Although the addressees are not specified in this letter (1:1), they are probably the same as for 1 Peter, since he writes that “this is now my second letter to you.” (3:1) He goes on to say that he writes to refresh their memory (1:12-15, 3:1-2), and he warns that false teachers will come. These false teachers are appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh and misuse the freedom that is found in Christ (2:18-19). Perhaps they have distorted what Paul says in e.g., Rom 6, and that is why Peter also mentions Paul’s letters in 3:15-16. They also say that Jesus will never return (Ch. 3). Peter says that the reason the return is delayed is that God wants everyone to come to faith (3:9). He encourages them to grow in faith and live in holiness until this happens (3:11-15).

In 1:14 Peter says that he will not live much longer, so this was probably written shortly before he was executed in the persecutions under Nero sometime between 64 and 68 AD.

Structure:

Ch. 1 Hold fast to the calling and the prophetic word.

Ch. 2 Warning against false teachers.

Ch. 3 The day of the Lord is coming.