The book of 2 Peter is a letter attributed to the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples. It is considered one of the General Epistles in the New Testament and addresses the early Christian community, focusing on the importance of knowledge, spiritual growth, and the dangers of false teachings. Peter writes to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to grow in their understanding of God's truth, especially in light of the challenges they face from false teachers and moral decay in society.
The context of 2 Peter is significant as it was written during a time when the early church was grappling with various heresies and the threat of false teachers who were distorting the message of the Gospel. Peter emphasizes the need for discernment and the importance of holding onto the teachings of Christ and the apostles. He also reassures believers of the certainty of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises, urging them to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of that day.