Just like his first epistle, Peter identifies himself as the author of this second letter. While the first epistle was only questioned in modern times, this second letter was actually questioned by some in the early church. Origin did affirm Peter as the author. And, while Jerome at Bethlehem included 2 Peter in his Latin translation, Eusebius posited that most definitely an antilegomena was used if not entirely a different author using the name of Peter. Yet, Methodius of Olympus and Firmilian of Cappadocian Caesarea ascribed it to Peter. Finally, later Fathers such as Athanasius and Augustine accepted it.     

Moreover, while some critics have argued that 2 Peter is very different in style and vocabulary in comparison with the first epistle. It’s also been suggested that Peter mentioning the writings of Paul indicates that 2 Peter must have been written much later (after Peter’s time). But these issues are easily solved. For example, the vocabulary in Peter is very similar to his preaching we see in Acts. And, concerning differences, as said before, these can be explained by Peter using an antilegomena.   

Finally, Peter mentioning Paul’s writings suggest that they were contemporaries and that early Pauline letters were already in heavy circulation. Thus, there is no problem in Peter, who wrote after Paul’s early epistles, referring to or quoting Paul. In fact, when NT authors quote one another, this clearly demonstrates that  Apostolic letters were already in  wide circulation throughout the early church.   

A final critique of liberal scholarship opposed to Petrine authorship is the objection that Peter’s mentioning false teachers imply a late date  for this epistle. However, many of the same critics accept various letters written by Paul who also mention false teachers and heretical doctrines (2 Cor; 2 Thess). Thus, for Peter to mention false teachers does not infer a later date.  As for a safe date, then, tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome in A.D. 67. Many fine scholars hold that his second epistle was written from Rome shortly before his execution.   

As for Peter’s audience, some maintain that he wrote this letter for believers everywhere. However, since Peter’s usage of the word “reminder” and the fact that this is the second letter, it seems that Peter was addressing the same believers, most likely those whom he addressed in his first epistle living throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.  

The  occasion for this letter was to counter false teachers that most likely infiltrated the church following his first epistle. These heretics denied the second coming of the Messiah and encouraged licentious living contrary to the teachings of Christ. Peter reminds these Christians that God will not tolerate sinful living and will punish sinners accordingly just like he did with Noah and Lot. Thus, Peter encouraged them to live holy lives while at the same time refuting the depraved teachings of false ministers.    

Concerning scoffers and the second coming, Peter reminds the church that patience and steadfastness is vital. The last “age” or latter days was something that the early church anticipated just like we do today. The Day of the Lord is approaching and no one knows the day  or the hour. Hence, Christians ought to live in all preparedness for He can come at any moment.   

As for Christology and the  Triunity of God, Peter clearly states that Jesus is God. Moreover, Jesus is also called "our God and Savior" in 1:1, further stressing that Christ has "divine power" in 1:2. In the Christian’s glorification moment, Peter reminds these believers that one day through Jesus we may be "partakers of the divine nature" in 1:4, a vast mystery unfathomable to any mortal this side of eternity.