For this Tuesday, please read Jude and 2 Peter 2. (The notes from our previous study of Jude are here.)
Jude:
2 Peter 2 is basically a reworking of Jude. A brief comparison of Jude and 2 Peter 2 is below:
When you read through Jude and 2 Peter notice a few things. First, both writers cover the same ground in the same order. Second, 2 Peter does not simply copy Jude, but reworks Jude for his audience. Particularly, 2 Peter will leave out the apocryphal material from 1 Enoch and the Testimony of Moses, he adds some positive examples for his audience to follow, unlike Jude, and he puts the Biblical examples in chronological order. These changes help adapt his message to a much broader audience that includes Gentile Christians. Please read and compare Jude and 2 Peter carefully and see how 2 Peter reworks Jude and think through why 2 Peter makes these changes.
False Prophets:
The purpose of 2 Peter 2 is to warn the writer’s audience against false teachers within their community. Within this chapter, the writer sets up a comparison between the present false teachers and the historical precedent of false prophets within the Hebrew Scriptures. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures that are warnings against and descriptions of the false prophets. Generally, the false prophets were criticized because (1) they did not speak with divine authority, (2) they preached peace and security when judgment was actually coming, and (3) and both their beliefs and behaviors are condemned. These prophets were characterized by speaking flattery and deception in order to obtain financial gain and remain in the good graces of the leadership and characterized by dissolute leaving regarding alcohol and sex. See, Isa. 28, Jer. 23:9-40, Ezek. 13.
2 Peter 2 appeals to the history of these wolves among the sheep of Isreal to point out that similar wolves are dwelling among the sheep of the church. For our writer, just like the false prophets of old ultimately led to the judgment upon and destruction of Israel, so now these false teachers will bring judgment and destruction upon the church.
If Charlotte does not arrive, dinner is at 6. The menu is pizza delivery. Discussion about 6:45. Compline at 8. Hope to see you here.
Then if any one says to you, ‘Lo, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:23-24