(A.D.67?) [A second letter written to the same recipients in Asia Minor (3:1) a short time following his first and just prior to his martyrdom in Rome (1:14).] After clearly identifying himself as this letter's author (1:1,16,18), Peter speaks eloquently in sincerity and truth of God's calling, promises, work of grace (vs.5-7), and gifts to those sanctified in Christ. He writes to leave a written prod to memory and holy living for those who will succeed him. His time is near and his heart is akin to that of Christ's Himself before His departure (Jn.17), desiring that they remain strong in their calling, kindly in their living, brotherly in their loving, and in all -- fruitful in their new lives in Christ. In these words is seen a portrait of the one who is living the abundant life Christ came to give. He refutes the idiocy of the detractors and scoffers of Christ's gospel, he himself having been its witness from the outset, with his own life exchanged for its truths and promises. Better still, there remains two witnesses greater than his: God's written record confirmed in Christ, and God's own voice heard by many at His Son's appearance on Earth ( Mat.3:17; Mk.9:7; Jn.12:28-30).

And just as there have always been those who would attach themselves to God's revelation, twisting His truth into a lie, there will continue to be their seed planted among the true believers who profess to be wise, but lack in moral and doctrinal integrity. If one is not founded himself in God's Word, he is more likely to fall prey to their enticing words and ways, not knowing, understanding, or firmly rooted in sound doctrine. But God is capable of separating the true from the untrue, the just and the unjust, the righteous and unrighteous, sparing the just and preserving the unjust for future judgment collectively with all who have been guilty of such, both in Earth and Heaven. History is replete with examples to His faithfulness in His justice and salvation in the Earth. There have been living testimonies from the outset whose very lives were living sermons to this truth. So, mark well those who rise up among you, being careful not to follow the false, their ways, and teachings which will lead to both theirs and your eventual destruction. They are a cancer among the living, ravenous dogs amidst the sheep, with covetous eyes for filthy gain, lovers of men's praise more than God (Jn.8:42-47; 12:42-48), who are enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil.3:17-21). (Gnostics were already permeating the Church body at large, especially in Asia Minor, to whom this letter is addressed, where both Paul and John wrote to warn against. See Colossians, I John 4, and II John, also Jude for examples.)

Peter continues his warning against the end time apostasy predicted by all his predecessors and contemporaries (I Thes.2; Jude), taught so by Christ himself ( Mat.7:15; 24:3-27). Those who come into the Church will entice away with flattering words and human reasoning, but void of Biblical understanding themselves. No matter what disbelievers may say and teach, though Christ's return may be delayed for the purpose of the Gentiles' salvation ( Rom.11:25) as Paul wrote, nevertheless, He will come as scheduled and in the manner as predicted -- unexpectedly for some, but as anticipated by others. Since that day will be for both judgment and salvation ( I Thes.5:9), and great and fearful it will be to the weak hearts of unprepared men ( Lk.21:25-28), men ought always to live holy and blameless lives in anticipation of His imminent return, seeing no one knows when that hour will be (I Thes. 5:1-11). As Paul and others taught, again Peter stresses that Biblical knowledge and sound doctrine will stand one firm against the onslaught of false teachings thrust upon the Church through Satan's devices to defeat it. Therefore, growth in God's grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ is imperative to overcoming.