Can We Teach What Peter Did Not Write?

The second letter of Peter is the most disputed text in the canonical New Testament, with its authenticity being debated since before the fourth century. This article re-examines 2 Peter as a canonical Christian text, considering the ethical implications of the letter’s status for modern pastoral contexts. While arguments for and against authenticity will be reviewed, the goal of this article is not to prove or disprove the letter’s authenticity. Rather, I will focus on the concepts of inspiration, authority and canon as guideposts, concluding that while our assessment of this ancient text should be informed by humility and an allowance for ambiguity, 2 Peter can indeed be studied and taught as a text with just as much value as any other New Testament text.