Why Peter Wrote His Letters

About 30 years after Jesus' death, Peter wrote his first letter, addressing it to his brothers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, areas that now make up central, northern and western Turkey.  (1 Peter 1:1)  Jews, some of whom may have become Christians at Pentecost 33 C.E., were no doubt included among those to whom Peter wrote.  (Acts 2:1, 7-9)  Many were  Gentiles who were undergoing fiery trials at the hands of opposers.  ( 1 Peter 1:6, 7; 2:12, 19, 20; 3:13-17; 4:12-14) So Peter wrote to these brothers to encourage them.  His aim was to help them receive "the end of [their] faith, the salvation of [their] souls."  Thus, in his parting admonition, he urged:  "Take your stand against  [the Devil], solid in the faith." -1 Peter 1:9; 5:8-10.

Later, Peter wrote a second letter to these Christians.  (2 Peter 3:1)  Why?  Because an even greater threat existed.  Immoral individuals would try to promote their defiling conduct among believers and would mislead some!  (2 Peter 2:1-3) Moreover, Peter warned of ridiculers.  He had written his first letter that "the end of all things has drawn close," and now some were apparently scoffing at such an idea.  (1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 3:3, 4)  Let us examine Peter's second letter and see how it strengthened the brothers to remain steadfastly in the faith.  In this first article, we will consider 2 Peter chapter 1.

Next time: The Purpose of Chapter 1

The Watchtower, 1997