1 & 2 Peter, Jude

I & II PETER and JUDE Outlined Bible

Introduction: Though they are not adjacent in our New Testaments, these three books are grouped for this study.

There is good reason to study these three epistles together. All three letters share a common concern for Christians to stay faithful. In addition, much of the material of II Peter and Jude share very obvious similarities. (cf. II Peter 2:1 —3.3 and Jude 4 - 19)

Names - Each of the letters are named for their authors.

Authors - Peter (I Peter 1:1; II Peter 1:1) and Jude (Jude)

Purpose

• I Peter was written to encourage believers in the midst of their suffering.
• Knowing his death was near, Peter in his second epistle wanted to remind believers of certain doctrines and warn them about false teachers.
• Jude was going to write a letter on the subject of salvation (v. 3), but upon hearing that some individuals were departing the faith, he wrote to counter apostasy.
• Background of the books.
• The apostle Peter,
• Aside from Jesus himself, Peter is the best-known character in the New Testament.
• Peter, Andrew (his brother), James and John were partners in a fishing business when Jesus called them to be "fishers of men." (Luke 5:9-11)
• All four of these men were named apostles, and in all four lists of the apostles, Peter's name appears first. (cf. Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13)
• Peter is well-known for his failures and lapses in faith early in his career. (e.g. Matthew 14:28-31; 16:21-23; 26:69-75)
• However, after the resurrection Peter became the "rock" his name signifies and stood firm in the face of trial and persecution. (cf. Acts 4:18-21; 5:27-41; 12:1-17)
• Paul called him a "pillar" of the church in Jerusalem. (Galatians 2:9)
• It was in his later years that Peter wrote his first letter to Christians scattered among the Roman provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. (I Peter 1:1)
• He is less specific in naming the audience of his second letter, but it was likely a follow-up to the same group of believers. (II Peter 1:1)
• Tradition tells us that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome circa AD 65.
• The man Jude.
• We know little about Jude.
• He identifies himself as "the brother of James", making him like James the half-brother to Jesus. (Mark 6:3)
• Like James, he claims no special fleshly relationship to Jesus but identifies himself only as "a servant of Jesus Christ." (Jude 1)
• The main messages of the books.
• I Peter was written in the mid-60s to encourage the readers to prepare for the painful trial they would face.
• This warning and admonition came in connection with the persecutions launched by Nero.
• “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (I Peter 4:16)
• II Peter was written a short time later to warn of false teachers
• Included in their error will be scoffing about Jesus' second coming. (II Peter 3:3-4)
• “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” (II Peter 3:17-18)
• Jude seems to be a general letter to Christians telling them to contend for the faith.
• Apparently the threat of false teachers Peter had warned about had come to pass.
• “For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among
• They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny

Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 4)

• Outlines of the books.
• I Peter.
• Salutation. (I Peter 1:1-2)
• Peter praises God for a living hope. (I Peter 1:3-12)
• He commands holy living. (I Peter 1:13—2:3)
• The apostle uses several metaphors to describe the relationship between Christ and his believers.
• Peter discusses a series of relationships in the life of God's people:
• With unbelievers. (I Peter 2:13-17)
• Slaves to masters. (I Peter 2:18-25)
• Between marriage partners. (I Peter 3:1 -7)
• He admonishes believers to live for God and to be willing to suffer for doing good. (I Peter 3:8— 4:19)
• Peter exhorts:
• Elders. (I Peter 5; 1-4)
• Young men. (I Peter 5:5-9)
• Benediction. (I Peter 5:10-14)
• II Peter.
• Salutation. (1:1-2)
• Peter exhorts his readers to make their calling and election sure. (1:3-11)
• He validates the authenticity and accuracy of the prophets. (1:12-21)
• The apostle gives a stern warning against false prophets. (2:1-22)
• Peter tells of their true character. (2:10-16)
• He then foretells their destruction. (2:17-22)
• The letter ends with a reminder that Jesus is coming again (3:1-13) and an exhortation for holiness as they await that coming. (3:14-18)
• Jude
• Salutation (1-2)
• After noting what he originally intended to write about (3-4), Jude announces the doom of false teachers. (5-16)
• He exhorts believers to hold to true faith. (17-23)
• Benediction. (24-25)
• Key themes of the book.
• Peter's spiritual growth.
• As stated under the "Background" section. Peter's early history is one of instability. (Matthew 14:28-31; 16:21-23: 26:69-75)
• After the resurrection, his faith was stronger. (Acts 4:18-21; 5:27-41; 12:1-17)
• However, even long after the establishment of the church Peter exhibited some instability. (cf.

Galatians 2:10-21)

• Throughout the apostle's life, three things were consistent in his relationship with the Lord:
• His love for Christ. (I John 21:15-23)
• His humility and repentance after his short comings. (Matthew 26:75)
• Jesus' forgiveness and patience. (John 21:15-23)
• These are the essential elements of the heart God can use. (cf. James 4:6; Matthew 23:12; Matthew 22:37-38; II Peter 3:9)
• How appropriate that God would use a matured, rock-solid Peter whose past best qualified him to encourage wavering Christians.
• The similarities between II Peter and Jude.
• Already noted is the strong similarity between II Peter 2:1—3:3 and Jude 4:19.
• How do we account for this similarity?
• This could be a colossal coincidence, but it's not likely.
• They could have both borrowed from another source, but there is no manuscript evidence of that theory.
• One writer may have borrowed from the other's work. This is the most plausible and likely explanation.
• Apparently, II Peter was written before Jude.
• II Peter warns of false teachers who will come. (II Peter 2:1)
• Jude indicates false teachers have come. (Jude 4)
• In all likelihood, Jude's reference to apostolic warning about such (Jude 17-18) is a reference to

Peter's second letter.

