction of willful submission to God.
Unprincipled (2.7; 3.17): Lacking biblical doctrine, evidenced in one’s loose behavior.
Bought (2.1): Purchased by Christ, freed from sin and death, born again by the Spirit. This
most certainly is applied to a believer.

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 Characters
Antagonists

Characteristics:
Since they “secretly introduce destructive heresies” (2.1) they do not evidence any
physical distinctives. In fact, this group resides inside the church, and is not even
distinguishable from those of the true faith to the untrained eye. 1 One of the purposes of
the letter is to highlight the true nature of these heretics, and warn steadfast believers of
their certain future (judgment and destruction, 2.1; 3.7).

They are unrighteous:

Greedy (2.3, 14), unrighteous (2.9), indulge the flesh (2.10), despise authority (2.10), self-willed
(2.10), reviling (2.12), eyes full of adultery (2.14), forsaking the right (2.15), speak arrogantly
(2.18), mockers (3.3), unprincipled (3.17)

Theological Position:

Wayward believers:
The antagonists are not unsaved. In fact, the readers probably did not question the salvation of
these false teachers until this letter was read. The Apostle’s harsh language does not serve to
condemn these heretics as unbelievers, but rather to highlight the severity of their unorthodox
faith. Peter is practicing church discipline here, not unlike Paul commanded in 1 Cor 5.11, where
believers are referred to as immoral, covetous, idolaters, revilers, drunkards, and swindlers.
There are three passages in 2 Peter—inserted into a letter filled with talk of judgment and
destruction—in which the Apostle reminds his readers that these dissenters are nonetheless
saved. First, in 1.9 Peter contends that one may be blind or short-sighted, and thus forget “his
purification from his former sins.” This appears to be directed toward the false teachers. Second,
in 2.1 the heretics are said to be “bought” by the Master.2 In no other New Testament passage is
an unsaved individual said to be bought by Christ. Finally, in 2.20 the author attributes true
knowledge—ejpignwsi"—to these antagonists.3 Throughout his letter, this word has been
reserved for certain believers. Now it is applied to wayward ones.4

1
The phrase “ejn uJmi`n” is appropriately rendered “from among you.” Furthermore, in 2.15
we read “forsaking the right way they have gone astray.” This clearly suggests they at one time followed
the right way.

2
Peter’s criticism that these false teachers deny their Master should not be regarded as a
deliberate or explicit turning away from following Him. If this were so, the steadfast believers would have
no need for the Apostle to write to them, since their enemies would have marked themselves out clearly.
Rather, being “among you,” they “secretly introduce” false doctrine and (in so doing) they deny their
Master…
3

This passage will be thoroughly examined in the Appendix.

4

Another possible evidence that these antagonists were indeed among the saved is the label
“children” given to them by the Apostle in 2.14.

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

Readers

Characteristics:
Physical traits are not evident.

Theological Position:
The readers are undoubtedly believers: “Those who have received a faith of the same
kind as ours” (1.1), “your faith” (1.5), “brethren” (1.10), “beloved” (3.14, 17), “your
own steadfastness” (3.17). Furthermore, it seems inappropriate to identify a sub-group
of “unstable” believers together with these steadfast ones. This theory stems from
passages such as 1.95, 2.146, 2.187, 2.20-228, 3.169, where a group of less mature
believers is under consideration. In each of these passages, the third person is employed
by the writer, suggesting that those spoken of are not among the readers, but among the
antagonists.

Author

Characteristics:
The writer is identified as Simon Peter the Apostle (1.1). He claims to have eyewitnessed
the majesty of Jesus (1.16). He is further described as the one accompanying Jesus on
the mount of transfiguration (1.17-18). He apparently had written another letter to these
same readers sometime before (3.1), yet it would be speculating to identify this previous
letter as the one we call 1 Peter.

Theological Position:
The author refers to himself as “a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ” (1.1). He is
a fellow believer with those he is writing to, who “have received a faith of the same kind
as ours…” (1.1). He is labeled an Apostle, and as such acknowledges the purity of his
message as originating with the Father and mediated through the Holy Spirit (1.20-21).

