[:en]In his first letter, Peter wrote to comfort and encourage believers in the midst of suffering, persecution and external onslauight. In his second letter, he wrote to warn them of an internal attack – complacency and heresy. He advised them to hold fast to non-negotiable faith, to grow and mature in the knowledge of Christ and reject those who would distort the truth. He reminded them of the coming of false teachers and the reason for the delay of Christ’s return.
MAKING ONE’S CALLING AND ELECTION SURE (vs. 3-11)
Peter denounced the evil motive of the false teachers and reaffirned the authority of the Scripture. To keep us effective and productive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we need the following qualities: Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Make your calling and election sure so that you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE (vs. 12-21)
Peter knew that his death was at hand. He was martyred for faith about AD 68. According to tradition, he was crucified upside down at his own request because he felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as his master. Peter recalled the transfiguration where he heard the voice from the Father revealing to James, John and him the divine identity of Jesus.
Peter affirmed that the Old Testatment prophets wrote God’s messages. And the Bible is God’s very word given through people by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Srcipture serves as the light to illuminate and guide us in seeking the truth.[:]