Jude was likely written between AD 100-125.
The author refers to himself as Jude (Judas), a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.
Scholars believe that Jude is not the work of Jesus’ “brother” but rather is a pseudonymous work that entered the canon because of its presumed association with the Lord’s family. Jude shows no personal familiarity with Jesus and cites none of his characteristic teachings.
He refers to Christianity as a fixed body of beliefs that the faithful already possess and to the apostles as prophets of a former age.
Themes of Jude
Apocalyptic Judgment
Jude views the heretics’ misbehavior as fulfilling the apostles’ predictions about End time.
Exhortation to the Faithful
Jude counsels the believers to pray and live in anticipation of Jesus’ return. He conceded that some involved with the heretics deserve pity and can be helped. Others are pitiable but corrupted by sensuality.
Use of Noncanonical Writings
The book of Jude interestingly quotes two books from the Pseudepigrapha. Jude 6 refers to an angelic fall, drawing from 1 Enoch 6-12 while Jude 14-15 quotes directly from 1 Enoch 1:9. Jude seems to regard Enoch’s prophecy as inspired by God, but it is unlikely Jude saw 1 Enoch as canonical Scripture. Jude also references another book, the Assumption of Moses, by discussing the dispute over the body of Moses between the devil and the archangel Michael (Jude 9). The actual text of the Assumption of Moses is lost. We only have secondary sources revealing the content of this book.
While most New Testament authors avoid material from the Pseudepigrapha due to its unreliable content, it is possible that some of its material is genuine. It is believed that Jude is able to draw out truth in the midst of falsehoods. We see Paul utilizing a similar technique when quoting pagan poets (Acts 17:28; 1 Cor 15:33; Titus 1:12).
Structure of Jude
I. Salutation (1-2)
II. The Occasion for Writing (3-4)
A. The Change of Subject: From Common Salvation to Contending for the Faith (3)
B. The Reason for the Change: The Infiltration of Ungodly Antinomians (4)
III. The Judgment of the Ungodly (5-19)
A. Precedent: God’s Judgment of the Ungodly in the Old Testament (5-7)
B. Parallel: Character of the Present Ungodly is the Same (8-13)
C. Prophecy: The Destruction of the Ungodly is Sure (14-19)
IV. The Exhortation to Believers (20-23)
V. Doxology (24-25)
I. Salutation (1-2)
Claims to be written by Jude, “a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.”
Written to: “Those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.”
The Blessing: “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”
II. The Occasion for Writing (3-4)
A. The Change of Subject: From Common Salvation to Contending for the Faith (3)
I really wanted to write about our common salvation, but I thought best to urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.
B. The Reason for the Change: The Infiltration of Ungodly Antinomians (4)
Certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.
They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
III. The Judgment of the Ungodly (5-19)
A. Precedent: God’s Judgment of the Ungodly in the Old Testament (5-7)
1. Unbelieving Israel (5)
Quick reminder: The Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.
2. Fallen Angels (6)
The angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling have been kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.
3. Sodom and Gomorrah (7)
Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion and serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
B. Parallel: Character of the Present Ungodly is the Same (8-13)
1. Their Slanderous Speech Exposed (8-10)
On the strength of their dreams they pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Jude is alluding to the Jewish Testament of Moses (approximately the first century AD).
They slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
2. Their Ungodly Character Portrayed (11-13)
Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain
They have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error
They have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm
They are shepherds who feed only themselves.
They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind
They are autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.
They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame
They are wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
C. Prophecy: The Destruction of the Ungodly is Sure (14-19)
1. The Prophecy of Enoch (14-16)
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
This quote is from the Jewish First Book of Enoch (approximately the first century BC)
These people are grumblers and faultfinders
They follow their own evil desires
They boast about themselves
They flatter others for their own advantage.
2. The Prophecy of the Apostles (17-19)
The Apostles foretold: “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”
These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
IV. The Exhortation to Believers (20-23)
A. A Call to Persevere (20-21)
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
B. A Call to Show Mercy (22-23)
Be merciful to those who doubt
Save others by snatching them from the fire
To others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
V. Doxology (24-25)
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
The First Petrine Epistle
Did Peter write the Petrine epistles?
According to 1 Peter, at this time believers are being punished merely for bearing Christ’s name, a situation that does not seem to have characterized the time of Peter’s ministry under the Emperor Nero’s era but that does accord with the policies of his successors.
Letters exchanged between the emperor Trajan and Pliny the Younger, his appointed governor of Bithynia, one of the provinces of Asia Minor to which 1 Peter is addressed, seem to reflect the same conditions the epistle describes. For that reason, many scholars favor a date in the early second century for the epistle, though scholars do not yet fully agree.