5
“For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification
from his former sins.”
6

“. . . having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls
(yucaV"
ajsthrivktou")…”
7

“. . . those who barely escape from the ones who live in error.”
8

Again, these verses will be examined in the Appendix.

9

“. . . which the untaught and unstable (ajsthvriktoi) distort, as they do also the rest of the
Scriptures, to their own destruction.”

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 Problem
Problem Physical Activities

Antagonist Action Toward Reader

Secretly introduce destructive heresies (2.1)10

The false teachers are proposing doctrines which, though subtly, differ from orthodoxy.
In so doing, they malign the truth and will potentially persuade others to follow their
sensualities (2.2, 18).

Exploit with false words (2.3)11

Motivated by their greed (2.3, 14), these antagonists speak falsely and behave
unrighteously (2.3). The severity of their sin is likened to that of fallen angels (2.4),
Noah’s unrighteous generation (2.5), and Sodom and Gomorrah (2.6-8). With these
groups, the antagonists “indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.
[They are] daring, self-willed…” (2.10). As destruction came upon all of the above-
mentioned groups, so these contemporary false teachers are susceptible to strict
judgment.

Entice unstable souls (2.14, 18)12

The false teachers are (inadvertently) leading doctrinally-uneducated saints into error. “.
. . having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls,
having a heart trained in greed, accursed children” (2.14). They have followed “the way
of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2.15).
Furthermore, their speech is seasoned with arrogance, and they tempt these unstable
believers with fleshly desires and sensuality (2.18).

Promising freedom (2.19)

The antagonists are enslaved by sin, yet they are offering to weak believers false
assurance of freedom from sin’s dominion. “. . . while they themselves are slaves of
corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved” (2.19).

Reader’s actions resulting from accepting errant theology

By accepting the antagonists’ doctrines allowing for licentiousness, the readers are
susceptible to a number of harmful behaviors, especially in the enslaving area of sexual
immorality.

Self:
The readers are said to likely “follow their sensuality” (2.2) and “indulge the flesh in its
corrupt desires” (2.10, 18). Furthermore, they are actively persuaded by the antagonists
to foster, and even yield to, “fleshly desires, by sensuality” (2.18).

10
This activity of the antagonist will be rewarded with “swift destruction” (2.1).
11

This “exploiting” is matched literarily: “their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their
destruction is not asleep” (2.3).
12

Peter immediately refers to these who lead weak ones astray as “accursed children” (2.14).

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 Antagonist:
These false teachers are said to be carousing with the readers (2.13). Additionally, the
antagonist wishes these steadfast believers to join them in their fleshly indulgences (2.2,
18).

Problem Theology

Source of Antagonist’s Theology

Natural revelation
These men derive much of their doctrine by “following after their own lusts” (3.3). This
characteristic should not be regarded as strictly sexual. Rather, one’s “lusts” should be
associated with one’s natural, fallen cravings—both mental and physical. In this context
of “mocking” (3.3), it seems certain that the lusts in view are predominately intellectual
and were subsequently verbalized.13

Supernatural revelation
The antagonists exploit other artillery in defense of their false teachings: They appeal to
Scripture. Peter writes that “the untaught and unstable distort [parts of Paul’s letters], as
they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction” (3.16). It seems they are
reading the same Bible as the steadfast believers, but are arriving at quite different
conclusions. These “untaught and unstable” persons are not to be equated with a
marginal group among Peter’s readers. First, they are spoken of in the third person
(“they,” “their”). Second, they are destined for destruction (apwleian), as are the
antagonists (2.1, 3, 12; 3.6, 7).

Content of Antagonist’s Theology

Peter makes known explicitly the false doctrine of the antagonist in 3.2: “Where is the
promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it
was from the beginning of creation.” These false teachers were questioning the second
coming of Christ, and the accompanying judgment. This denial, coupled with a view of
grace which allows for loose behavior, has led them to practice licentiousness.

