New American Bible/The Second Letter of Peter

**The Second Letter of Peter**, as translated by the Co-Fraternity of Christian Doctrine in the New American Bible.

## INTRODUCTION

###  **THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER**

This letter can be appreciated both for its positive teachings and for its earnest warnings. It seeks to strengthen readers in faith (2 Pt 1:1), hope for the future (2 Pt 3:1–10), knowledge (2 Pt 1:2, 6, 8), love (2 Pt 1:7), and other virtues (2 Pt 1:5–6). This aim is carried out especially by warning against false teachers, the condemnation of whom occupies the long central section of the letter (2 Pt 2:1–22). A particular crisis is the claim by “scoffers” that there will be no second coming of Jesus, a doctrine that the author vigorously affirms (2 Pt 3:1–10). The concept of God’s “promises” is particularly precious in the theology of 2 Peter (2 Pt 1:4; 3:4, 9, 13). Closing comments at 2 Pt 3:17–18 well sum up the twin concerns: that you not “be led into” error and “fall” but instead “grow in grace” and “knowledge” of Jesus Christ.

Second Peter is clearly structured in its presentation of these points. It reminds its readers of the divine authenticity of Christ’s teaching (2 Pt 1:3–4), continues with reflections on Christian conduct (2 Pt 1:5–15), then returns to the exalted dignity of Jesus by incorporating into the text the apostolic witness to his transfiguration (2 Pt 1:16–18). It takes up the question of the interpretation of scripture by pointing out that it is possible to misunderstand the sacred writings (2 Pt 1:19–21) and that divine punishment will overtake false teachers (2 Pt 2:1–22). It proclaims that the parousia is the teaching of the Lord and of the apostles and is therefore an eventual certainty (2 Pt 3:1–13). At the same time, it warns that the meaning of Paul’s writings on this question should not be distorted (2 Pt 3:14–18).

In both content and style this letter is very different from 1 Peter, which immediately precedes it in the canon. The opening verse attributes it to “Symeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.” Moreover, the author in 2 Pt 3:1 calls his work a “second letter,” referring probably to 1 Peter as his first, and in 2 Pt 1:18 counts himself among those present at the transfiguration of Jesus.
Nevertheless, acceptance of 2 Peter into the New Testament canon met with great resistance in the early church. The oldest certain reference to it comes from Origen in the early third century. While he himself accepted both Petrine letters as canonical, he testifies that others rejected 2 Peter. As late as the fifth century some local churches still excluded it from the canon, but eventually it was universally adopted. The principal reason for the long delay was the persistent doubt that the letter stemmed from the apostle Peter.
Among modern scholars there is wide agreement that 2 Peter is a pseudonymous work, i.e., one written by a later author who attributed it to Peter according to a literary convention popular at the time. It gives the impression of being more remote in time from the apostolic period than 1 Peter; indeed, many think it is the latest work in the New Testament and assign it to the first or even the second quarter of the second century.

The principal reasons for this view are the following. The author refers to the apostles and “our ancestors” as belonging to a previous generation, now dead (2 Pt 3:2–4). A collection of Paul’s letters exists and appears to be well known, but disputes have arisen about the interpretation of them (2 Pt 3:14–16). The passage about false teachers (2 Pt 2:1–18) contains a number of literary contacts with Jude 4–16, and it is generally agreed that 2 Peter depends upon Jude, not vice versa. Finally, the principal problem exercising the author is the false teaching of “scoffers” who have concluded from the delay of the parousia that the Lord is not going to return. This could scarcely have been an issue during the lifetime of Simon Peter.

The Christians to whom the letter is addressed are not identified, though it may be the intent of 2 Pt 3:1 to identify them with the churches of Asia Minor to which 1 Peter was sent. Except for the epistolary greeting in 2 Pt 1:1–2, 2 Peter does not have the features of a genuine letter at all, but is rather a general exhortation cast in the form of a letter. The author must have been a Jewish Christian of the dispersion for, while his Jewish heritage is evident in various features of his thought and style, he writes in the rather stilted literary Greek of the Hellenistic period. He appeals to tradition against the twin threat of doctrinal error and moral laxity, which appear to reflect an early stage of what later developed into full-blown gnosticism. Thus he forms a link between the apostolic period and the church of subsequent ages.

###  **The Divisions of The Second Letter of Peter**

The principal divisions of the Second Letter of Peter are the following:

**I. Address (1:1–2)**

**II. Exhortation to Christian Virtue (1:3–21)**

**III. Condemnation of the False Teachers (2:1–22)**

**IV. The Delay of the Second Coming (3:1–16)**

**V. Final Exhortation and Doxology (3:17–18)**

## CHAPTER 1

### Greeting.

**1**

Symeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of equal value to ours through the righteousness of our God and savior Jesus Christ: **2** may grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge

of God and of Jesus our Lord.

### The Power of God’s Promise.

**3** His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him

who called us by his own glory and power.

**4** Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.

**5**

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge,

**6** knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, **7** devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. **8** If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. **9**

Anyone who lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetful of the cleansing of his past sins. **10**

Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your call and election firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble. **11** For, in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

### Apostolic Witness.

**12**

Therefore, I will always remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth you have. **13** I think it right, as long as I am in this “tent,”

to stir you up by a reminder, **14** since I know that I will soon have to put it aside, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me.