• It is probable that Jude's encounter with Peter's second letter prompted the change of focus in his epistle. (Jude 3-4)
• Suffering as a Christian: (I Peter 4:12-19)
• Every human being faces trials and suffering. (Matthew 5:45; James 1:2)
• Sometimes being a Christian brings a unique set of troubles. (Matthew 5:10-12; II Timothy 3:12)
• Why does God allow suffering?
• For maturity. (1 Peter 1:7; James 1:3-4)
• For dependence on the Lord. (I Peter 3:14; II Corinthians 12:7-10)
• To help us long for Heaven. (I Peter 1:3-4; James 1.12)
• For Christ’s likeness. (I Peter 2:21)

1 PETER

Summarized Bible

“To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion (the dispersion generally refers to Jews, but it could equally apply to the dispersion of Christians due to persecution) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood.” (1 Peter 1:1)

Obedience to Christ “He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Comment: One who died to sin, was buried into Christ’s blood, raised by God from the water grave of immersion (baptism) and given a new life (born) is put into the Kingdom (Body of Christ) by God.

“If necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, to test genuineness of your faith.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)

“Though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action. Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

“Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” (1 Peter 1:17)

“You have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)

“You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23-24)

“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” (1 Peter 2:1)

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)

Reminder to the Chosen “As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5)

Comment: Spiritual sacrifices are offering to God what He desires. Under the Old Covenant it was an animal sacrifice offered by priest. Under the New Covenant Christians are priest. They are to offer their life by doing what He desires.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9)

“You are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10)

“Abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)

“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men.” (1 Peter 2:13)

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” (1 Peter

2:16

“Have proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)

“Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18-19)

“If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:20)

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)

“By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (guardian of souls -Thayer Greek Lexicon).” (1 Peter 2:24-25)

Living the Christian Life Husbands and wives “Wives, in the same way be submissive (Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs (The Message Bible)) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” (1 Peter 3:1-5)

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. All of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” (1 Peter 3:7-9) Comment: Weaker partner – weaker may mean lacking in power or strength while partner probably means equal in Christ.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:13-16)

“Christ was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:18-21)

“Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-3)

“Don’t live as pagans choose to do — living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:3-5)

“Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:7-9)

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.” (1 Peter 4:11)

“If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides.” (1 Peter 4:11)

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:14)

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. (1 Peter 4:15)

“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-4)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Key Points from 1 Peter ➢ Your faith will be tested – not maybe or if but will be. ➢ As God’s servant you will be judged by His work that you do.

Question – Why should a Christian prepare his mind for action?

2 PETER

“Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Comment: Those in Christ are servants of equal standing not by what they have accomplished because of differing abilities but by Christ’s righteousness.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Comment: “Knowledge” of Him requires hearing and discussing the Gospel of Christ’s atoning sacrifice to cleanse sin.

Comment: The “calling” is an invitation to accept Christ and obey His words that lead to salvation.

To become partakers of Divine Nature Make every effort to supplement your

• faith with virtue,
• virtue with knowledge,
• knowledge with self-control,
• self-control with steadfastness,
• steadfastness with godliness,
• godliness with brotherly affection,
• brotherly affection with love.

“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)

“For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” (2 Peter 1:9-10) “If you practice these qualities, you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)

“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16-17)

“False teachers will come in among you, secretly bringing in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them.” (2 Peter 2:10-19)

• They are bold and arrogant men who are not afraid to slander celestial beings.
• They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
• They have eyes full of adultery.
• They seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed
• They have left the straightway and wandered off to follow the wages of wickedness.
• They mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature.
• They entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.
• They promise them freedom.
• They themselves are slaves of depravity.

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements (corruption) of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” (2 Peter 2:20) Comment: Once one has been put in the Body of Christ through trust and obedience, he can choose to return to former sinful life thereby being worse off as they have forsaken Christ.

Reminders “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” (2 Peter 3:3)

“They deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.” (2 Peter 3:5- 7)

“Heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:7)

“Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:9)

“That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.” (2 Peter 3:12

“In keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

“Be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” (2 Peter 3:17)

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

Key Points from 2 Peter ➢ There is a stair-step pattern of Christian growth that strengthens one’s faith and helps them recognize false teachings. ➢ Teachers of false doctrine can be identified by comparing their teachings, attitude and actions to Biblical teachings ➢ Christians can become again entangled in the corruption of the world such that their condition is worse than when they had their sins forgiven by putting on Christ following their death to sin, burial and resurrection followed by being added to Christ’s Body, His church.

Question – What does Peter’s statement “If some have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first” mean and is it really true?

JUDE

This short book was written to those called by God, to Christians. “I felt I had to write and urge you to contend (defend as a combatant the Word, Christ the foundation of your faith) for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men (purporting to be fellow Christians) whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (3-4)

“Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority

but abandoned their own home — these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the Great Day.” (5-7)

“These pretenders, fake Christians, are:

• like Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. (7)
• dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings but even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (8-10)
• speakers who speak abusively against whatever they do not understand. (10)
• blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm. (12)
• shepherds who feed only themselves. (12)
• clouds without rain. (12)
• wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. (13)
• grumblers and faultfinders; follow their own evil desires. (13)
• boasters about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. (16)
• “Remember what the apostles said: In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” (18- 19)

But you are to:

• build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. (20)
• keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (21)
• be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (22-23)

Key Points from Jude ➢ There are some people who are pretenders, unfaithful, faultfinders and boastful seeking recognition and approval. ➢ Encourage each other not to accept the pretender’s attitude or lifestyle ➢ Be merciful and help them and others to change (repent) and return to righteousness.

Question - What was Jude’s warning all about?