Application of Antagonist’s Theology

If the second coming and accompanying judgment is denied, the wayward believer
immediately senses a feeling of freedom—the absence of accountability for one’s
behavior. A licentious lifestyle results which indulges all fleshly desires, fueled by
insatiable greed.

Problem Summary Statement

A group of wayward, licentious believers are introducing heresy by exploiting, enticing, and
promising freedom to steadfast believers to accept their theology that; Natural instincts and Scripture
(otherwise interpreted) indicate that the Day of the Lord and accompanying judgment are not coming,
which will result in carousing with the antagonist, following the sensuality of the antagonist, and
indulging their fleshly desires themselves.

It is highly probable, though not certain, that in Peter’s prohibition of following “cleverly
13

devised tales” (1.16) he was alluding to one source of the antagonists.

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 Solution
Physical Activities

Author’s Action Toward Reader

Peter is writing in response to acquired knowledge of false teachings in the church
which denies the second coming and accompanying judgment (3.4). He is certain of the
immanency of his death (1.14) and, forecasting the future acceleration of false teaching
in the church (2.1), writes to encourage believers toward orthodoxy in his absence. He
seeks to remind these believers of the truth (1.12), and stir them up by way of reminder
(1.13; 3.1).

Readers’ Actions resulting from accepting author’s theology

A significant aspect of the letter is assurance of known promises. Nevertheless, a
number of actions are required of the faithful reader.

Self
These steadfast believers are first instructed to diligently “make certain about His
calling and choosing you” 1.10. As has been shown from an analysis of the antagonists,
the line between believer and unbeliever is not always readily apparent. Peter also
directs the readers to examine carefully the Scriptures (3.2). Finally, in light of the
coming of Christ and the accompanying judgment, one ought to at all times be ready by
conducting a godly, holy life (3.11-14).

Antagonist
The readers’ behavior toward the antagonist is to be one of caution, so as not to be led
astray into licentiousness: “be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of
unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness” (3.17).

Theology

Source of Author’s Theology

The revelation awarded to Apostles and the Old Testament Scriptures supply Peter with
his theology. Peter was an eyewitness of the Lord Jesus Christ (1.16) and walked with
him for several months. He occupied a front row seat at Christ’s transfiguration (1.17-
18), and implies that the very words he is writing are in fact from God (1.21).

Content of Author’s Theology

Peter directly contradicts the false doctrines expounded by the antagonists with an
affirmation of the second coming of Christ and the accompanying judgment: “But the
day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar
and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be
burned up” (3.10). Furthermore, he refutes—in the very next line—the error that
believers are free to sin in light of Christ’s delay: “Since all these things are to be
destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and
godliness…” (3.11).

Application of Author’s Theology

Since Peter possesses authority granted him by Christ, his teachings are to be believed
and obeyed over the antagonist. Furthermore, since the day of the Lord is sure—and

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 with it severe judgment—the reader should live a godly life in proper preparation for
His appearing (3.10-11).

Solution Summary Statement

Peter, an Apostle and fellow believer, is writing to remind steadfast believers to accept his theology that;
Apostolic revelation and the Old Testament indicate that the day of the Lord and judgment are imminent
and that a life of godliness reflects readiness for His coming which will result in hopeful anticipation of
the Lord’s return and a life lived in righteous expectation.