**15** I shall also make every effort to enable you always to remember these things after my departure.

**16** We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming

of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

**17** For he received honor and glory from God the Father

when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

**18** We

ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. **19**

Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. **20**

Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, **21** for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.

## CHAPTER 2

### False Teachers.

**1** There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies and even deny the Master who ransomed them, bringing swift destruction on themselves.

**2** Many will follow their licentious ways, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled.

**3** In their greed they will exploit you with fabrications, but from of old their condemnation has not been idle and their destruction does not sleep.

### Lessons from the Past.

**4**

For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but condemned them to the chains of Tartarus

and handed them over to be kept for judgment;

**5**

and if he did not spare the ancient world, even though he preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, together with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the godless world;

**6** and if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [to destruction], reducing them to ashes, making them an example for the godless [people] of what is coming;

**7** and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man oppressed by the licentious conduct of unprincipled people **8** (for day after day that righteous man living among them was tormented in his righteous soul at the lawless deeds that he saw and heard), **9** then the Lord knows how to rescue the devout from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

**10** and especially those who follow the flesh with its depraved desire and show contempt for lordship.

### False Teachers Denounced.

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to revile glorious beings,

**11**

whereas angels,

despite their superior strength and power, do not bring a reviling judgment against them from the Lord. **12** But these people, like irrational animals born by nature for capture and destruction, revile things that they do not understand, and in their destruction they will also be destroyed,

**13** suffering wrong

as payment for wrongdoing. Thinking daytime revelry a delight, they are stains and defilements as they revel in their deceits while carousing with you.

**14** Their eyes are full of adultery and insatiable for sin. They seduce unstable people, and their hearts are trained in greed. Accursed children! **15** Abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray, following the road of Balaam, the son of Bosor,

who loved payment for wrongdoing,

**16** but he received a rebuke for his own crime: a mute beast spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

**17** These people are waterless springs and mists driven by a gale; for them the gloom of darkness has been reserved. **18** For, talking empty bombast, they seduce with licentious desires of the flesh those who have barely escaped

from people who live in error.

**19** They promise them freedom, though they themselves are slaves of corruption, for a person is a slave of whatever overcomes him.

**20** For if they, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of [our] Lord and savior Jesus Christ, again become entangled and overcome by them, their last condition is worse than their first.

**21** For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment handed down

to them.

**22**

What is expressed in the true proverb has happened to them,

“The dog returns to its own vomit,” and “A bathed sow returns to wallowing in the mire.”

## CHAPTER 3

### Denial of the Parousia.

**1** This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; through them by way of reminder I am trying to stir up your sincere disposition, **2** to recall the words previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and savior through your apostles.

**3** Know this first of all, that in the last days scoffers

will come [to] scoff, living according to their own desires

**4** and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?

From the time when our ancestors fell asleep, everything has remained as it was from the beginning of creation.”

**5** They deliberately ignore the fact that the heavens existed of old and earth was formed out of water and through water

by the word of God;

**6** through these the world that then existed was destroyed,

deluged with water.

**7** The present heavens and earth have been reserved by the same word for fire, kept for the day of judgment and of destruction of the godless.

**8**

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years

and a thousand years like one day.

**9** The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

**10** But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,

and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.

### Exhortation to Preparedness.

**11** Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought [you] to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,

**12**

waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,

because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. **13** But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth

in which righteousness dwells.

**14** Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. **15** And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, also wrote to you,

**16** speaking of these things

as he does in all his letters. In them there are some things hard to understand that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, just as they do the other scriptures.

###  **V. FINAL EXHORTATION AND DOXOLOGY**

**17** Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability.

**18** But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. [Amen.]

## FOOTNOTES

**2 Peter 1:1:**
**Symeon Peter:**

on the authorship of 2 Peter,

**see** **Introduction;**

on the spelling here of the Hebrew name

Šim‘ôn,

**cf.** **Acts 15:14.**

The greeting is especially similar

to those in

**1 Peter**
**and**
**Jude.**

The words translated

our God and savior

Jesus Christ

could also be rendered

“our God

and

the savior

Jesus Christ”;

**cf.** **2 Peter 1:11;** **2 Peter 2:20;** **2 Peter 3:2,** **And** **2 Peter 3:18.**
**2 Peter 1:2:**
**Knowledge:**

a key term in the letter

**(2 Peter 1:3,** **2 Peter 1:8;** **2 Peter 2:20;** **And** **2 Peter 3:18),**

perhaps used as a Christian emphasis

against gnostic claims.
**2 Peter 1:3-2 Peter 1:4:**

Christian life in its fullness

is a gift of divine power

effecting a knowledge of Christ

and the bestowal of divine promises

**(2 Peter 3:4,** **And** **2 Peter 3:9).**

To share in the divine nature,

escaping from a corrupt world,

is a thought found elsewhere

in the Bible

but expressed only here

in such Hellenistic terms,

since it is said

to be accomplished

through knowledge

**(2 Peter 1:3);**
**cf.** **2 Peter 1:2;** **And** **2 Peter 2:20;**

but

**see** **also**
**John 15:4;** **John 17:22–John 17:23;** **Romans 8:14–Romans 8:17;** **Hebrews 3:14;** **1 John 1:3;** **And** **1 John 3:2.**
**2 Peter 1:3:**
**By his own glory and power:**

the most ancient papyrus

and the best codex read

“through glory and power.”
**2 Peter 1:5-2 Peter 1:9:**

Note

the climactic gradation

of qualities

**(2 Peter 1:5–2 Peter 1:7),**

beginning with faith

and leading to the fullness

of Christian life,

which is love;

**cf.** **Romans 5:3–Romans 5:4;** **Galatians 5:6,** **And** **Galatians 5:22**

for a similar series of

“virtues,”

though the program

and sense

here are different

than in Paul.

