In this series we offer brief introductions to the books of the Bible, including background, authorship, content, and application to the lives of today’s Christians.
When Jesus reinstated Peter on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and commanded him to “feed My lambs,” He told Peter, “When you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” Then John explains, “This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.” (John 21:17-19) Peter is now an old man and sees the writing on the wall, so to speak. He says, “I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.” (2 Peter 1:14) Tradition suggests that Peter was crucified upside down not long after he wrote this letter. He continued to feed Jesus’ sheep and lambs until his death and beyond with this letter.
These were desperate times. As the kingdom of God was growing, Satan was fighting back tooth and nail. The persecution under Emperor Nero was in full swing. The Apostle Paul likely had already been beheaded. The death of the Apostle Peter would follow close behind. What would Peter impress upon the saints in these difficult times before he was put to death for his faith? In three short chapters he urged them to (1) Continue to live their faith, strengthened by God’s certain Word, (2) Beware of false prophets who would lead them astray, because (3) Jesus is surely coming again to destroy this world and usher all believers into a new one. The message was clear—do not turn away from Christ in order to spare yourself.
Feed My Lambs by James Tissot
Peter gives us some powerful encouragement in our desperate times. God’s “divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” It has “called us to his own glory and excellence, . . . has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)
Therefore, you are to “be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure.” (verse 10 NKJV) We do that by living our faith daily with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. “If you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (verses 10-11)
That power of God for life and godliness comes only through the Word of God. The written Word is surer than any experience or anyone’s own interpretation, for that Word comes from God the Holy Spirit. Therefore we “do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (verse 19)
Therefore, beware of false teachers who will arise just like false prophets rose up among the people of Israel. They will “secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2:1-2) Peter doesn’t mince words about the danger of such false teachers or about the condemnation they will receive.
In spite of the world’s mocking, we need to know that Jesus will certainly return for judgment, and to destroy this world in fire. “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” [See Pastor Mark Gullerud’s article in this issue for further encouragement.]
Peter’s final words of encouragement are needed more today than ever. Therefore, may we all continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (3:18)
is pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon, British Columbia.