from the epistles of
Peter

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I Peter

II Peter

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the Bible

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The First Letter of
Peter

possible date: 64 CE

For translation and copyright information, see version links in the left column.

NRSV 3:15b-16 Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.

Topic:

Conscience

4:8-11a Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.

text checked (see note) Apr 2009

Note (Hal’s):
This letter has a heavy emphasis on facing persecution. Nevertheless, the range of advice on Christian conduct is quite broad.

— end note

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The Second Letter of
Peter

date disputed: 66 CE by Peter, or much later by someone else

For translation and copyright information, see version links in the left column.

NRSV 2:17-21

These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the deepest darkness has been reserved. For they speak bombastic nonsense, and with licentious desires of the flesh they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.

3:8-9

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Topic:

Repentance

text checked (see note) Apr 2009

Note (Hal’s):
This letter is explicitly written to refute false teachings, possibly from the “enthusiast” sect: they promoted sexual promiscuity on the argument that only spiritual matters were significant, and therefore physical licentiousness was not harmful.

— end note

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