The fruit of these

is knowledge of Christ

**(2 Peter 1:8)**

referred to in

**2 Peter 1:3;**

their absence is spiritual blindness

**(2 Peter 1:9).**
**2 Peter 1:10-2 Peter 1:11:**

Perseverance in the Christian vocation

is the best preventative against losing it

and the safest provision for attaining its goal,

the kingdom.

**Kingdom of…Christ**,

instead of “God,”

is unusual;

**cf.** **Colossians 1:13** **And** **Matthew 13:41,**

as well as the

**righteousness of…Christ**
**(2 Peter 1:1).**
**2 Peter 1:12-2 Peter 1:19:**

The purpose in writing

is to call to

mind the apostle’s witness to the truth,

even as he faces

the end of his life

**(2 Peter 1:12–2 Peter 1:15),**

his eyewitness testimony

to Christ

**(1 Peter 1:16–1 Peter 1:18),**

and the true prophetic message

(2 Peter 1:19)

through the Spirit in scripture

**(2 Peter 1:20–2 Peter 1:21),**

in contrast

to what false teachers

are setting forth

**(2 Peter 2).**
**2 Peter 1:13:**

Tent:

a biblical image

for transitory human life

(Is 38:12),

here

combined with a verb

that suggests

not folding

or

packing up

a tent

but its being discarded in death

**(cf.** **2 Corinthians 5:1–2 Corinthians 5:4).**
**2 Peter 1:16:**

Coming:

in Greek parousia,

used at

**2 Peter 3:4,** **And** **2 Peter 3:12**

of the second coming of Christ.

The word was used

in the extrabiblical writings

for the visitation

of someone in authority;

in Greek cult

and Hellenistic Judaism

it was used for

the manifestation

of the divine presence.

That the apostles made known

has been interpreted

to refer to Jesus’ transfiguration

**(2 Peter 1:17)**

or to his entire first coming

or to his future coming in power

**(2 Peter 3).**
**2 Peter 1:17:**

The author

assures the readers

of the reliability

of the apostolic message

(including Jesus’

power, glory, and coming;

**cf.** **note** **on** **2 Peter 1:16)**

by appeal

to the transfiguration of Jesus in glory

**(cf.** **Matthew 17:1–Matthew 17:8** **and** **parallels)**

and by appeal to the prophetic message

**(2 Peter 1:19;** **perhaps** **Numbers 24:17).**

Here, as elsewhere,

the New Testament

insists on continued reminders

as necessary to preserve

the historical facts

about Jesus

and the truths

of the faith;

**cf.** **2 Peter 3:1–2 Peter 3:2;** **1 Corinthians 11:2;** **And** **1 Corinthians 15:1–1 Corinthians 15:3.**
**My Son, my beloved:**

or,

“my beloved Son.”
**2 Peter 1:18:**
**We:**

at

Jesus’

transfiguration,

referring

to

Peter,

James,

and

John

**(Matthew 17:1).**
**2 Peter 1:20-2 Peter 1:21:**

Often cited,

along with

2 Tm 3:16,

on the

“inspiration”

of scripture

or against private interpretation,

these verses in context

are directed

against the false teachers

of

2 Pt 2

and

clever tales

(2 Pt 1:16).

The prophetic word in scripture

comes admittedly through

**human beings**

(2 Pt 1:21),

but

**moved by the holy Spirit,**

not from their own interpretation,

and is a matter of

what the author

and

Spirit

intended,

not the

**personal interpretation**

of false teachers.

Instead of

**under the influence of God,**

some manuscripts

read

“holy ones of God.”
**2 Peter 2:1-2 Peter 1:3::**

The pattern of

**false prophets**

among the Old Testament people of God

will recur through

**false teachers**

in the church.

Such destructive opinions

of heretical sects

bring loss of faith in Christ,

contempt

for the way of salvation

**(cf.** **2 Peter 2:21),**

and immorality.
**2 Peter 2:4-2 Peter 1:6:**

The false teachers

will be punished

just as surely

and as severely

as were the fallen

**angels**
**(2 Peter 2:4;**
**cf.** **Jude 1:6;** **And** **Genesis 6:1–Genesis 6:4),**

the sinners of Noah’s day

**(2 Peter 2:5;** **And** **Genesis 7:21–Genesis 7:23),**

and the inhabitants

of the cities

of the Plain

**(2 Peter 2:6;** **Jude 1:7;** **And** **Genesis 19:25).**

Whereas there are three examples

in

**Jude 1:5–Jude 1:7**

(Exodus and wilderness;

rebellious angels;

Sodom and Gomorrah),

**2 Peter**

omitted the first of these,

has inserted

a new illustration about Noah

**(2 Peter 2:5)**

between

Jude’s second

and third examples,

and listed

the resulting three examples

in their Old Testament order

**(Genesis 6;** **Genesis 7;** **And** **Genesis 19).**
**2 Peter 2:4:**
**Chains of Tartarus:**
**cf.** **Jude 1:6;**

other manuscripts in 2 Peter read

“pits of Tartarus.”

