1. AUTHOR. — Peter the Apostle.

2. DATE. — Uncertain, probably not long after the first, a short time before the death of the author.

3. TO WHOM WRITTEN. — To those who have faith in Christ. The letter is general in its application.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — At the time that Peter, realizing that his death was near, wished to leave for Christians his assurance of the verity of the truths of the gospel.

5. LEADING TOPICS. — The need of fruitfulness on the part of those who belong to Christ; the punishment that will justly befall those who teach falsehood, and an exhortation to look with confidence for the coming of Christ.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show the necessity of growth on the part of the Christian, and that he should be prepared for the revelation of Christ, guarding against the Jesus; false assumption that men would not be called to account for their deeds.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

(a) An exhortation to progress in holiness, Ch. 1.

(b) False teachers condemned, Ch. 2.

(c) Judgment may be delayed, but it will surely come, Ch. 3.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — Christians become steadfast by growth; the prophets confirm the confirm the Messiahship of the delay of Christ's coming is in order that men may repent; there are to be a new heavens and a new earth.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — This assumes the fact that Christians have al ready been taught the truths of the gospel for the most part, and seeks to secure a faithful Christian living by reminding them of these.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — Tradition concerning Peter's death; the New Testament teaching concerning the end of the world.