A date after AD 70 is indicated by the author’s greetings from “her who dwells in Babylon.” “Her” refers to the writer’s church, and “Babylon” became the Christian code name for Rome after Titus destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70, thus duplicating the Babylonian Empire’s infamous desecration of the holy city (587 BC).
As an archetype of the of the ungodly nation, “Babylon” is also Revelation’s symbol of Rome.
Most critics assume that 1 Peter originated in the capital, the traditional site of Peter’s martyrdom. So while the letter itself may have not been written down by Peter himself, it did originate in the church that Peter led in Rome, who preserved his legacy in writing after Nero murdered him.
Structure of 1st Peter
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. The Identity of the People of God (1:3–2:10)
A. A Precious Salvation (1:3-12)
B. A New Way of Life (1:13-25)
C. A Chosen Priesthood (2:1-10)
III. The Responsibilities of the People of God (2:11–4:11)
A. Summary: The Mission of God’s People in the World (2:11-12)
B. Respect: The Key to Living in the World (2:13–3:12)
C. Doing Good: The Promise of Vindication (3:13–4:6)
D. Mutual Love: The Key to Christian Community in the End Times (4:7-11)
IV. The Responsibilities of a Church and its Elders in the Midst of Trials (4:12–5:11)
A. The Fiery Trial (4:12-19)
B. The Responsibilities of a Church in the Midst of Trials (5:1-11)
V. Concluding Remarks (5:12-14)
A. Purpose of Epistle (5:12)
B. Final Greetings (5:13-14)
Themes of 1st Peter
Ethics
Whether or not Peter wrote this epistle, the early church recognized its ethical value by adopting it into its canon.
The author’s purpose is to encourage believers to hold fast to their integrity (as Christians like Peter did in Nero’s time) and to promote Christian ethics.
He urges the faithful to live so blamelessly that outsiders can never accuse them of anything illegal or morally reprehensible. If one endures legal prosecution, it should only be “as a Christian.”
Baptism
Often, 1 Peter has been described as a baptismal sermon, and indeed, the author structures his work to outline both the privileges and the dangers involved in adopting the Christian way of life – you will die in order to live.
1 Peter specifically uses the story of Noah’s Flood as a symbol of baptism, as well as lesser known Christian narratives about Christ’s descent into Hades to bring people from death to life.
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
The opening of the sermon gives attribution to “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.”
It is addressed to persecuted Christians who have been scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia
The author states that these exiles were chosen by God the Father to be sanctified through God the Holy Spirit and to be obedient and cleansed by the blood of God the Son, Jesus Christ.
May they be blessed with abundant grace and peace.
II. The Identity of the People of God (1:3–2:10)
A. A Precious Salvation (1:3-12)
1. Salvation as Hope (1:3-5)
Praise God…
For his mercy
Our new birth
For our living hope
For the resurrection of Christ
For out indestructible inheritance
For heaven
For God’s shield of protection
For the ultimate revelation of salvation in the end times
For the resurrection of Christ
For out indestructible inheritance
For heaven
For God’s shield of protection
For the ultimate revelation of salvation in the end times
2. Salvation as Joy (1:6-9)
Your future eternal hope causes you to rejoice in your temporary suffering
Trials prove the genuineness of your faith
Faith = gold
Trial = fire
Gold survives the fire
Your faith despite trials will bring about glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Even though you never saw Jesus, you love him
Even though you don’t see him now, you still believe in him and are filled with joy
The end result of your faith has already arrived – salvation!
3. Salvation as Privilege: Witnessed by Prophets and Angels (1:10-12)
The prophets of the past spoke about your salvation, and they longed to see the day of salvation made possible through the sufferings of the Messiah, Jesus.
These prophecies were written for you just as our message to you was delivered by the Holy Spirit.
Even angels long to look into these things.
B. A New Way of Life (1:13-25)
1. A Life of Holiness (1:13-16)
Be alert and sober as you wait in hope for Christ and the grace he will give you when he comes
Be like obedient children – not submitting to evil desires like you did when you were still ignorant
God has called you to holiness because he himself is holy
2. A Life of Reverence (1:17-21)
Since you rely on a God who is fair to all people, be reverent, and live as though were strangers in a strange land
You weren’t redeemed by gold that is destroyed but by the blood of the Lamb – Christ
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
3. A Life of Love (1:22-25)
Now that you have been purified by the truth, love each other form the heart!
You have been born again – a living seed, not a dead seed.