**Tartarus:**

a term borrowed from Greek mythology to indicate the infernal regions.
**2 Peter 2:5-2 Peter 2:10a:**

Although God did not spare the sinful,

he kept and saved the righteous,

such as Noah

**(2 Peter 2:5)**

and

Lot

**(2 Peter 2:7),**

and he knows how to rescue the devout

**(2 Peter 2:9),**

who are contrasted

with the false teachers

of the author’s day.

On Noah,

**cf.** **Genesis 5:32–Genesis 9:29,** **especially** **Genesis 7:1.**

On Lot,

**cf.** **Genesis 13** **And** **Genesis 19.**
**2 Peter 2:10b-2 Peter 2:22:**

Some take

**2 Peter 2:10b,** **And** **2 Peter 2:11**

with the preceding paragraph.

Others begin the new paragraph

with

**2 Peter 2:10a,**

supplying from

**2 Peter 2:9**
**The Lord knows how…to keep…under punishment,**

with reference to God

and probably specifically Christ

**(2 Peter 2:1).**

The conduct of the false teachers

is described and condemned

in language similar to that of

**Jude 1:8–1:16.**

This arrogance knows no bounds;

animal-like,

they are due

to be caught and destroyed.

They seduce even

those who have knowledge of Christ

**(2 Peter 2:20).**
**2 Peter 2:10b:**

Glorious beings:

literally,

“glories”;

**cf.** **Jude 1:8.**

While some think

that illustrious personages

are meant

or even political officials

behind whom

(fallen) angels stand,

it is more likely

that the reference

is to glorious angelic beings

**(cf.** **Jude 1:9).**
**2 Peter 2:11:**
**From the Lord:**

some manuscripts read

“before the Lord”;

**cf.** **Jude 1:9.**
**2 Peter 2:13:**
**Suffering wrong:**

some manuscripts read

“receiving a reward.”

**In their deceits:**

some manuscripts read

“in their love feasts”

**(Jude 1:12).**
**2 Peter 2:15:**
**Balaam, the son of Bosor:**

in Numbers 22:5,

Balaam is said

to be the son of Beor,

and it is this name

that turns up in

a few ancient Greek manuscripts

by way of

“correction”

of the text.

Balaam is not portrayed

in such a bad light

in

**Numbers 22.**

His evil reputation and his

**madness**
**(2 Peter 2:16),**

and possibly his surname Bosor,

may have come from

a Jewish tradition

about him in the

first/second century,

of which we no longer

have any knowledge.
**2 Peter 2:18:**
**Barely escaped:**

some manuscripts read

“really escaped.”
**2 Peter 2:21:**
**Commandment handed down:**
**cf.** **2 Peter 3:2** **And** **Jude 1:3.**
**2 Peter 2:22:**

The second proverb

is of unknown origin,

while the first appears

in

**Proverbs 26:11.**
**2 Peter 3:1-2 Peter 3:4:**

The false teachers

not only flout Christian morality

**(cf.** **Jude 1:8–Jude 1:19);**

they also deny

the second coming of Christ

and the judgment

**(2 Peter 3:4;** **cf.** **2 Peter 3:7).**

They seek to justify their licentiousness

by arguing

that the promised return of Christ

has not been realized

and the world is the same,

no better than it was before

**(2 Peter 3:3–2 Peter 3:4).**

The author wishes

to strengthen the faithful

against such errors

by reminding them

in this second letter

of the instruction

in

**1 Peter**

and of the teaching

of the prophets

and of Christ,

conveyed through the apostles

**(2 Peter 3:1–2 Peter 3:2;** **cf.** **Jude 1:17);**
**cf.** **1 Peter 1:10–1 Peter 1:12,** **And** **1 Peter 1:16–1 Peter 1:21,**

especially

**1 Peter 1:16–1 Peter 1:21;** **And** **Ephesians 2:20.**
**2 Peter 3:3:**
**Scoffers:**
**cf.** **Jude 1:18,**

where,

however,

only the passions of the scoffers

are mentioned,

not a denial

on their part of Jesus’ parousia.
**2 Peter 3:4-2 Peter 3:7:**

The false teachers

tried to justify their immorality

by pointing out

that the promised coming

(parousia)

of the Lord

has not yet occurred,

even though early Christians

expected it in their day.

They thus insinuate that

God is not guiding the world’s history anymore,

since nothing has changed

and the first generation of Christians,

our ancestors

**(2 Peter 3:4),**

has all died by this time.

