The Analysed Bible, Volumes 1, 2, 3, by Rev. G. Campbell Morgan: The Book of 2 Peter - Analysed and Explained in Detail (Full Text and PDF).

A detailed analysis of the book of 2 Peter: Christ the Strength of His People.

To the best of our knowledge we are of the understanding that this book, being published in 1907, and freely available elsewhere on the internet is in the public domain.

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The Book of 2 Peter - Analysed and Explained in Summary - Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of "The Analysed Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

To the best of our knowledge we are of the understanding that this book, taken from Volumes 1, 2, & 3 of the "Analysed Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan published in 1907, and freely available elsewhere on the internet is in the public domain.

2 PETER - CHRIST THE STRENGTH OF HIS PEOPLE

INTRODUCTION - 2 Peter 1:1-1:2

1. The Writer and the Readers - 2Pet. 1:1

  1. Simon Peter
  2. Servant - Apostle
  3. "The like precious faith" (Luke22:32)

2. His Desire "Knowledge" - 2Pet. 1:2

Part A: THE PRINCIPLES OF PRESERVATION - 2 Peter 1:3-1:21

A1. The Principles Stated - 2Pet. 1:3-1:11

  1. Provision - 1:3-1:4
  2. Responsibility - 1:5-1:11
    1. Diligent Development - 1:5-1:9
    2. The more diligence - 1:10-1:11

A2. The Principles Defended - 2Pet. 1:12-1:21

  1. Determination in view of his Exodus - 1:12-1:15
  2. The Vision of the Holy Mount - 1:16-1:21
    1. The Vision. Power and Coming - 1:16a
    2. The Proofs - 1:16b-1:21

Part B: THE PERILS - 2 Peter 2:1-3:9

B1. Threatening the Power. False Teaching - 2Pet. 2:1-2:22

  1. The Peril declared - 2:1-2:3a
  2. Judgement announced - 2:3b-2:9
  3. The Peril unmasked - 2:10-2:22

B2. Threatening the Coming. False living - 2Pet. 3:1-3:9

  1. The Peril declared - 3:1-3:4
  2. The Answer - 3:5-3:9

CONCLUSION - 2 Peter 3:10-3:18

1. The Coming - 2Pet. 3:10-3:13

2. The Power - 2Pet. 3:14-3:16

3. Final Words - 2Pet. 3:17-3:18

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:1-1:2

This letter is addressed to the same persons as the first. While the purpose of the first was the strengthening of those who were passing through a period of testing from without, this is for their strengthening in view of the dangers threatening them within the Church. The aim of the epistle may be gathered from the concluding exhortation: "Beware" "Grow." It is a solemn warning against the perils that threaten the inner life of the Church, and an exhortation to growth in that "grace and knowledge" in which the perils will be overcome. It may thus be analyzed; Introduction (1:1-1:2); Principles of Preservation (1:3-1:21); Perils threatening (2:1-3:9); Conclusion (3:10-3:18).

Through varied experiences the writer had come into possession of the character which the surname "Peter" suggested. As he commenced a letter intended to strengthen his brethren for the testing arising from perils threatening them within the Church, he introduced himself by the names of "Simon Peter," the first of which speaks of his own old life of instability, and the second of the character of stability into which he had been brought. Describing himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, he addressed his brethren as having a "like precious faith," thus reminding them that the faith which in his case was preserved through the supplication of his Lord, was theirs also. His ultimate desire for them was that they might have knowledge. As the perils against which he was about to warn them resulted from false teaching, so the principle of preservation was that of knowledge.

A. The Principles of Preservation - 2 Peter 1:3-1:21

In dealing with the principles of preservation, the apostle first stated and then defended them.

The statement of principles consists of a setting forth of the actual facts of the perfect provision, and a declaration of the consequent responsibility of the saints. The provision is described first as to present possession; "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" are granted through the knowledge of Him Who called "by His glory and virtue." This possession is made more sure by the "precious and exceeding great promises." Because of this perfect provision the saints are called to diligence and the development of their resources; and to more diligence, in the light of the things of the eternal Kingdom, wherein all the meaning of participation in the Divine nature will be realized.

Having thus stated the principles of preservation, the apostle defended the truth of his statement. He was conscious of his approaching departure, and expressed his determination to stir them up by putting them in remembrance. There flamed upon him the memory of the Mount of Transfiguration; and the effect which his experiences there had upon him are very evident here. On that mount he had seen the "Power" and "Coming" of the Lord Jesus Christ. These words correspond to the present and future provision with which he had already dealt. On that holy mount moreover he heard the voice of God, and that voice confirmed for him the prophecies of the past, which were as "a lamp shining in a dark place."

B, The Perils - 2 Peter 2:1-3:9

Having thus described the principles of preservation, the apostle now dealt with the perils threatening the Church from within. These are two, the one growing out of the other. The first is that of false teachers, which threatens the power. The second is that of the materialization of mind resulting from their teaching, which threatens the coming.

As in the days of ancient prophecy there were false prophets, so now there will be false teachers; and many will follow, and the way of truth be evil spoken of. The judgment of God against such is sure, and this assertion is defended by the citation of the cases of the casting out of the angels, the destruction of the ancient world, and of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Nevertheless such judgment will be discriminative. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver." The apostle then proceeded to describe more particularly the characteristics of those whom he had in mind. A more scathing description it is not possible to find. The words seem to sting like whips of fire. He described their method. As to themselves, he referred to them as "having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin." Their method was that of the enticement of weak souls. With relentless persistence he tore away the attractive outer garments of the false teachers, and revealed the loathsomeness of the self-centred covetousness that lurked behind. This is no dainty handling of false teachers. The terrible manner of it is due to the apostle's consciousness that the effect of false teaching is that of denying the power of Christ, which is the present blessing of the saints. To deny the Lord in any particular is to loosen the bondage of the soul to Him, and to open the door to the incoming of all evil.

False teaching which denies the power of Christ issues in false thinking which questions the coming of Christ. There will be mockers who will walk in lust, and make sport of the great hope of the Church, declaring that things will continue as they have done. To strengthen his readers against the new peril, the apostle reminded them of the prophecies and the commandment of the Lord. The argument that as things have been they remain is contested first by reference to the deluge, and then by the declaration that a fire judgment is reserved for this earth. What appears to be delay is due to the long-suffering of God, with Whom time does not exist.

Conclusion - 2 Peter 3:10-3:18

The conclusion consists of a summary of teaching grouped around these two subjects of the coming and the power of the Lord, with a final warning and injunction. The day of the Lord will come. It will be destructive. The heavens and the elements will be burned up. We may hasten that day by holy living and godliness. It will also be constructive, for there will be "new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness."

The result of this conviction in the experience of the saints should be new appropriation of the power. Personally this means diligence for the creation of the character for which at His coming He will seek. Relatively it means patience during the delay, knowing that it is caused by His long-suffering.

All this leads to the final exhortation, which is twofold. "Beware" - that marks the attitude of caution. "Grow" - that indicates the necessity for progress. To conclude, there is a brief and comprehensive doxology; glory to the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, "both now," that is, in response to His powder, and "for ever," that is, as the result of His coming. Thus the soul is established in Him against all possibilities and perils, both now and for ever.