People are like grass and flowers who die and decay, but the word of the Lord is forever
That same word was preached to you
C. A Chosen Priesthood (2:1-10)
1. Craving the Word (2:1-3)
Give up on all forms of evil and be like innocent babies who drink only pure milk, so that you can grow up strong in the salvation of our good God.
2. Coming to Christ in Worship (2:4-5)
We are the stones that form God’s temple, and Jesus is the chief cornerstone
3. Biblical Argument (2:6-8)
According to the prophets, we who believe love the cornerstone of God’s Temple – Christ. But those who don’t believe only see it only as that rock they keep tripping over.
4. An Identity Affirmed (2:9-10)
You used to not be a people, living under God’s judgment in darkness
Now you are a holy kingdom of priests living in the light of God’s mercy
III. The Responsibilities of the People of God (2:11–4:11)
A. Summary: The Mission of God’s People in the World (2:11-12)
1. Negatively Stated (2:11)
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
2. Positively Stated (2:12)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
B. Respect: The Key to Living in the World (2:13–3:12)
1. Respect for Everyone (2:13-17)
a. Respect for Authorities (2:13-14)
God wants you to submit to all human authorities who have been set in place to punish criminals and honor model citizens
b. Result: Silencing Fools (2:15)
God knows that your good deeds will make false accusations against you sound stupid
c. Posture: As Free Men (2:16)
Live in freedom, but don’t use freedom as a front for doing evil
You are slaves to God
d. Summary (2:17)
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
2. Servants: Submit to your Masters (2:18-25)
a. The Admonition to the Servants (2:18-20)
Slaves who love God should submit to their masters whether they are kind or cruel
God sees you and doesn’t forget you when you suffer for him
God also sees you if you bring unnecessary suffering upon yourself through rebellion
b. The Example of Christ (2:21-25)
Christ suffered for you, so be like Christ
He never sinned
When Christ was abused, he never retaliated or made threats
He trusted in God
He died on the cross for us so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness
By his wounds you have been healed.
You used to be like lost sheep, but now you have returned to your Good Shepherd.
3. Wives and Husbands (3:1-7)
a. Wives: Submit to your Husbands (3:1-6)
1) The Admonition to the Wives (3:1-4)
Christian wives should submit to their non-Christian husbands in the hope that their husbands will be won over to Christ
Rather than impressing your husbands with jewelry and fancy clothes, impress them with your gentleness
2) The Example of Sarah (3:5-6)
The holy women of the past lived this way
Be like Sarah – she submitted to Abraham
b. Husbands: Honor your Wives (3:7)
Husbands should be considerate and respectful to their wives
Don’t treat them like men, but treat them as equal heirs of God’s grace and life
Do this if you want God to listen to your prayers
4. Respect for Everyone (Theme Repeated) (3:8-12)
Love everybody
Don’t get revenge
Repay evil with blessing
C. Doing Good: The Promise of Vindication (3:13–4:6)
1. Suffering for Doing Good (3:13-17)
Only crazy people will hurt you if you do good things to them
But even if that happens, don’t be afraid.
Honor Christ in you hearts
Always be prepared to give an answer to those who ask you about this hope that you have
But when you tell people about Jesus, do it with respect. Don’t give them a reason to hate you.
2. The Vindication of Christ (3:18-22)
Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer – he died for your sins after all
But he was also made alive by the Spirit.
After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.
It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
3. Living for the Promise (4:1-6)
a. The Example of Christ (4:1-2)
Christ suffered in his body
Be like Christ in your attitude toward suffering
If you can endure suffering for Christ then you can endure temptation
Christians who suffer for Christ don’t sin anymore
b. The Former Lifestyle (4:3)
You used to live as pagans, sinning all the time in every way
c. The Future Judgment (4:4-6)
Those who are still pagans are surprised by your holy lives and feel threatened by your holiness – that’s why they abuse you
But one day they will answer to the one who judges the living and the dead
The Gospel was even preached to those who have already died so that a just judgment would be given to all – so that all might live by the Spirit and not by flesh alone
D. Mutual Love: The Key to Christian Community in the End Times (4:7-11)
Why should you live holy lives of sobriety and prayer? Because the end of all things is near.
Love is greater than sin – so love each other!
Don’t whine about having to give to others – give because you truly love them!
God has given different gifts to everybody – so use what God gave you!
Speakers should speak with the voice of God.
Servants should serve with the strength of God.
In this way, all things that we do will bring praise to God through Christ at work in us.
All glory and power go to him forever! Amen!
