The author of the “Petrine” letters is, in my mind, certainly Peter, the apostle. As was common in those times, the letters begin by identifying the author. 1 Peter also suggests that he may have used Silvanus as an amanuensis, although others argue Silvanus was merely the letter carrier. Paul was also known to use scribes in his letter writing, so it is not unheard of to do so. The most common “scholarly” contention I’ve found with accepting authenticity of the apostle Peter as the author of these letters is that the language is far too good, and fluent in Greek, for a Galilean fisherman. This argument seems ridiculous when you consider it was a similar thought during the first Pentecost sermon in Acts 2: “Are these not Galileans?” My conclusion is that those who do not accept the apostle Peter as the author of these letters are people who in general question the authenticity of God-breathed Scriptures and are looking for ways to disbelieve the Bible.
Much of Peter’s early ministry is recorded by Luke in the book of Acts. There is about a 30 year gap between that Peter and the one who wrote 1 & 2 Peter. A clue as to why Peter, after 30 years, suddenly decides to write things down is in 2 Peter 1:13-15. It seems Peter has been told by God when he would die. We don’t know when he was told, but we know these letters were probably written around 60-64 CE, close to when Peter would be killed in 64-67 CE because of the urgency he conveys in the coming time of his death. It is reasonable to conclude that Peter felt his time on Earth coming to an end, and felt the need, as many older people do, to leave advice and help for the loved ones he would be leaving behind.
Most of Peter’s instruction is well established in other Scripture as general behavior for Christians–such as holding to the truth, rejecting false teachings, be good citizens, be good spouses, etc. Noteworthy is the fact that Peter lived and died under the reign of Caesar Nero–who is said to have burned Christians alive to light up his garden at night. Yet, Paul and Peter both urge submission to the government. A corrupt government is no excuse for civil, or otherwise, disobedience. However, from Peter’s bold defiance of officials in Acts 4:19, we see the balance of this command against disobedience in that there is a call for godly disobedience–that is, to disobey the government only when they are in direct conflict with a directive we are given from God. This is a rather different mindset than the one we have in America that we should fight against all injustices. But Jesus, in his directive to pay taxes to the Roman government, and Peter and Paul through their commands to obey a corrupt government, tell us that there are more important things in life than having a just and fair government: Our focus should be on “things that are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).
Peter’s emphasis on growth in 2 Peter 1:5-8 (a great comfort to me, often) is also interesting when you think about when we first met Peter in the Gospel accounts. This author, who encourages such wise behavior on the Earth, is the same impetuous man who jumps out of a boat in the middle of the sea, denies Jesus thrice, and cuts off a soldier’s ear! Is part of the reason we have Peter’s repetitive admonitions because God is showing us how transformative living the Christian life is? Peter is an amazing example of his growth directive to keep picking yourself up after failures and trying again.
Tricia Reno