The past few weeks I’ve mentioned modern scholarship regarding the authorship of the book of Second Peter. Most members of the church would be surprised to learn that many modern biblical scholars do not believe Simon Peter wrote Second Peter. They believe the author was pseudonymous (author writing in another’s name). There are a list of reasons why they hold this view, chief among them is the different writing style and vocabulary used from First Peter. However, there are many compelling reasons to believe Peter actually wrote Second Peter. In my view, it would be impossible to believe in the authority and inspiration of Second Peter and hold to a pseudo-graphic viewpoint.
Here are my reasons: first of all, the writer claims to be Peter (1:1). Also, the author stated that the Lord had talked to him specifically and informed him that he would soon die (1:13,14). The author states he personally both heard (1:18) from the Lord and was an eyewitness of His majesty (1:16) on the holy mountain. This is a Petrine experience! The author states that this was the second letter he was writing to his audience (3:1) and, additionally, he claims to have personally known Paul the Apostle, or at least be a contemporary (3:15).
It is in fashion now to come up with theories about the Bible which cast its authority and inspiration into question; but upon close examination, these arguments can be refuted. Douglas Moo’s commentary goes into more depth on this topic; his treatment is neither tedious nor incomprehensible like many other commentaries! I recommend it to you. Grace to you.