Jesus’ Descent into the Underworld
Only the Book of Acts describes Jesus’ postresurrection ascent into heaven (Acts 1:10-11), and only the Petrine epistles explicitly refer to a tradition about Jesus’ postmortem descent into the Underworld.
According to a common interpretation, the “imprisoned spirits” are the “sons of God” (presumably angels) who “fell” from heaven when they trespassed divinely set boundaries by mating with the fair “daughters of men,” thus producing “the heroes of old, men of renown” (Gen:1-4).
Although Genesis says nothing about the divine “sons” subsequent fate, extrabiblical tradition states that God had confined these rebels in a dark and fiery prison, where they awaited the final judgment (1 Enoch 6-10).
The author of 2 Peter apparently adopts that tradition, declaring that “God did not spare the angels who sinned, but consigned them to the dark pit of hell” (2:4).
The word here translated as “hell” is Tartarus, in Greek myth the subterranean dungeon housing fallen gods.
In some views, 1 Peter’s cryptic allusion to preaching “the Gospel” to “the dead” (4:6) refers to Jesus’ “harrowing of hell,” when he descended into the Underworld to offer a message of redemption to persons who had perished before his death and resurrection had made salvation possible.
IV. The Responsibilities of a Church and its Elders in the Midst of Trials (4:12–5:11)
A. The Fiery Trial (4:12-19)
1. Suffering and Glory (4:12-14)
Don’t be surprised by the fiery trial surrounding you
Rejoice that you can suffer as Christ suffered and experience his glory more fully when he is revealed
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
2. Suffering as a Christian (4:15-19)
If you do suffer, it better not be because you are a criminal, or even an obnoxious person
And if you suffer as a Christian (a derogatory term back then), don’t be ashamed, because you are wearing the name of Christ
God is bringing judgment on his house, this world, and that judgment starts with us
If it’s hard for the righteous to be saved, then do you think it’s easy for sinners?
God hasn’t given up, so don’t you give up
B. The Responsibilities of a Church in the Midst of Trials (5:1-11)
1. The Elders (5:1-4)
Here, the text refers directly to the Apostle Peter’s witnessing of Christ’s suffering, hinting that those in the church whose memories go farther back ought not to forget what they and the Apostles witnessed.
The elders of the church are called to be “shepherds of the flock” just as Christ called Peter to “feed his sheep.”
Take care of church because you love the church – not because you have to do it.
When Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
2. The Rest of the Church (5:5)
Younger people should also submit to the elders and be humble.
3. Humility and Trust in God (5:6-7)
Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, and he will lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
4. Warfare against the Devil (5:8-11)
a. Admonition: Facing the Devil (5:8-9)
Be on the alert
The devil is out to get you
He’s like a prowling lion waiting to eat you
You can resist him and stand firm in faith because you know that your brothers and sisters around the world are also suffering
b. Benediction: Trusting God (5:10-11)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
V. Concluding Remarks (5:12-14)
A. Purpose of Epistle (5:12)
Note that Silas helped write this letter
This letter was meant to encourage the believers
B. Final Greetings (5:13-14)
“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”
“Greet one another with a kiss of love.”
“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
Context of 2nd Peter
The letter’s main intent – to reestablish the apostolic view of the Parousia – shows that the writer is addressing a group that lived long enough after the original apostles’ day to have given up on believing that Christ would return soon.
The author’s opponents deny the Parousia doctrine because the promised Second Coming has not materialized even though the “fathers” have long since passed away.
In addition, the writer makes use of Jude, itself an early second-century document, incorporating most of it into his work.
The work also refers to Paul’s letters as Scripture, a status they did not achieve until well into the second century.
Many leaders of the early church doubted 2 Peter’s apostolic origins, resulting in the epistle’s absence from numerous lists of “approved” books. Not only was 2 Peter one of the last works to gain entrance into the New Testament, but scholars believe that it was also the last canonical book written, sometime between AD 100-140.
Structure of 2nd Peter
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. The Certainty of the Believers’ Salvation (1:3-21)
A. Its Subjective Basis: The Work of God (1:3-11)
B. Its Objective Basis: The Word of God (1:12-21)
III. The Deception of the False Teachers’ Message (2:1–3:16)
A. Their Antinomianism (2:1-22)
B. Their Denial of the Lord’s Return (3:1-16)
IV. Conclusion (3:17-18)
A. Summary of Letter (3:17)
B. Benediction (3:18)
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
Claims to be written by: "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ"
Written to: "those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours"
Blessing: "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
II. The Certainty of the Believers’ Salvation (1:3-21)
A. Its Subjective Basis: The Work of God (1:3-11)
1. Past: What God has Done (1:3-4)
a. His Divine Power Enabling Believers (1:3)
It has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
b. His Divine Nature Indwelling Believers (1:4)
We have his promises, by which we participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2. Present: What Believers Should Do (1:5-9)
a. The Use of God’s Resources (1:5-7)
Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
b. The Results of Using God’s Resources (1:8-9)
If you have these, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus.
