How to Study 2 Peter (NASB)

• 1. Read 2 Peter, marking every reference to the author in a distinctive color and every reference to the recipients in another color. Then on the Observations Chart note everything you learn about each. Observe what the author says about himself. When in his life is he writing? Who are the recipients< How are they described? Why is he writing?

  2. In a distinctive way, mark in the text the key words (and their synonyms and pronouns): prophecy (prophet, prophetic), knowledge (know, knowing, known), remind (reminder), true (truth), diligent (diligence), false teachers, mockers, destroyed, promise, day of the Lord. Then list on a piece of paper the truths you learn by marking these key words. Be thorough because the lists will help you see the flow of the book.   

  3. Read through 2 Peter again and look for specific instructions that Peter gives the readers concerning their behavior and belief. Record these on the Observations Chart under "Instructions." Also look for and note any people or groups of people of which Peter warns them to beware.

  4. In this book, Peter states specifically why he is writing. Look for and underline the verse in which Peter says, "I am writing to you." Also, underline any other verses that indicate his purpose in writing. Record his purpose for writing on Structure of 2 Peter.

  5. Summarize the message of each paragraph and record its theme on Structure of 2 Peter. Then determine the chapter themes and the book theme and record these in the appropriate places on the chart.

  6. Mark every reference to God (and Lord, if it refers to the Father). Then list what you learn about God from this short but much-needed epistle.

Key Words in the NIV and KJV

 Key doctrines in 2 Peter

1. False teachers -- their teaching deny Christ and twist the Scripture (chapter 2; Deut 13:1-18; 18:20; Jer 23; Ezek 13; Mat 7:15; 23:1-36; 24:4, 5; Rom 16:17; 2 Cor 11:13, 14; Gal 3:1, 2; 2 Tim 4:3, 4)

2. Scripture - the Holy Spirit, as divine author and originator of all Scripture, worked through humans to convey the Word of God (1:20, 21; Jer 1:4; 3:2; John 10:34, 35; 17:17; Rom 3:2; 1 Cor 2:10; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 3:16; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet 1:10, 11)

3. Christian character - God gives all believers the power to grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godlines, brotherly kindness, and love (1:5-11; Ps 4:3; Prov 28:1; 1Cor 9:27; Gal 5:23; Col 1:4; 1 Tess 4:9; 1 Pet 4:8; 1 John 4:20; Rev 17:14)

4. Christ's second coming - God has continual patience to allow people to repent before Christ returns (3:1-13; Dan 7:13; Matt 24:30; 25:31; John 14:3; 1 Thess 4:16; 2 Thess 1:10; 1 Tim 6:14; Heb 9:28; Jude 14; Rev 1:7)

Worksheets

Studies on 2 Peter