The author replies that,

just as God destroyed the earth by water in the flood

**(2 Peter 3:5–2 Peter 3:6,** **cf.** **2 Peter 2:5),**

so he will destroy it

along with

the false teachers on judgment day

**(2 Peter 3:7).**

The word of God,

which called the world into being

**(Genesis 1;** **And** **Psalms 33:6)**

and destroyed it by the waters of a flood,

will destroy it again by fire

on the day of judgment

**(2 Peter 3:5–2 Peter 3:7).**
**2 Peter 3:5:**
**Formed out of water and through water:**
**Genesis 1:2, Genesis 1:6–Genesis 1:8**

is reflected

as well as Greek views

that water was the basic element

from which all is derived.
**2 Peter 3:6:**
**Destroyed, deluged with water:**
**cf.** **2 Peter 2:5;** **And** **Genesis 7:11–Genesis 8:2.**
**2 Peter 3:8-2 Peter 3:10:**

The scoffers’ objection

**(2 Peter 3:4)**

is refuted also by showing

that delay

of the Lord’s second coming

is not a failure

to fulfill his word

but rather a sign of his patience:

God is giving time for repentance

before the final judgment

**(cf.** **Wisdom 11:23–Wisdom 11:26;** **Ezekiel 18:23;** **And** **Ezekiel 33:11).**
**2 Peter 3:8:**
**Cf.** **Psalms 90:4.**
**2 Peter 3:10:**
**Like a thief:**
**Matthew 24:43;** **1 Thessalonians 5:2;** **And** **Revelation 3:3.**

Will be found out:

**cf.** **1 Corinthians 3:13–1 Corinthians 3:15.**

Some few versions read,

as the sense may demand,

“will not be found out”;

many manuscripts read

“will be burned up”;

there are further variants

in other manuscripts,

versions,

and

Fathers.

Total destruction is assumed

**(2 Peter 3:11).**
**2 Peter 3:11-2 Peter 3:16:**

The second coming of Christ

and the judgment of the world

are the doctrinal bases

for the moral exhortation

to readiness

through vigilance

and a virtuous life;

**cf.** **Matthew 24:42,** **Matthew 24:50–Matthew 24:51;** **Luke 12:40;** **1 Thessalonians 5:1–1 Thessalonians 5:11;** **And** **Jude 1:20–Jude 1:21.**
**2 Peter 3:12:**
**Flames…fire:**

although

this is the only New Testament passage

about a final conflagration,

the idea was common

in apocalyptic and Greco-Roman thought.

**Hastening:**

eschatology is here used

to motivate ethics

**(2 Peter 3:11),**

as elsewhere in the New Testament.

Jewish sources

and

**Acts 3:19–Acts 3:20**

assume that proper ethical conduct

can help bring

the promised day of the Lord;

**cf.** **2 Peter 3:9.**

Some render the phrase,

however,

“desiring it earnestly.”
**2 Peter 3:13:**
**New heavens and a new earth:**
**cf.** **Isaiah 65:17;** **And** **Isaiah 66:22.**

The divine promises

will be fulfilled

after the day of judgment

will have passed.

The universe

will be transformed

by the reign of

God’s righteousness or justice;

'*cf.Isaiah 65:17–Isaiah 65:18;'* **Acts 3:21;** **Romans 8:18–Romans 8:25;** **And** **Revelation 21:1.**
**2 Peter 3:16:**

These things:

the teachings of this letter

find parallels in Paul,

e.g., God’s will to save

**(Romans 2:4;** **Romans 9:22–Romans 9:23;** **And** **1 Corinthians 1:7–1 Corinthians 1:8),**

the coming of Christ

**(1 Thessalonians 4:16–1 Thessalonians 4:17;** **And** **1 Corinthians 15:23–1 Corinthians 15:52),**

and preparedness for the judgment

**(Colossians 1:22–Colossians 1:23;** **Ephesians 1:4–Ephesians 1:14;** **Ephesians 4:30;** **And** **Ephesians 5:5–Ephesians 5:14).**
**Other scriptures:**

used to guide

the faith and life

of

the Christian community.

The letters of Paul

are thus here

placed on the same level

as books of the Old Testament.

Possibly other

New Testament writings

could also be included.
**2 Peter 3:17-2 Peter 3:18:**

To avoid the dangers

**of error**

and loss of

**stability,**

Christians are

**forewarned**

to be

**on guard**

and to

**grow in grace and knowledge**
**(2 Peter 1:2)**

of Christ.

The doxology

**(2 Peter 3:18)**
**recalls**
**1 Peter 4:11.**

Some manuscripts add

**Amen.**

## CROSS-REFERENCES

**2 Peter 1:3:**
**2 Corinthians 4:6,** **And** **1 Peter 2:9.**
**2 Corinthians 4:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of [Jesus] Christ.

**1 Peter 2:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
**2 Peter 1:4:**
**2 Corinthians 7:1,** **And** **1 John 2:15.**
**2 Corinthians 7:1.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 7**
**1** Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God.

**1 John 2:15.** **NABRE:**
**15** Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
**2 Peter 1:5-2 Peter 1:7:**
**Galatians 5:22-Galatians 5:23.**
**Galatians 5:22-Galatians 5:23.** **NABRE:**
**22** In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, **23** gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
**2 Peter 1:9:**
**1 John 2:9,** **And** **1 John 2:11.**
**1 John 2:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.

**1 John 2:11.** **NABRE:**
**11** Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

**Members of the Community.**
**2 Peter 1:14:**
**Isaiah 38:12,** **And** **John 21:18-John 21:19.**
**Isaiah 38:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** My dwelling, like a shepherd’s tent,

is struck down and borne away from me;

You have folded up my life, like a weaver

who severs me from the last thread.

