Does Authorship of 2 Peter Matter?

(By Pastor Mark Fontecchio)

Question: I have heard that there are some stylistic differences between 1 and 2 Peter. I agree that 2 Peter is authentic and was written by Peter, but does it really matter?

Answer: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Regarding the Word of God, it is suggested that one weak link is the book of 2 Peter. References from as far back as Origen (ca. AD 185-254) cite 2 Peter’s authenticity. But if, as the critics suggest, 2 Peter is not authentic then the Church has been falsely elevating the words of a man to inspired status. This would also undermine our confidence in the canon of God’s Word. 2 Peter 3:15-16 labels the epistles of Paul as Scripture. If 2 Peter becomes in doubt, then this weak link could be used to undermine the authority of Paul’s New Testament epistles. Because of the relationship between 2 Peter and Jude, any distrust of 2 Peter would immediately carry over to Jude.

Given that there were a great number of forgeries that claimed to be written by Peter circulating among the churches, the very simple truth that 2 Peter was recognized as belonging to the canon reveals to us that it stood out from the counterfeits.

Further, the stylistic differences between 1 and 2 Peter should not be used to undermine the credibility of 2 Peter. Rather, it should take us into a deeper understanding of how these New Testament epistles were recorded. Quite often the authors used an amanuensis (Rom. 16:22). It is quite reasonable to believe that the variance in style between 1 Peter and 2 Peter can be accounted for by the variance in the usage of such an amanuensis. Instead of weakening our faith in God’s Word, this better understanding helps us to recognize the process God used in communicating His truth to mankind.

When we see the unity in the Word of God it takes us to a place of growth. Then we begin to see the consistency that exists between the two letters. Certain words and expressions exist in both letters (cf. 1 Pet. 1:5 and 2 Pet. 1:3). In turn, this aids us in understanding a correct interpretation of both epistles and gives us insight into Peter’s doctrine, faith, and life shortly before his death (2 Pet. 1:13-14). We then become free to value the great doctrinal content contained in this final letter from the Apostle.