If you don’t have them, you will be nearsighted and blind, forgetting that your sins are cleansed.
3. Future: What Believers Will Receive (1:10-11)
a. Temporal Results: The Certainty of Salvation (1:10)
Try hard to confirm your calling and election so you won’t stumble
b. Eternal Results: The Inheritance of the Kingdom (1:11)
You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Jesus
B. Its Objective Basis: The Word of God (1:12-21)
1. Peter’s Testament as a Reminder of Salvation (1:12-15)
a. The Frequency of the Reminder: Constantly (1:12)
I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them firmly.
b. The Necessity of the Reminder: Peter’s Death (1:13-14)
I’ll remind you as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as Jesus made clear to me.
c. The Promise of the Reminder: A Written Record (1:15)
I’ll do my best to make sure you remember after I’m gone
2. Defense of the Truth of the Message (1:16-21)
a. Apostolic Eyewitnesses (1:16-18)
We didn’t just repeat a clever story someone made up about Jesus coming in power. We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
We ourselves saw him on the sacred mountain and we heard the voice when He received honor and glory from God the Father who said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
b. Old Testament Prophets (1:19-21)
1) The Value of OT Prophecy (1:19)
We also have the reliable prophetic message, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2) The Source of OT Prophecy (1:20-21)
No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
III. The Deception of the False Teachers’ Message (2:1–3:16)
A. Their Antinomianism (2:1-22)
1. The Coming of the False Teachers (2:1-3a)
Like the past, the future will also have false prophets who introduce heresies, denying the Lord who bought them to their own swift destruction. Many will follow them and give the way of truth a bad reputation, only to be exploited by their made up stories.
2. The Condemnation of the False Teachers (2:3b-9)
a. Their Condemnation Sure (2:3b)
Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
b. OT Precedent (2:3b-8)
God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tartarus, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment
In this case the word “hell” is translated from the word “Tartarus” – a place in Hellenistic mythology, recorded by Plato in 400BC, there the judged dead are imprisoned.
This reference comes from The Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish mythological work also quoted by Jude, and (as noted by Peter) it was a place for imprisoning fallen angels, not human souls.
God destroyed the ancient world with a flood, but spared righteous Noah and seven others
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire as an example of future judgment of the ungodly, but rescued righteous Lot
c. The Coming Judgment (2:9)
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
3. The Characteristics of the False Teachers (2:10-22)
a. Rejection of Authority (2:10-12)
They follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.
They are bold and arrogant
They are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord.
These people blaspheme in matters they do not understand.
They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
b. Fleshly Indulgence (2:13-16)
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.
Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight.
They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning
They seduce the unstable
They are experts in greed—an accursed brood!
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam
Balaam loved the wages of wickedness, but he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey who restrained the prophet’s madness.
c. Slavery to Sin (2:17-22)
These people are springs without water
They are mists driven by a storm.
Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
They mouth empty, boastful words and
They entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.
Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”
B. Their Denial of the Lord’s Return (3:1-16)
1. Documentation of the False Teachers Reiterated (3:1-2)
This is now my second letter to you.
Both letters are reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
2. Denial by the False Teachers Repudiated (3:3-7)
In the last days scoffers will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
3. Day of the Lord Revealed (3:8-13)
Don’t forget: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.
The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?
You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.
That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
4. Deportment of Believers Required (3:14-16)
a. The Appeal for Behavior (3:14)
Since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
b. The Epistolary Basis (3:15-16)
Our Lord’s patience means salvation
Our dear brother Paul also wrote about this exact same thing to you with the wisdom that God gave him.
His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
IV. Conclusion (3:17-18)
A. Summary of Letter (3:17)
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.
B. Benediction (3:18)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
______________________________________________________________
Stephen L. Harris. The New Testament: A Student's Introduction (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill: New York, NY, 2009.
B. A New Way of Life (1:13-25)
1. A Life of Holiness (1:13-16)
Be alert and sober as you wait in hope for Christ and the grace he will give you when he comes
Be like obedient children – not submitting to evil desires like you did when you were still ignorant
God has called you to holiness because he himself is holy
2. A Life of Reverence (1:17-21)
Since you rely on a God who is fair to all people, be reverent, and live as though were strangers in a strange land
You weren’t redeemed by gold that is destroyed but by the blood of the Lamb – Christ
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
3. A Life of Love (1:22-25)
Now that you have been purified by the truth, love each other form the heart!