From morning to night you make an end of me;

**John 21:18-John 21:19.** **NABRE:**
**18** Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” **19** He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
**2 Peter 1:17:**
**Luke 9:28-Luke 9:36,** **And** **John 1:14.**
**Luke 9:28-Luke 9:36.** **NABRE:**
**The Transfiguration of Jesus.**
**28** About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. **29** While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. **30** And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, **31** who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. **32** Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. **33** As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. **34** While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. **35** Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” **36** After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

**The Healing of a Boy with a Demon.**
**John 1:14.** **NABRE:**
**14** And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,

the glory as of the Father’s only Son,

full of grace and truth.
**2 Peter 1:17:**
**Psalm 2:7,** **And** **Matthew 17:4-Matthew 17:6.**
**Psalm 2:7.** **NABRE:**
**7** I will proclaim the decree of the Lord,

he said to me, “You are my son;

today I have begotten you.

**Matthew 17:4-Matthew 17:6.** **NABRE:**
**4** Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” **5** While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” **6** When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.
**2 Peter 1:19:**
**Luke 1:78-Luke 1:79,** **And** **Revelation 2:28.**
**Luke 1:78-Luke 1:79.** **NABRE:**
**78** because of the tender mercy of our God

by which the daybreak from on high will visit us

**79** to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

**Revelation 2:28.** **NABRE:**
**28** just as I received authority from my Father. And to him I will give the morning star.
**2 Peter 2:1:**
**Matthew 24:11,** **Matthew 24:24,** **1 Timothy 4:1,** **And** **Jude 1:4.**
**Matthew 24:11.** **NABRE:**
**11** Many false prophets will arise and deceive many;

**Matthew 24:24.** **NABRE:**
**24** False messiahs and false prophets will arise, and they will perform signs and wonders so great as to deceive, if that were possible, even the elect.

**1 Timothy 4:1.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 4**
**False Asceticism.**
**1** Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions

**Jude 1:4.** **NABRE:**
**4** For there have been some intruders, who long ago were designated for this condemnation, godless persons, who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
**2 Peter 2:2:**
**Isaiah 52:5.**
**Isaiah 52:5.** **NABRE:**
**5** But now, what am I to do here?

—oracle of the **LORD**.

My people have been taken away for nothing;

their rulers mock, oracle of the Lord;

constantly, every day, my name is reviled.
**2 Peter 2:3:**
**Romans 16:18.** **NABRE:**
**18** For such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
**2 Peter 2:4:**
**Jude 1:6.**
**Jude 1:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** The angels too, who did not keep to their own domain but deserted their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains, in gloom, for the judgment of the great day.
**2 Peter 2:5:**
**Genesis 8:15-Genesis 8:19,** **And** **Hebrews 11:7.**
**Genesis 8:15-Genesis 8:19.** **NABRE:**
**15** Then God said to Noah: **16** Go out of the ark, together with your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives. **17** Bring out with you every living thing that is with you—all creatures, be they birds or animals or crawling things that crawl on the earth—and let them abound on the earth, and be fertile and multiply on it. **18** So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives; **19** and all the animals, all the birds, and all the crawling creatures that crawl on the earth went out of the ark by families.

**Hebrews 11:7.** **NABRE:**
**7** By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen, with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household. Through this he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes through faith.
**2 Peter 2:6:**
**Genesis 19:24-Genesis 19:25,** **And** **Jude 1:7.**
**Genesis 19:24-Genesis 19:25.** **NABRE:**
**24** and the **LORD** rained down sulfur upon Sodom and Gomorrah, fire from the Lord out of heaven. **25** He overthrew those cities and the whole Plain, together with the inhabitants of the cities and the produce of the soil.

**Jude 1:7.** **NABRE:**
**7** Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
**2 Peter 2:9:**
**1 Corinthians 10:13,** **And** **Revelation 3:10.**
**1 Corinthians 10:13.** **NABRE:**
**13** No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.

**Warning Against Idolatry.**
**Revelation 3:10.** **NABRE:**
**10** Because you have kept my message of endurance, I will keep you safe in the time of trial that is going to come to the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
**2 Peter 2:10:**
**Jude 1:8.**
**Jude 1:8.** **NABRE:**
**8** Similarly, these dreamers nevertheless also defile the flesh, scorn lordship, and revile glorious beings.
**2 Peter 2:11:**
**Jude 1:9.**
**Jude 1:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** Yet the archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses, did not venture to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”
**2 Peter 2:12:**
**Psalms 49:13-Psalms 49:15,** **And** **Jude 1:10.**
**Psalms 49:13-Psalms 49:15.** **NABRE:**
**13** —but man does not abide in splendor.

He is like the beasts—they perish.

**II**
**14** This is the way of those who trust in themselves,

and the end of those who take pleasure in their own mouth.

*Selah*
**15** Like a herd of sheep they will be put into Sheol,

and Death will shepherd them.

Straight to the grave they descend,

where their form will waste away,

Sheol will be their palace.

