Interpretation of the 2nd Epistle of St. Peter

Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria gained experience in explaining the Holy Scriptures when, as a rhetorician of the Great Church, he instructed the people. Most of his written interpretations arose at the request of the Greek Empress Maria, whom he calls his pious patron. These works became an outstanding synthesis and transposition of the established patristic traditions, primarily the heritage of the Antiochian theological school and St. John Chrysostom. As a rule, the author presents abbreviated versions of extensive interpretations of the ancient Church Fathers, borrowing only what is necessary for understanding the text. The commentary also includes his own explanations, which often concern disputes with heretics, especially later ones, and issues of dialogue with the Latins. Thanks to his clear, concise presentation and clear semantic emphasis, his commentaries were accessible to a wide range of readers, became widespread and had a significant influence on both Byzantine and Western European theology. In the “Commentary on the 2nd Epistle of the Holy Apostle Peter” (3 chapters) the following topics are raised: the call to virtue, the teaching of the coming Last Judgment, opposition to lies and delusions, the danger of false teachers and heresies, maintaining fidelity to Orthodox teaching, future rewards and eternal life. Contents of the second letter of St. Peter the Apostle About the calling in faith, confirmed by deeds of virtue, and about the hope of future benefits. – An exhortation to remember the teaching after his death and that he heard the voice of God about Christ on Mount Tabor. - A prediction that seducing heretics will appear, about their wickedness and future punishment. – Repetition of the malice of heretics; here it is about the fact that Christ will suddenly come at the end of this age and that therefore we must adorn ourselves with every virtue. Contents of the second letter of St. Peter the Apostle And this letter is written by the Apostle Peter to those who have already believed. It reminds us of what was written before. Knowing that he would soon be removed from the body, the apostle tried to remind everyone of the teaching that had been announced to them. And firstly, he speaks of faith, showing that it was proclaimed by the prophets, and that the prophecies relating to the Savior were spoken not by men, but by God. Then, he convinces not to listen to the seducers, saying that they will perish, as happened with the angels who sinned. He predicts that the time will come when scolders will go around everywhere and try to deceive some, saying that we preach in vain the second coming of the Savior, because we always talk about it, but He still has not come. He especially commands such people to move away, and teaches them not to lose heart over their slowness; for all time is nothing before the Lord, because with Him “one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). However, he affirms and proves that the day of the Lord will come soon, and commands everyone to be ready for it with good works and to love the writings of the Apostle Paul, and not to listen to those who pervert them, because they pervert all Holy Scripture. Having recalled this and taught everyone to take care of their affairs, he convinces them not to fall away from the goal of faith, and thus ends the letter. You might be interested in: