The Book of 2 Peter

2 Peter warns against false teachers and skeptics about Christ's return, urging believers to grow in grace and live in active expectation of the day of the Lord.

Testament

New (3 chapters)

Type

Epistle

Date

Probably 64-68 AD.

Growth in grace

Chapter 1 lists virtues that should compound in a Christian: faith → virtue → knowledge → temperance → patience → godliness → brotherly kindness → charity. Maturity is not optional or accidental.

Christ will return

Skeptics ask 'where is the promise of his coming?' (3:4). Peter answers: God is not slow; he is patient, 'not willing that any should perish' (3:9). When the day comes, it comes suddenly — be ready.

Key verses (KJV)

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise... but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)

“We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 1:16 (KJV)

How to read 2 Peter

Three short chapters — read in one sitting alongside Jude (much of the content overlaps).

Read 2 Peter on your iPhone

Read the full book of 2 Peter in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

More New Testament books

• The Book of 1 John
• The Book of 2 John
• The Book of 3 John
• The Book of Jude
• The Book of Revelation

From the blog

Frequently asked questions

What is the Book of 2 Peter about?

2 Peter is a book of Epistle, running to 3 chapters. Its main threads: Growth in grace; Christ will return.

Who wrote the Book of 2 Peter?

Peter the apostle, near the end of his life (1:14).

Where does 2 Peter come in the Bible?

2 Peter is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Epistle books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.