**Jude 1:10.** **NABRE:**
**10** But these people revile what they do not understand and are destroyed by what they know by nature like irrational animals.
**2 Peter 2:13:**
**Jude 1:12.**
**Jude 1:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** These are blemishes on your love feasts, as they carouse fearlessly and look after themselves. They are waterless clouds blown about by winds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead and uprooted.
**2 Peter 2:15:**
**Numbers 31:16,** **And** **Jude 1:11.**
**Numbers 31:16.** **NABRE:**
**16** “These are the very ones who on Balaam’s advice were behind the Israelites’ unfaithfulness to the Lord in the affair at Peor, so that plague struck the Lord’s community.

**Jude 1:11.** **NABRE:**
**11** Woe to them! They followed the way of Cain, abandoned themselves to Balaam’s error for the sake of gain, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
**2 Peter 2:16:**
**Numbers 22:28-Numbers 22:33.**
**Numbers 22:28-Numbers 22:33.** **NABRE:**
**28** Then the **LORD** opened the mouth of the donkey, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you beat me these three times?” **29** “You have acted so willfully against me,” said Balaam to the donkey, “that if I only had a sword at hand, I would kill you here and now.” **30** But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have always ridden until now? Have I been in the habit of treating you this way before?” “No,” he replied.

**31** Then the **LORD** opened Balaam’s eyes, so that he saw the angel of the **LORD** standing on the road with sword drawn; and he knelt and bowed down to the ground. **32** But the angel of the **LORD** said to him: “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come as an adversary because this rash journey of yours is against my will. **33** When the donkey saw me, she turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away from me, you are the one I would have killed, though I would have spared her.”
**2 Peter 2:18:**
**Jude 1:16.**
**Jude 1:16.** **NABRE:**
**16** These people are complainers, disgruntled ones who live by their desires; their mouths utter bombast as they fawn over people to gain advantage.
**2 Peter 2:19:**
**John 8:34,** **And** **Romans 6:16-Romans 6:17.**
**John 8:34.** **NABRE:**
**34** Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.

**Romans 6:16-Romans 6:17.** **NABRE:**
**16** Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? **17** But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted.
**2 Peter 2:20:**
**Matthew 12:45.**
**Matthew 12:45.** **NABRE:**
**45** Then it goes and brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and dwell there; and the last condition of that person is worse than the first. Thus it will be with this evil generation.”

**The True Family of Jesus.**
**2 Peter 2:21:**
**Ezekiel 3:20.** NABRE:

**20** But if the just turn away from their right conduct and do evil when I place a stumbling block before them, then they shall die. Even if you warned them about their sin, they shall still die, and the just deeds that they performed will not be remembered on their behalf. I will, however, hold you responsible for their blood.
**2 Peter 2:22:**
**Proverbs 26:11.**
**Proverbs 26:11.** **NABRE:**
**11** As dogs return to their vomit,

so fools repeat their folly.
**2 Peter 3:2:**
**Jude 1:17.**
**Jude 1:17.** **NABRE:**
**Exhortations.**
**17** But you, beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ,
**2 Peter 3:3:**
**1 Timothy 4:1,** **2 Timothy 3:1,** **And** **Jude 1:18.**
**1 Timothy 4:1.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 4**
**False Asceticism.**
**1** Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions

**2 Timothy 3:1.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 3**
**The Dangers of the Last Days.**
**1** But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days.

**Jude 1:18.** **NABRE:**
**18** for they told you, “In [the] last time there will be scoffers who will live according to their own godless desires.”
**2 Peter 3:4:**
**Isaiah 5:19.**
**Isaiah 5:19.** **NABRE:**
**19** Who say, “Let him make haste,

let him speed his work, that we may see it;

On with the plan of the Holy One of Israel!

let it come to pass, that we may know it!”
**2 Peter 3:5:**
**Genesis 1:2,** **Genesis 1:6,** **Genesis 1:8,** **And** **Psalm 24:2.**
**Genesis 1:2.** **NABRE:**
**2** and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters—

**Genesis 1:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** Then God said: Let there be a dome in the middle of the waters, to separate one body of water from the other.

**Genesis 1:8.** **NABRE:**
**8** God called the dome “sky.” Evening came, and morning followed—the second day.

**Psalm 24:2.** **NABRE:**
**2** For he founded it on the seas,

established it over the rivers.
**2 Peter 3:6:**
**Genesis 7:21.**
**Genesis 7:21.** **NABRE:**
**21** All creatures that moved on earth perished: birds, tame animals, wild animals, and all that teemed on the earth, as well as all humankind.
**2 Peter 3:7:**
**Isaiah 51:6,** **And** **Matthew 3:12.**
**Isaiah 51:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** Raise your eyes to the heavens,

look at the earth below;

Though the heavens vanish like smoke,

the earth wear out like a garment

and its inhabitants die like flies,

My salvation shall remain forever

and my victory shall always be firm.

**Matthew 3:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

**The Baptism of Jesus.**
**2 Peter 3:8:**
**Psalm 90:4.**
**Psalm 90:4.** **NABRE:**
**4** A thousand years in your eyes

are merely a day gone by,

Before a watch passes in the night,
**2 Peter 3:9:**
**Ezekiel 18:23,** **And** **1 Timothy 2:4.**
**Ezekiel 18:23.** **NABRE:**
**23** Do I find pleasure in the death of the wicked—oracle of the Lord God? Do I not rejoice when they turn from their evil way and live?

