Book 22 of 27 in the New Testament — Guarding against false teaching.
2 Peter, written as Peter anticipated his own death, urges believers to grow in faith and guard against false teachers who were distorting the gospel and denying Christ's promised return. He reminds readers that Scripture's authority rests not on human invention but on prophets and apostles speaking from God. The letter's final chapter addresses skepticism about the delay of Christ's return, explaining that God's patience gives more time for repentance before that day arrives. It closes urging believers to grow in grace and knowledge while they wait.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”King James Version
God's power has given believers everything needed for life and godliness.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”King James Version
Believers are urged to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, and other qualities to their faith.
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”King James Version
Prophecy came as men spoke from God, carried along by the Holy Spirit.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”King James Version
God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”King James Version
Believers are urged to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.