Intro to Second Peter

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:1

Unlike First Peter, which specifically calls out the churches of Northern Asia Minor, Second Peter does not contain any explicit reference to its recipients. However, we can infer that because this is Peter’s second letter, the recipients would be the same as those who had received the first letter. And we can be sure that this is Peter’s second letter to the group because he tells us that in the first verse of chapter 3. We also know that the recipients are believers who possess authentic faith (1:1). And while the first letter addressed matters of Christian suffering, the focus of Second Peter is on false teachers and the false teachings they bring. With a change of theme then comes a change in tone. Peter now writes with greater confrontational language as opposed to writing with comforting words like his first letter. Possibly, Peter spoke with more directness and urgency because he foresaw his impending death and quickly wanted to address a major concern that he had for these churches; that of false teachers (1:14-15).

While it is true that Paul rejoiced when those who opposed him proclaimed the Gospel (Phil 1:17-18), Peter is not referencing enemies to himself, but rather enemies of God. These false teachers are promoting doctrines that will only end in the destruction of its hearers, contrary to God’s desire that none perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). And Peter pulls no punches, in the second chapter we read of these false teachers being described as false prophets and false teachers (2:1), greedy for personal gain and purposed for destruction (2:3), irrational, ignorant, and blasphemous creatures born for destruction (2:13), eyes full of adultery (2:14), dogs who return to their own vomit (2:22)…and so many other things. And yet, these wicked teachers walk about boldly as though they are someone to be admired and followed.

One way that you can think of them are like the huge trees that tower above the other trees in the forest. They seem to be mature, strong, and capable of producing great amounts of lumber, yet those are the trees that loggers will avoid. The reason being is that these huge trees are usually rotten at the core. They are the ones that have the appearance of strength, but, because of their hollowness, they are very weak. This is the true nature of these false teachers. But it also is the essence of the messages they bring. They seem to be worthy and valuable, but really their messages are empty, hollow.

And so Peter writes this letter to urge his readers to hold fast to the faith and to the true words of God, including those writings of Paul, which is Scripture (2 Peter 3:15), as they await the return of our Lord. Likewise, believers today must exercise discernment when in the teachings we hear, read, and watch. There are many teachers who appear to be mature and commendable, but truly they are hypocrites parading as Christian leaders. And although there will be many false teachers in our day, we are still able to joyfully and patiently grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2 Peter 3:18) in our waiting for His glorious return (2 Peter 3:11-12). And truly he will return.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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