Скачать или смотреть Narrative Lectionary 544: Preaching Series on 2 Peter with Shively Smith - July 2, 2023

Series Overview
Among the letters of the New Testament, 2 Peter is an easily forgotten writing. With only three chapters to speak of, wedged between the more popular First Letter of Peter and the equally popular First Letter of John, Bible readers often overlook 2 Peter. Even more alarming is how we continually miss the speech acts of 2 Peter and the Christian ethics and behavior it models. Left to itself and unattended, 2 Peter can be used to set a dangerous precedent for Christian behavior and community.

Regarding the letter’s contents—2 Peter continually points readers to other writings of the Christian tradition preserved in Scripture. For example, it acknowledges the existence of a previous letter written under the name of Peter (3:1). Most scholars consider this a reference to 1 Peter. The letter of 2 Peter also offers the fourth retelling of the transfiguration story (2 Peter 1:16–18) found in the Synoptic Gospels, but not the Gospel of John (Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36). Last, the letter reminds readers about some of the stories found in the first five books of the Old Testament with its references to Noah (2 Peter 2:5 // Genesis 7:13; 8:18), Lot (2 Peter 2:6–8 // Genesis 19:7–29), and Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 // Numbers 22; Deuteronomy 23:5).

But 2 Peter is not merely a compendium of traditions. It not only reaches backward, digging into the library of Christian writings and updating its relevance for the current moment. Second Peter also participates in that tradition, albeit with an aim and tone distinct and disturbing. Caution is necessary while reading and interpreting 2 Peter.