Context. The events described in 2 Peter take place in the Roman province of Asia-minor. 2 Peter was likely composed between 64 and 67 C.E.

God did not spare sinful angels, or the wicked of Noah's day, or the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and will not spare these false teachers, either. False teachers had entered the early community of Christians. These deceivers lied to the believers, challenging the authority of Jesus.

What's the big idea? Peter's theme in his second letter is a simple one: pursue spiritual maturity through the Word of God as a remedy for false teaching and a right response to heretics in light of Christ's promised second coming (2 Peter 1:3, 16).

Peter writes this letter to encourage Christians to live out the purpose of their lives in Christ. He warns readers to beware of teachers who claim to be believers, but present a false version of Christianity. And, Peter calls on all Christians to eagerly watch and wait for the return of the Lord.