2 Peter

• DatesBefore about AD 65 if Peter wrote it; later if not (debated)
• GenreGeneral Letters
• AuthorshipPeter according to the letter; authorship widely debated
• TimelineEarly Church
• Key texts2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 3
• Read the text2 Peter in the World English Bible
• Covered in classSession 4

What the sources say, and how sure we are

• The text says

  The letter says it is Peter’s second letter, refers to his coming death, and speaks of Paul’s letters alongside “the other Scriptures.”2 Pet 1:1; 2 Pet 1:14; 2 Pet 3:1; 2 Pet 3:15–16

• Outside evidence

  Origen and Eusebius note that some churches doubted the letter’s authenticity. It was accepted into the New Testament canon by the fourth century.Eusebius, Church History 3.3; 3.25

• Debated

  Many scholars doubt that Peter wrote it, because of its Greek style, its use of Jude, and its concern with a delay in Christ’s return. Others defend Peter as the author, with the differences from 1 Peter attributed to a different secretary.2 Pet 2; Jude