**1 Timothy 2:4.** **NABRE:**
**4** who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.
**2 Peter 3:10:**
**Isaiah 66:15-Isaiah 66:16,** **And** **Matthew 24:29.**
**Isaiah 66:15-Iaiah 66:16.** **NABRE:**
**15** For see, the **LORD** will come in fire,

his chariots like the stormwind;

To wreak his anger in burning rage

and his rebuke in fiery flames.

**16** For with fire the **LORD** shall enter into judgment,

and, with his sword, against all flesh;

Those slain by the **LORD** shall be many.

**Matthew 24:29.** **NABRE:**
**The Coming of the Son of Man.**
**29** “Immediately after the tribulation of those days,

the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,

and the stars will fall from the sky,

and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
**2 Peter 3:11:**
**Acts 3:19-Acts 3:21.**
**Acts 3:19-Acts 3:21.** **NABRE:**
**19** Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away, **20** and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment and send you the Messiah already appointed for you, Jesus, **21** whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.
**2 Peter 3:12:**
**Isaiah 34:4,** **And** **Hebrews 10:27.**
**Isaiah 34:4.** **NABRE:**
**4** All the host of heaven shall rot;

the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll.

All their host shall wither away,

as the leaf wilts on the vine,

or as the fig withers on the tree.

**Hebrews 10:27.** **NABRE:**
**27** but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries.
**2 Peter 3:13:**
**Isaiah 65:17,** **Isaiah 66:22,** **Romans 8:21,** **Revelation 21:1,** **And** **Revelation 21:27.**
**Isaiah 65:17.** **NABRE:**
**A World Renewed**
**17** See, I am creating new heavens

and a new earth;

The former things shall not be remembered

nor come to mind.

**Isaiah 66:22.** **NABRE:**
**22** Just as the new heavens and the new earth

which I am making

Shall endure before me—oracle of the Lord—

so shall your descendants and your name endure.

**Romans 8:21.** **NABRE:**
**21** that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

**Revelation 21:1.** **NABRE:**
**VI. The New Creation**
**Chapter 21**
**The New Heaven and the New Earth.**
**1** Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

**Revelation 21:27.** **NABRE:**
**27** but nothing unclean will enter it, nor any[one] who does abominable things or tells lies. Only those will enter whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
**2 Peter 3:15:**

Romans 8:19, And Jude 1:24.

**Romans 8:19.** **NABRE:**
**19** For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God;

**Jude 1:24.** **NABRE:**
**24** To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory,
**2 Peter 3:17:**
**Mark 13:5,** **And** **Hebrews 2:1.**
**Mark 13:5.** **NABRE:**
**5** Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one deceives you.

**Hebrews 2:1.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 2**
**Exhortation to Faithfulness.**

1 Therefore, we must attend all the more to what we have heard, so that we may not be carried away.
**2 Peter 3:18:**
**Romans 16:27.**
**Romans 16:27.** **NABRE:**
**27** to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.]

## OTHER BOOKS OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE TRANSLATION

 **THE BOOKS OF THE CATHOLIC BIBLE IN THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE TRANSLATION**

### Old Testament

#### Pentateuch/Torah:

1. The Book of Genesis
2. The Book of Exodus
3. The Book of Exodus
4. The Book of Exodus
5. The Book of Exodus

#### Historical Books:

1. The Book of Joshua
2. The Book of Judges
3. The Book of Ruth
4. The First Book of Samuel
5. The Second Book of Samuel
6. The First Book of Kings
7. The Second Book of Kings
8. The First Book of Chronicles
9. The Second Book of Chronicles
10. The Book of Ezra
11. The Book of Nehemiah
12. The Book of Tobit
13. The Book of Judith
14. The Book of Esther
15. The First Book of Maccabees
16. The Second Book of Maccabees

#### Poetic Books:

1. The Book of Job
2. The Book of Psalms
3. The Book of Proverbs
4. The Book of Ecclesiastes
5. The Song of Songs
6. The Book of Wisdom
7. The Book of Sirach

#### Prophetic Books:

1. The Book of Isaiah
2. The Book of Jeremiah
3. The Book of Lamentations
4. The Book of Baruch
5. The Book of Ezekiel
6. The Book of Daniel
7. The Book of Hosea
8. The Book of Joel
9. The Book of Amos
10. The Book of Obadiah
11. The Book of Jonah
12. The Book of Micah
13. The Book of Nahum
14. The Book of Habakkuk
15. The Book of Zephaniah
16. The Book of Haggai
17. The Book of Zechariah
18. The Book of Malachi

### New Testament

#### The Four Gospels

1. The Gospel According to Matthew
2. The Gospel According to Mark
3. The Gospel According to Luke
4. The Gospel According to John

#### Pauline Letters

1. The Letter to The Romans
2. The First Letter to The Corinthians
3. The Second Letter to The Corinthians
4. The Letter to The Galatians
5. The Letter to The Ephesians
6. The Letter to The Philippians
7. The Letter to The Colossians
8. The First Letter to The Thessalonians
9. The Second Letter to The Thessalonians
10. The First Letter to Timothy
11. The Second Letter to Timothy
12. The Letter to Titus
13. The Letter to Philemon

#### The General Letters/Catholic Letters

1. The Letter of James
2. The First Letter of Peter
3. **The Second Letter of Peter**
4. The First Letter of John
5. The Second Letter of John
6. The Third Letter of John
7. The Letter of Jude