The apostle Peter was chosen to be the first to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10; 15:7), but his ministry was primarily to the Jews (Gal. 2:1–10). He wrote these two letters to believers scattered in five areas of the Roman Empire, two of which Paul had not been allowed to enter (Acts 16:7). In writing these letters, Peter fulfilled the commission given him in Luke 22:32 and John 21:15–17.
The theme of the first letter is the grace of God (5:12), and Peter tells us how to live as aliens in a hostile world. The theme of the second letter is spiritual knowledge (he uses knowledge seven times in the letter), and he warns us about false teachers.
Peter opens his first epistle by reminding his readers of what God’s grace has done for them in saving them (1:1–2:10). He then points out that God’s grace helps them in various relationships of life (2:11–3:12) and in the coming time of persecution (3:13–5:14). Peter sums up the themes of both letters in his benediction in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace [1 Pet.] and knowledge [2 Pet.] of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” That is the only way to succeed in these last days.
