Author's Introduction

Peter said of the Word of God, of which his letters form a part, “the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:25 NKJV). Peter’s letters contain the truth regarding the way to salvation and the life that will be lived by all who are striving to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Peter warned the church of the first century about false teachers who would work, as did the false prophets in ancient Israel, to lead people astray. This warning regarding the undermining of true faith and trust in God’s Word that results from the influence of false teachers extends to the church in our own time. Jesus also warned us of false prophets and teachers coming in His name, claiming to speak and work for God. (See Matthew 24:3–4.) Therefore, the counsel to be found in Peter, and indeed in all the New Testament, should be given careful and prayerful study. As we do, we may find practices, ideas, and doctrines in the churches and fellowships today—and perhaps in our own lives—that are missing the mark of biblical truth.

Throughout the world, there are churches that have apostolic in their names. However, in many cases, the doctrines and teachings such organizations hold to are not supported by the writings of Peter and the other Apostles. The Roman church claims apostolic succession, teaching that they are the one true church that comes from the early first-century church. Further, it is believed and taught that the popes can trace an unbroken line of church leadership back to Peter. In the evangelical world some are looking to the church fathers of the early centuries after the Apostles died for insight into apostolic teaching, practice, and faith. Sadly, however sincere these groups may be, they do not all follow the apostolic teachings; on the contrary, some are actually undermining them or substituting human ideas and doctrines for “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3) This is done when the Word of God is neglected or remodeled to support doctrines and practices that are far from true biblical faith.

Peter’s purpose in writing his epistles is that we would “be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:2).

This book is sent forth to encourage all who read it to follow the Bible as the basis for all faith and practice, that we might “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).