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The book of II Peter

Author

Peter; although, like in I Peter, some scholars dispute this.

Place and Time of Writing

Probably in Rome.
Peter died in the mid-60s, so a good date for this book is 65.

Unique Characteristics

One of the General Epistles.
A personal letter from an older apostle to all Christians.

Audience

To all Christians.

Theme

Warning about false teachers and additional teachings.

More details about II Peter

Why did Peter write II Peter?

After Peter wrote I Peter, which focused on suffering during persecution, he probably realized another problem among Christians: the spread of false teachings. [You might want to look back at Colossians, which had a similar theme.] Therefore, before he died, Peter decided to write one more letter and warn against heretical teachings. Just like I Peter, he also discussed other issues, but the main issue was warning against false teachings. He does not mention any specific heresies, but we do know that, by this time, false teachings had developed. [Colossians, written in the early 60s, also shows this.]

Verses about false teachings (NIV)

1:16: “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
2:1: "But there wer also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you."

Actually, this entire chapter is about false teachings and teachings.

3:17: "Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position."

Quiz with hover answers (Hover doesn't work for some smart phones and pads, so questions and answers here)

1. Like I Peter, Peter in II Peter tries to encourage the Christians to remain strong during persecution.

2. II Peter does not discuss how to live as a Christian, but instead discusses the return of Jesus.

Timeline up to the book of II Peter

Dates are approximate.

Year	Event
63 B.C.	Romans conquer Israel.
27 B.C.	Pax Romana began and lasted until A.D. 180.
4 B.C.	Jesus born.
	All dates after this are A.D.
27	Jesus baptized.
30	Jesus was crucified, buried, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. Apostles travel to Jerusalem and choose Matthias to replace Judas as an Apostle. Day of Pentecost: Peter assumes leadership of Christianity.
30-50	Peter was leader of Christianity.
33	Jesus appeared to Paul and Paul became a Christian.
48	James written.
48-50	Paul's First Missionary Trip.
50	Council of Jerusalem; Paul became one of the main Christian leaders.
50-55	Paul's Second Missionary Trip.
51-53	Galatians, I & II Thessalonians, and I & II Corinthians written.
55-60	Paul's Third Missionary Trip.
55	Romans written.
60-62	Paul arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Rome. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.
62-63	(Not in Acts) Paul probably released from prison during this time.
63-65	(Not in Acts) Paul probably traveled. He may have gone to Spain.
63	I Timothy and Titus written.
64	Fire in Rome and Christians persecuted by Emperor Nero.
65	II Timothy and I & II Peter written. (Not in Acts)Paul back in Rome; he and Peter arrested and martyred: Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded.
67	Gospel of Mark written.
68	Hebrews written.
70	Temple in Jerusalem destroyed by Romans (it has not been rebuilt).
80	Gospels of Matthew and Luke written.
90	Gospel of John and book of Acts written.
95	Christians persecuted by Emperor Domitian; Apostle John exiled on island of Patmos where he wrote Revelation.
96	Emperor Domitian died; Apostle John probably moved to Ephesus.
100	Apostle John died; he was the last Apostle to die.
390's	New Testament canon "closed" at Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397).
1200's	Chapters added to the New Testament.
1500's	Verses added to the New Testament.

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