When was 2 Peter written?

Like other New Testament writers, Peter was a strong defender of the Christian faith. He was intolerant of the false teachers and unbiblical doctrines and sought to protect churches from their corrupting influence. He also encouraged followers of Jesus to commit to their faith and to avoid compromising their beliefs or behavior. For this reason, Peter wrote the letter of 2 Peter toward the end of his life, around 67 or 68 AD.

Identifying the author of 2 Peter helps date the letter as it narrows the period of its writing. To that point, Peter identifies himself in the first verse: “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours” (2 Peter 1:1). He refers to himself again later in the passage, when he alludes to his approaching death: “I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me” (2 Peter 1:14).

Peter also refers to witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration with James and John when he writes, “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). Matthew’s description of the Transfiguration reveals why Peter called it Jesus’ majesty: “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:1–2). The first-person testimony in 2 Peter 1:16 supports Peter’s authorship.

In the early church, some leaders doubted that Peter wrote this letter, mostly because the Greek differs from that of 1 Peter. A common reply to this objection from those who believe Peter wrote both letters is that he used a letter writer for 1 Peter. In support of this view, Peter mentions the writer in 1 Peter 5:12: “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.” Additionally, the two letters share similar introductions and vocabulary. Although they have different themes, each letter has the same core theological principles.

Peter wrote 2 Peter at a time when false teaching threatened the church. This danger is evident in 2 Peter 3:3, “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” However, Peter’s concluding encouragement suggests that he had hope for the church because of Jesus: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

In summary, the evidence suggests that Peter wrote 2 Peter in 67 or 68 AD. The clarity of his authorship and his experiences, such as the transfiguration, support this view. Although this period was difficult for the church and for Peter himself, the letter fills readers with faith and hope in Christ.