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b
1:16 -21.
The apostles and Prophets
(details given above).
`Knowing this first'.
c
2:1 -22.
False prophets and False teachers.
Reference to fall of angels, the
Flood and the destruction of Sodom
and Gomorrha.
An overthrow (katastrophe).
Lusts of flesh and uncleanness.
C
a
3:1. This second epistle beloved, I now write
unto you: in both which I stir up your pure minds by
way of remembrance.
b
3:2,3.
The Prophets and the apostles
`Knowing this first'.
c
3:3 -13.
Scoffers.
Reference to Creation and
Flood.
Dissolution of elements.
Overflow (katakluzo).
Walking after their own lusts.
B
3:14-17.
Be diligent -- fall (ekpipto) stedfastness.
A
3:18. Closing Benediction.
Grow in grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Saviour.
To Him be glory.
In the second chapter, which corresponds with the section dealing with
the scoffers and their condemnation, Peter speaks of the following recorded
interventions of the Lord, showing how untrue the scoffers were when they
attempted to rule out the future Divine intervention of the Lord's return by
saying, `since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were'.
Four instances are given by the apostle of judgments that could not be the
mere working of natural law.
The casting down of the angels that sinned (2 Pet. 2:4).
The bringing in a flood in the days of Noah (2:5).
The turning of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes, condemning
them by an `overthrow' katastrophe (2:6).
The rebuking of Balaam by the speaking of a dumb ass (2:15,16).
From these examples the apostle draws the conclusion:
`The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished' (2 Pet.
2:9).
We have now advanced a step in our pursuit of the truth. The fact has
been established, that there were three Creative Movements recorded in
Scripture, and that Peter whose reference to Creation is occupying our
attention, was a minister of the circumcision, when he wrote his second