Historical context of 2 Peter

Who wrote 2 Peter, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Peter

Date written

c. AD 65-68

Original audience

The church at large.

Genre

Epistle

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

3

Background and setting

Near Peter's martyrdom.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world 2 Peter was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of 2 Peter or jump into chapter 1.