You have been born again – a living seed, not a dead seed.
People are like grass and flowers who die and decay, but the word of the Lord is forever
That same word was preached to you
C. A Chosen Priesthood (2:1-10)
1. Craving the Word (2:1-3)
Give up on all forms of evil and be like innocent babies who drink only pure milk, so that you can grow up strong in the salvation of our good God.
2. Coming to Christ in Worship (2:4-5)
We are the stones that form God’s temple, and Jesus is the chief cornerstone
3. Biblical Argument (2:6-8)
According to the prophets, we who believe love the cornerstone of God’s Temple – Christ. But those who don’t believe only see it only as that rock they keep tripping over.
4. An Identity Affirmed (2:9-10)
You used to not be a people, living under God’s judgment in darkness
Now you are a holy kingdom of priests living in the light of God’s mercy
III. The Responsibilities of the People of God (2:11–4:11)
A. Summary: The Mission of God’s People in the World (2:11-12)
1. Negatively Stated (2:11)
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
2. Positively Stated (2:12)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
B. Respect: The Key to Living in the World (2:13–3:12)
1. Respect for Everyone (2:13-17)
a. Respect for Authorities (2:13-14)
God wants you to submit to all human authorities who have been set in place to punish criminals and honor model citizens
b. Result: Silencing Fools (2:15)
God knows that your good deeds will make false accusations against you sound stupid
c. Posture: As Free Men (2:16)
Live in freedom, but don’t use freedom as a front for doing evil
You are slaves to God
d. Summary (2:17)
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
2. Servants: Submit to your Masters (2:18-25)
a. The Admonition to the Servants (2:18-20)
Slaves who love God should submit to their masters whether they are kind or cruel
God sees you and doesn’t forget you when you suffer for him
God also sees you if you bring unnecessary suffering upon yourself through rebellion
b. The Example of Christ (2:21-25)
Christ suffered for you, so be like Christ
He never sinned
When Christ was abused, he never retaliated or made threats
He trusted in God
He died on the cross for us so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness
By his wounds you have been healed.
You used to be like lost sheep, but now you have returned to your Good Shepherd.
3. Wives and Husbands (3:1-7)
a. Wives: Submit to your Husbands (3:1-6)
1) The Admonition to the Wives (3:1-4)
Christian wives should submit to their non-Christian husbands in the hope that their husbands will be won over to Christ
Rather than impressing your husbands with jewelry and fancy clothes, impress them with your gentleness
2) The Example of Sarah (3:5-6)
The holy women of the past lived this way
Be like Sarah – she submitted to Abraham
b. Husbands: Honor your Wives (3:7)
Husbands should be considerate and respectful to their wives
Don’t treat them like men, but treat them as equal heirs of God’s grace and life
Do this if you want God to listen to your prayers
4. Respect for Everyone (Theme Repeated) (3:8-12)
Love everybody
Don’t get revenge
Repay evil with blessing
C. Doing Good: The Promise of Vindication (3:13–4:6)
1. Suffering for Doing Good (3:13-17)
Only crazy people will hurt you if you do good things to them
But even if that happens, don’t be afraid.
Honor Christ in you hearts
Always be prepared to give an answer to those who ask you about this hope that you have
But when you tell people about Jesus, do it with respect. Don’t give them a reason to hate you.
2. The Vindication of Christ (3:18-22)
Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer – he died for your sins after all
But he was also made alive by the Spirit.
After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.
It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
3. Living for the Promise (4:1-6)
a. The Example of Christ (4:1-2)
Christ suffered in his body
Be like Christ in your attitude toward suffering
If you can endure suffering for Christ then you can endure temptation
Christians who suffer for Christ don’t sin anymore
b. The Former Lifestyle (4:3)
You used to live as pagans, sinning all the time in every way
c. The Future Judgment (4:4-6)
Those who are still pagans are surprised by your holy lives and feel threatened by your holiness – that’s why they abuse you
But one day they will answer to the one who judges the living and the dead
The Gospel was even preached to those who have already died so that a just judgment would be given to all – so that all might live by the Spirit and not by flesh alone
D. Mutual Love: The Key to Christian Community in the End Times (4:7-11)
Why should you live holy lives of sobriety and prayer? Because the end of all things is near.
Love is greater than sin – so love each other!
Don’t whine about having to give to others – give because you truly love them!
