Who wrote 2 Peter:

The authorship of 2 Peter has been controversial for as long as the book has existed. The book of 2 Peter was never quoted of sited by early church fathers (this does not suggest the book didn’t exist, only that its authority was in question). The canonization of 2 Peter in the fourth century was opposed by many who believed the book was pseudonymous (written by an anonymous author using Peter’s name).

Today, nearly all critical scholars agree 2 Peter was not written by the Apostle Peter. Even some evangelical scholars hold this opinion.

Five arguments are presented for a pseudonymous authorship of 2 Peter:

1. The Greek vocabulary is too advanced for Peter. The author must have been very familiar with Greek culture, theology, and vocabulary. Peter, a fisherman from Galilee, does not meet these qualifications.
2. The writing style and theology do not appear to be Petrine.
3. 2 Peter uses Jude as a source. Peter was executed by Nero Caesar in 67 or 68 A.D. Jude was probably written in 66 A.D. Even if Peter was aware of Jude’s letter, it is unlikely Peter would use Jude as a source.
4. The teachings countered in 2 Peter appear to be Gnostic (1 Peter 2:1-22). Gnosticism did not exist until the second century, well after the death of the Apostle Peter.
5. Peter refers to Paul’s letters as scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16). It is unlikely Paul’s letters were collected and considered scripture while Peter was alive.

Scholars in favor of Petrine authorship pose the following counter arguments:

1. Like Paul, Peter likely used a secretary to write the letter. This would account for the advanced vocabulary.
2. The only other source of Petrine theology is 1 Peter, hardly enough to determine what is and is not Peterine theology. Therefore, it would be unverifiable to say 2 Peter is not Petrine theology.
3. Much like Paul in his Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus), Peter was not combating Gnosticism. Peter (and Paul) was combating Jewish and Pagan influences. The primary elements of Gnosticism are: A dualism of God, a rejection of the material world, and a flawed Christology. None of these issues are addressed in 2 Peter.
4. While it is unexpected Peter would use Jude as a source, it is possible. Jude’s letter existed at the time 2 Peter was written and Peter may have found some of the theology applicable to his audience.
5. Peter’s reference to the writings of Paul does not suggest Peter was familiar with all Paul’s writings, only that Peter is familiar with some Paul’s writings. At the time Peter would have written 2 Peter, Paul would have been an author and well known Apostle for decades. Peter’s reference to Paul’s writings as scripture is not inconsistent with Paul’s own words. Paul referred to his own writings as scripture. Peter was only agreeing and confirming.

While the arguments against Peter’s authorship of 2 Peter are strong, they are not without strong counter arguments. No solid evidence has been presented by either side of the argument. While we cannot be certain of Peter’s authorship, he remains the most likely author. Until we can either prove Peter did not write 2 Peter, or present a more plausible alternative author, we must conclude Peter is the most likely author of 2 Peter.