Bible Verse Lookup
The Second Letter of Peter -
Introduction
The author presents himself as “Simeon Peter,” who was an “apostle * of Jesus,” and who, according to gospel traditions, was commissioned by Jesus (Mt 16.16–18; 28.18–20 ). Although not the founder of this particular church (see 3.2 ), he claims authority to speak because he was an eyewitness to Jesus' transfiguration. He has received special revelations ( 1.12–15 ), especially about the Day of the Lord. Yet Peter is probably not the author because sections of the document suggest a much later time. First, he refers to “your apostles,” implying that he comes late on the scene. Second, he mentions Paul's letters ( 3.15 ), which were not collected until the second century. Third, he speaks of “the other Scriptures” ( 3.16 ), which implies Christian writings that only later were canonized * in this way. Fourth, most of ch. 2 is taken directly from Jude. The fine Greek vocabulary implies a formal education unlikely for a fisherman. Someone, then, other than Peter writes in the apostle's name.
