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Criticism of the authenticity is based on these basic
observations:
1) The difference in style for 1 Peter
2) The assumption that the author of 1 Peter used the
book of Jude
3) The reference to Paul’s letters being considered
“scripture” gives it the appearance of a latter date when Paul’s letters where
being collected.
4) The author’s concern for defending the delay in the
Lord’s return.
The different style would depend on the fact that 1
Peter was written down by Silas (1 Pt. 5:12) and that 2 Peter may have been
written down by Peter alone in a prison in
It is not likely that Peter, a chosen apostle of the
Lamb, would have to depend on Jude for information to write about. Jude does
have a later date (70-80 AD) of writing then Second Peter.
Peter’s reference to Paul’s writings does not need to
mean they had been collected as a body of canonized material as they are now,
but that Paul’s writings contained a revelation from God that had not
previously been revealed. Paul himself addressed this issue:
“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given
to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written
briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight
into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been
revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles
and prophets.”
Ephesians
3:2-5
“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you
the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been dept hidden f
or ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.”
Colossians 1:25
Paul, himself, believed he was writing “scripture.”
Peter simply recognized this fact.
Concerning his attack against those who said that the
Lord had delayed his return or was not coming back at all need not be any later
than the days of the apostles. In fact, it had already been longer then the
apostles had originally assumed (Acts 1). Peter is really speaking of the
future days of the church when he says “you must understand that in the last
days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
They will say, ‘Where is this coming he promised.’ ” (2 Peter 3:3,4)
Peter claims to have been an eyewitness of the
transfiguration in 1:16-18 (Mt. 17:1-5)
Peter was personally acquainted with Paul as
indicated by “our dear brother Paul.” (3:15
This
was Peter’s goodbye address. The church historian, Eusebius, records Peter’s
death in
The recipients were apparently the same as First
Peter since Peter calls this his “second letter to you.” (2 Pt.3:1) This would
be “
Peter writes, “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience
means salvation, just as our dear brother
Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.” This reference
indicates that these people had received a letter from Paul.
Paul’s book of
Peter was a pastor.
Peter was a defender of orthodox theology.
Peter final letter is to “remind you of these
things:”
1) How to grow into Christian maturity
2) Warn of the present and future threat of false
teachers
1. The Christian’s Nature: The Work of
God
1:3-11
2. The Christian’s Nurture: The Word of
God
1:12-21
3. The Christian’s Warfare: The Attack of False
Teachers 2:1-22