1 Peter

Audience 1 Peter is written to Christian communities in five areas of eastern Asia Minor (1:1). Occasion The epistle offers realistic encouragement and instruction to Gentile converts who once participated in the social and cultural life of their communities, but have become marginalized and abused since their conversion to Christ (3:16; 4:16). Authorship This epistle is traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter, writing from Rome, with Silvanus acting as his scribe (5:1213). There is internal evidence that casts doubt on Peter as the author: the excellent Greek, the lack of references to the earthly life and teachings of Jesus, the familiarity with and use of the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), and the address to Gentile Christians. Because of these issues, most critical scholars believe the letter is pseudonymous. Date If Peter wrote this epistle, it would have been composed sometime in the mid-60s, before Peters martyrdom (c. A.D. 67). Those who believe the letter was written by someone else in Peters name date it between A.D. 70 and 100. Themes The nature of our salvation. Christians are the elect according to the foreknowledge of God (1:2) and are much more precious than gold (1:7), therefore we should be holy, as God is (1:1516). Living in the world, but not of it. As strangers and pilgrims (2:11), we have a unique relationship to political governments (2:1317), our spouses (3:1 7), and to other believers (3:812). Enduring suffering and persecution. We should follow the example of Christ by not striking back against those who wrong us (3:1925), but rather rejoice in persecution (4:1219). Structure Opening greeting (1:12). Introduction (1:32:10). Thanks be to God (1:312). A call to holy living (1:1316). Set your faith and hope in God (1:1721). Love one another unwaveringly (1:2225). Long for the word of God (2:13). Christ, the Living Stone (2:410). Christian lifestyle in a hostile society (2:11 4:11). Aliens and exiles (2:1112). Christians and the emperor (2:1317). Christian slaves (2:1825). Wives and husbands (3:17). To all Christians (3:812). Unjust suffering (3:1317). Christ preached to the spirits in prison (3:1822). Conduct among unbelievers (4:16). Conduct among believers (4:711). Concluding exhortations (4:125:11). Christian suffering (4:1219). Christian leaders (5:15). The God of all grace will triumph (5:611). Conclusion (5:1214).
Adapted from Graham N. Stanton, 1 Peter, Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible (2003), 14951503.

2 Peter
Audience 2 Peter doesnt directly identify its intended audience, but the reference in 3:1 seems to indicate that it is the same Christian communities addressed in 1 Peter 1:1. Occasion Peter, aware of his impending death (1:12 15) has written a last will and testament, warning his readers against false teachers who are creeping into the church (2:13). Authorship As with 1 Peter, this epistle is traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter, writing from Rome. The internal evidence against Petrine authorship is quite strong: the language and style of writing are very much unlike the first epistle, it seems to deal with doctrinal problems that came up long after Peters death, and it places Pauls collective letters on the level of Old Testament scripture (3:16). Because of these issues, most critical scholars believe the letter is pseudonymous. However, some conservative scholars believe the letters poor Greek and allusions to Jesus life indicate that Peter truly did write this letter. Date If Peter wrote this epistle, it would have been composed soon after 1 Peter and shortly before his death (c. A.D. 67). The majority of scholars who believe the letter was written by someone else in Peters name usually date it very late, sometime in the early 2nd century (c. A.D. 125). Themes Make your calling and election sure by aspiring to godlike virtues (1:311.) Take heed to Peters more sure word of prophecy, which is like a light in a dark place (1:1621). Avoid false teachers who deny the second coming and final judgment (2:13:13). Structure Opening greeting (1:12). Introduction (1:315). Theme: Make your calling and election sure (1:311). Situation: Peters impending martyrdom (1:1215). Argument (1:163:13). Peters eyewitness testimony: A more sure word of prophecy (1:1621). Warning against false teachers (2:13a). Reply to denials of a final judgment (2:3b 10a). Denunciation of the unrighteous (2:10b 22). Reply to denials of Christs second coming (3:113). Conclusion (3:1418). Live blamelessly and do not be led away (3:1417). Doxology (3:18).
Adapted from Scot McKnight, 2 Peter, Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible (2003), 150511.

Jude
Audience This brief letter is written to a general audience: them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called (1:1). Occasion The purpose of the letter is encourage the readers to earnestly contend for the faith against those who would pervert the grace of God into license to do evil (1:34). Authorship The author identifies himself as Judas, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (1:1). He is traditionally identified as Judas, the brother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) and James (Luke 6:16a; Acts 1:13b), and one of the twelve apostles (John 14:22). Date The Epistle of Jude has no features that require a late date. The majority of evidence seems to point to it being written in the 50s. Some scholars believe it was written later, in the late 1st or early 2nd century. Themes Contend for the faith delivered by the apostles and reject false teachers. Structure Salutation (1:12). Intention of the author: Contend for the faith (1:34). Ancient types and modern application (1:5 19). Type #1: the Exodus, fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah (1:57). Application of type #1: Slanderers will be destroyed (1:810). Type #2: Cain, Balaam, Korah (1:11). Application of type #2: Sinful leaders will meet a decisive judgment (1:1213). Enochs prophecy of divine judgment will be fulfilled (1:1416). Remember the warning of the apostles (1:1719). Judes appeal to the faithful (1:2023). Final blessing (1:2425).