Study on the First and Second Letter of St. Peter the Apostle

One of the themes we find in Peter's first letter is that disciples can endure suffering and persecution in faith because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. ... Peter also reminded the saints that they are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people" (1 Peter 2:9).

The content of 2 Peter 1:12-15 shows that Peter intended this epistle to be a farewell message to his readers. Unlike Peter's First Epistle, which helped the saints deal with external persecution, Peter's Second Epistle speaks of the internal apostasy that threatened the future of the church.