“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1:1).
Among all the books of the Bible, the New Testament epistle of 2 Peter stands as one of the most contentious entries in the Biblical canon. While this letter begins with an author’s reference in the very first words of this epistle, we’ll later see that many dispute that claim.
However, this identifying reference allows us to make some observations regarding this letter and where it fits in the Biblical timeline. Perhaps the easiest way to establish that timeline is to start at the end of the Apostle Peter’s life and work back from there. We can begin with the traditional belief that Peter was martyred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero in or around A.D. 67-68.
We can refine that chronology with a look at 2 Peter 3:1. That portion of Scripture references an earlier letter that apparently relates to the Biblical epistle of 1 Peter. If we accept that 1 Peter was authored around A.D. 65, then 2 Peter was likely written sometime within the 36-month period between A.D. 66 – A.D. 68.
1 Peter 5:13 also suggests that “Babylon” served as the point of origin for that earlier letter. Despite the cryptic nature of that reference, many associate “Babylon” with the ancient city of Rome. Therefore, we can reasonably assume that 2 Peter was also written in Rome, the place where Peter was likely imprisoned before his execution.
As to the intended audience for this letter, it appears that our author directed his message to those who had also received his first letter: “…God’s chosen people who are temporary residents in the world and are scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1 GW).
Thus, we can classify the book of 2 Peter as a general epistle since it was intended for a collection of regional churches rather than one specific congregation. This regional area, formerly known as Asia Minor, served as home to several New Testament-era churches, including the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three.
Finally, 2 Peter 1:13-15 clarifies an important motive behind this letter…
“I think it only right for me to stir up your memory of these matters as long as I am still alive. I know that I shall soon put off this mortal body, as our Lord Jesus Christ plainly told me. I will do my best, then, to provide a way for you to remember these matters at all times after my death” (GNT).
The specter of imminent death thus compelled our author to memorialize the points he will share with us.