Introduction:

          This is the pinnacle of Peter's writing.

This is the man who walked on water, escaped prison with the help of an angel, observed all that Jesus did and spoke. He was part of those pragmatic days when Jesus revealed and healed. He was there during the transfiguration, and he encountered a vision of unclean portions that led to Gentile Inclusion. This is the man, whose shadow fell on the sick and they were healed, and was the same fellow who preached on the day of Pentecost as 5000 were born again. This is Simon, the loyalist, who lobbed off an ear, heard the rooster crow and accepted a name change. He is the one who cast a line and retrieved a gold coin with which to pay taxes. He was there when multitudes were fed from five loaves and two fish.

Now, he was the man whom God told that his life journey soon would be over. From that framework came this, his last epistle.

Simon opened his treatise sounding like he was addressing the whole of Christendom, not just the three churches addressed in I Peter.

The living Bible treats the passage this way:

Peter established a foundation for all he will write about in this second epistle. This epistle emphases "true faith" and "the knowledge of God."

With joy on his face, this second epistle pours from his heart. The oracles of God are proclaimed throughout the text.

Encapsulated in the knowledge of God and His Son is:

1. Divine power given to the believer.
2. The gift of all things that pertain to life and godliness.
3. Exceedingly great and precious promises.
4. The power to be partakers of the divine nature (having the mind of Christ).
5. Share his divine nature and escape corruption by His precious promises

Simon quickly adds the passage below.

Now a question emerges, "How many of God's promises have you memorized or you can easily find in your Bible?" How do you respond to God's promises?

In the passage below, Peter admonishes the believer to "Supplement" his faith with a variety of ingredients.

          In a world given over to carnality and lust, the corrective force of Simon's "arena of faith" is one of the most clarifying statements in the epistle. Sharp contrast is made between the church and the evil that surrounds it. This is a spiritual growth pattern and to fail to be nourished by it is a matter of spiritual weakness.

Next is a passage that includes an admonition to embrace each of the items by working hard to prove they are genuinely a part of Him and the kingdom.

The litmus test of one's calling and election (chosen) is his or her's knowledge of and close intimate walk with the Lord.

Then a "Grand Entrance" to the kingdom forever is assured.

Sometimes we need to be "reminded" about the power we have in Christ Jesus. Great preachers tell us that repetition is essential to their ministry. Peter would agree.

Reminding disciples who they are in Christ keeps their awareness sharp, and as Simon points out, this is his legacy. During this time, he reveals that the Lord told him he soon will pass away.

The Lord will do the same for us if we ask. Earth closure for the apostle only intensified the message he brought to the forefront.

Simon was present when Jesus was transfigured and heard the celestial voice of the Father. He was there when Jesus was taken up in the clouds. He also heard the angel's command.

The next statement Peter makes is very important.

Those who relegate the Old Testament prophets to a lesser place in their Bible study should pay attention to Peter. He takes to task those who consider the prophets' works as self-aggrandizement.

When Simon used the phrase "Above All," it gave priority to the after statement: "No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God."

In this first chapter of his second epistle, care is given to lay the ground work for the second chapter. In next month's edition we will see why.

Happy New Year 2024

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.

Gospel Missions International, Inc.
PO Box 113
Warrenton, MO 63383
Telephone: (618) 239-0215

The Oliver Evangelistic Association (OEA) has worked with Ghiorghi Cazacu of Gospel Ministries International, Inc. on several projects. Brother Cazacu recently made us aware of a project in Moldova (the poorest country in Eastern Europe).

He became aware of an opportunity to purchase a former Communist Headquarters building. In response to this opportunity, a new congretation, by faith, contracted to obtain it. The congregation met under a tent to celebrate the new church

So impressive was this work that almost all the village came out to dedicate the worship buildng and hear a gospel message.

Brother Cazacu reported the events and we celebrate with him this joyous occasion.