God has given different gifts to everybody – so use what God gave you!
Speakers should speak with the voice of God.
Servants should serve with the strength of God.
In this way, all things that we do will bring praise to God through Christ at work in us.
All glory and power go to him forever! Amen!
Jesus’ Descent into the Underworld
Only the Book of Acts describes Jesus’ postresurrection ascent into heaven (Acts 1:10-11), and only the Petrine epistles explicitly refer to a tradition about Jesus’ postmortem descent into the Underworld.
According to a common interpretation, the “imprisoned spirits” are the “sons of God” (presumably angels) who “fell” from heaven when they trespassed divinely set boundaries by mating with the fair “daughters of men,” thus producing “the heroes of old, men of renown” (Gen:1-4).
Although Genesis says nothing about the divine “sons” subsequent fate, extrabiblical tradition states that God had confined these rebels in a dark and fiery prison, where they awaited the final judgment (1 Enoch 6-10).
The author of 2 Peter apparently adopts that tradition, declaring that “God did not spare the angels who sinned, but consigned them to the dark pit of hell” (2:4).
The word here translated as “hell” is Tartarus, in Greek myth the subterranean dungeon housing fallen gods.
In some views, 1 Peter’s cryptic allusion to preaching “the Gospel” to “the dead” (4:6) refers to Jesus’ “harrowing of hell,” when he descended into the Underworld to offer a message of redemption to persons who had perished before his death and resurrection had made salvation possible.
IV. The Responsibilities of a Church and its Elders in the Midst of Trials (4:12–5:11)
A. The Fiery Trial (4:12-19)
1. Suffering and Glory (4:12-14)
Don’t be surprised by the fiery trial surrounding you
Rejoice that you can suffer as Christ suffered and experience his glory more fully when he is revealed
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
2. Suffering as a Christian (4:15-19)
If you do suffer, it better not be because you are a criminal, or even an obnoxious person
And if you suffer as a Christian (a derogatory term back then), don’t be ashamed, because you are wearing the name of Christ
God is bringing judgment on his house, this world, and that judgment starts with us
If it’s hard for the righteous to be saved, then do you think it’s easy for sinners?
God hasn’t given up, so don’t you give up
B. The Responsibilities of a Church in the Midst of Trials (5:1-11)
1. The Elders (5:1-4)
Here, the text refers directly to the Apostle Peter’s witnessing of Christ’s suffering, hinting that those in the church whose memories go farther back ought not to forget what they and the Apostles witnessed.
The elders of the church are called to be “shepherds of the flock” just as Christ called Peter to “feed his sheep.”
Take care of church because you love the church – not because you have to do it.
When Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
2. The Rest of the Church (5:5)
Younger people should also submit to the elders and be humble.
3. Humility and Trust in God (5:6-7)
Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, and he will lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
4. Warfare against the Devil (5:8-11)
a. Admonition: Facing the Devil (5:8-9)
Be on the alert
The devil is out to get you
He’s like a prowling lion waiting to eat you
You can resist him and stand firm in faith because you know that your brothers and sisters around the world are also suffering
b. Benediction: Trusting God (5:10-11)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
V. Concluding Remarks (5:12-14)
A. Purpose of Epistle (5:12)
Note that Silas helped write this letter
This letter was meant to encourage the believers
B. Final Greetings (5:13-14)
“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”
“Greet one another with a kiss of love.”
“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
The Second Petrine Epistle
The letter’s main intent – to reestablish the apostolic view of the Parousia – shows that the writer is addressing a group that lived long enough after the original apostles’ day to have given up on believing that Christ would return soon.
The author’s opponents deny the Parousia doctrine because the promised Second Coming has not materialized even though the “fathers” have long since passed away.
In addition, the writer makes use of Jude, itself an early second-century document, incorporating most of it into his work.
The work also refers to Paul’s letters as Scripture, a status they did not achieve until well into the second century.
Many leaders of the early church doubted 2 Peter’s apostolic origins, resulting in the epistle’s absence from numerous lists of “approved” books. Not only was 2 Peter one of the last works to gain entrance into the New Testament, but scholars believe that it was also the last canonical book written, sometime between AD 100-140.
