Peter’s second letter, probably written from Rome, seems to be directed to the same readers who received his first letter (2 Peter 3:1)—the Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor (the area which covered most of what we know today as modern-day Turkey).

The purpose of 2 Peter is to establish his readers in the Christian faith (1:12-15; 3:1, 2). Peter reminds them that they can trust the writings of the prophets, which came from divine inspiration.

They can obey the guiding principles of Scripture and grow in their spiritual lives because their Lord provides the power.

Peter is careful to warn that false teachers will ap­pear. He tells how to detect these deceivers. He also warns against scoffers who will come expressing their doubts about Christian teachings.

Then the book of 2 Peter focuses on the approaching day of the Lord when this old sin-cursed earth will at last give way to a new one—“the home of righteousness.”

And the apostle’s final word is: “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).