Argument of the Book

Problem:Steadfast believers in the day of the Lord and His imminent, righteous judgment
are being taught to disregard this possibility, and to live licentiously instead.
Solution:The believers should hold fast the doctrines of eschatology passed down to them
from the Old Testament and the Apostles.
Theology:Destruction will certainly fall upon the unrighteous in the day of the Lord, and
accountability for one’s sins will be had.
I. Peter defends his apostleship (1.1-21)
Peter’s authority as an apostle saturates this entire section. He rightly claims one-upmanship over his
opponents in light of his time with the Lord, living and risen. He points to the transfiguration as a specific
instance of witnessing the majesty of the Lord.
A. Common ground of salvation established with readers (1.1-3)
B. Qualities of the righteous outlined (1.4-11)
C. Peter’s authority justified (1.12-21)
II. Antagonist described (2.1-22)
A thorough examination is had of these opponents to orthodoxy in this section. Peter wishes to expose
their doctrines as false, and to ensure his readers that the unrighteous behavior of these wayward believers
will not go unpunished.
A. Teaching is false (2.1-2)
B. Judgment is sure (2.3-9)
C. Behavior is unrighteous (2.10-22)
III. The day of the Lord is assured (3.1-18)
Peter finally identifies the antagonist explicitly by his false teaching. He proceeds to contest this doctrine
of ignorance with a lucid yet frightful description of the final judgment, along with a call to holiness in
light of His coming.
A. The Day denied (3.1-4)
B. The day described (3.5-13)
C. The day anticipated (3.14-18)

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 Application
Historical

Toward readers themselves

Verify their own salvation
Examine carefully the Scriptures
Remain holy until His coming

Toward the antagonists

Be on guard against those who espouse false doctrine

Preaching Application

Toward believers (and self)

Review your testimony and verify its impact on your life
Study the Word of God toward understanding
Remain holy until His coming

Toward erring believers

Oppose false doctrine when it clearly contradicts Scripture

Specific Applications

Toward believers (and self)

Write out testimony and list the fruit of the Spirit daily experiencing
Study a book of the Bible every month for doctrinal soundness
Flee from sin; secure an accountability partner

Toward erring believers

Remain attuned and educated on false doctrine within and outside the church

Appendix
2 Peter 2.20-22 (NASB):
“For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the
last state has become worse for them than the first. (21) For it would be better for them
not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from
the holy commandment delivered to them. (22) It has happened to them according to the
true proverb, ‘A dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘A sow, after washing, returns to
wallowing in the mire.’”
The problems here are (1) the identity of the persons spoken of here, and (2) the true meaning of this
seeming “loss-of-salvation” teaching.

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001

 Characters:
Those involved in this first class condition are the (wayward) believing antagonists. This
passage stands parallel to 2.15a, where they are said to have forsaken the right way and
gone astray. Positionally, these are saved individuals as seen in 1.9 (“his purification
from his former sins”), 2.1 (“bought”), and Peter’s regular use of “knowledge”
(ejpignwsi") for true, salvific knowledge (1.2, 3, 8).

Problem Theology:
The message of this passage suggests that the final state (taV ejvscata =
ultimate/final) of those involved is less desirable that the first.14 Provided that the first
state means unsaved and the last state involves eschatology (as we hold), the text is
problematic in that it appears to imply that a saved person can be worse off than one
unsaved. Furthermore, the movement from the state of salvation toward a return to sin
appears to reflect a loss of salvation.

Solution Theology:
It might be argued that those involved were never truly believers, but the salvific
language in verse 20 is virtually undeniable. Another possibility, often unsurfaced,
concerns the rhetoric of the writer. Driven by a passion to uphold the Apostolic faith
delivered to him, Peter may be using every weapon in his arsenal to dissuade the
antagonist from continuing in sin, and the reader from following after these false
teachers. Although he is describing an actual return from a state of righteousness to a
former state characterized by sin, he is not teaching a loss of salvation since the author
clearly regards the antagonists as believers.

Conclusion
The antagonists are wayward believers who are deeply involved in licentiousness
resulting from a subscription to false doctrine. Peter is employing the harshest language
he knows to (1) perhaps convince the antagonists of their error, and (2) dissuade
steadfast believers from following these false teachers.

The Greek word for “first” (tw`n prwvtwn) means “first,” not former or previous. The
14

Greek language has a word that could have been employed to indicate former, but Peter chose not to use it.
Furthermore, if a former position of upstanding Christian were in view, doesn’t it seem a bit obvious that
a position of unfruitful unrighteousness leading toward destruction is worse than a fruitful position of
esteem in the economy of God? Finally, the first state is likened in the text to “vomit” and “mire” (2.22),
not accurate descriptions of the status of the saved.

© The Biblical Studies Foundation (www.bible.org)Winter 2001