Structure of 2nd Peter
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. The Certainty of the Believers’ Salvation (1:3-21)
A. Its Subjective Basis: The Work of God (1:3-11)
B. Its Objective Basis: The Word of God (1:12-21)
III. The Deception of the False Teachers’ Message (2:1–3:16)
A. Their Antinomianism (2:1-22)
B. Their Denial of the Lord’s Return (3:1-16)
IV. Conclusion (3:17-18)
A. Summary of Letter (3:17)
B. Benediction (3:18)
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
Claims to be written by: "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ"
Written to: "those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours"
Blessing: "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
II. The Certainty of the Believers’ Salvation (1:3-21)
A. Its Subjective Basis: The Work of God (1:3-11)
1. Past: What God has Done (1:3-4)
a. His Divine Power Enabling Believers (1:3)
It has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
b. His Divine Nature Indwelling Believers (1:4)
We have his promises, by which we participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2. Present: What Believers Should Do (1:5-9)
a. The Use of God’s Resources (1:5-7)
Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
b. The Results of Using God’s Resources (1:8-9)
If you have these, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus.
If you don’t have them, you will be nearsighted and blind, forgetting that your sins are cleansed.
3. Future: What Believers Will Receive (1:10-11)
a. Temporal Results: The Certainty of Salvation (1:10)
Try hard to confirm your calling and election so you won’t stumble
b. Eternal Results: The Inheritance of the Kingdom (1:11)
You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Jesus
B. Its Objective Basis: The Word of God (1:12-21)
1. Peter’s Testament as a Reminder of Salvation (1:12-15)
a. The Frequency of the Reminder: Constantly (1:12)
I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them firmly.
b. The Necessity of the Reminder: Peter’s Death (1:13-14)
I’ll remind you as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as Jesus made clear to me.
c. The Promise of the Reminder: A Written Record (1:15)
I’ll do my best to make sure you remember after I’m gone
2. Defense of the Truth of the Message (1:16-21)
a. Apostolic Eyewitnesses (1:16-18)
We didn’t just repeat a clever story someone made up about Jesus coming in power. We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
We ourselves saw him on the sacred mountain and we heard the voice when He received honor and glory from God the Father who said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
b. Old Testament Prophets (1:19-21)
1) The Value of OT Prophecy (1:19)
We also have the reliable prophetic message, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2) The Source of OT Prophecy (1:20-21)
No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
III. The Deception of the False Teachers’ Message (2:1–3:16)
A. Their Antinomianism (2:1-22)
1. The Coming of the False Teachers (2:1-3a)
Like the past, the future will also have false prophets who introduce heresies, denying the Lord who bought them to their own swift destruction. Many will follow them and give the way of truth a bad reputation, only to be exploited by their made up stories.
2. The Condemnation of the False Teachers (2:3b-9)
a. Their Condemnation Sure (2:3b)
Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
b. OT Precedent (2:3b-8)
God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tartarus, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment
In this case the word “hell” is translated from the word “Tartarus” – a place in Hellenistic mythology, recorded by Plato in 400BC, there the judged dead are imprisoned.
This reference comes from The Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish mythological work also quoted by Jude, and (as noted by Peter) it was a place for imprisoning fallen angels, not human souls.
God destroyed the ancient world with a flood, but spared righteous Noah and seven others
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire as an example of future judgment of the ungodly, but rescued righteous Lot
c. The Coming Judgment (2:9)
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
3. The Characteristics of the False Teachers (2:10-22)
a. Rejection of Authority (2:10-12)
They follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.
They are bold and arrogant
They are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord.
These people blaspheme in matters they do not understand.
They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
b. Fleshly Indulgence (2:13-16)
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.
Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight.
They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning
They seduce the unstable
They are experts in greed—an accursed brood!
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam
Balaam loved the wages of wickedness, but he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey who restrained the prophet’s madness.
c. Slavery to Sin (2:17-22)
These people are springs without water
They are mists driven by a storm.
Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
They mouth empty, boastful words and
They entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.
Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”
B. Their Denial of the Lord’s Return (3:1-16)
1. Documentation of the False Teachers Reiterated (3:1-2)
This is now my second letter to you.
Both letters are reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
2. Denial by the False Teachers Repudiated (3:3-7)
In the last days scoffers will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
3. Day of the Lord Revealed (3:8-13)
Don’t forget: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.
The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?
You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.
That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
4. Deportment of Believers Required (3:14-16)
a. The Appeal for Behavior (3:14)
Since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
b. The Epistolary Basis (3:15-16)
Our Lord’s patience means salvation
Our dear brother Paul also wrote about this exact same thing to you with the wisdom that God gave him.
His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
IV. Conclusion (3:17-18)
A. Summary of Letter (3:17)
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.
B. Benediction (3:18)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
______________________________________________________________
Sources
Daniel B. Wallace. Jude: Introduction, Argument, and Outline. New Testament: Introductions and Outlines, Bible.org, 2004.
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