The God Who Judges and Saves: A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude

New Testament Theology

by Matthew S. Harmon

An Introduction to the Theology of 2 Peter and Jude from Matthew S. Harmon Even though Peter and Jude wrote their canonical letters almost 2,000 years ago, the church today still faces similar challenges as their original readers. What do these short, overlooked books have to teach Christians today about God, humanity, and God’s redemptive plan? In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, Matthew S. Harmon examines the unique themes of 2 Peter and Jude as well as their common ground, addressing topics such as false teaching, God’s authority, and the new heavens and the new earth. Analyzing the historical and biblical context of both books, Harmon helps readers understand how these key themes apply to them today―giving Christians comfort and motivation in the face of serious challenges and opposition to the gospel. 

Genres: Theology

128 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Reviews

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a nice middle ground between a large scholarly commentary, and an overview of a book that you might find in a study Bible. It’s a little on the scholarly side (uses words like Isaianic) but not utterly dense. The main text is only about 100 pages, so it’s not terribly long, either. It explores the large themes in Jude and 2 Peter, under these five headings:

1. The Word of God
2. The God Who Judges and Saves
3. False Teaching
4. God’s Preservation of His Persevering People
5. The New Heavens and the New Earth

Harmon doesn’t get tied up in minutia. He doesn’t spend pages and pages analyzing the literary relationship between the two letters, or Jude’s use of extrabiblical literature, etc. Instead, he gives his take in a concise manner and directs the reader to other commentaries for further research.

I particularly appreciated the way that he brought in many Old Testament texts to show how these texts informed Jude’s and Peter’s perspectives, and showing how these books fit into the Bible as a whole. It deepened my appreciation of these books.

I found a couple of typos, but over all it’s a nicely made softcover book. I’m going to be on the lookout for the other titles in this series.

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a review.)

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Harmon presents an excellent biblical theology of how God saves and judges. In some cases among those who are saved, God has saved us and will save us. Others will receive judgment for wickedness and wicked deeds.

This biblical theology focuses on 2 Peter and Jude, biblical books that share sometimes the same language and definitely the same ideas and concepts. He masterfully brings in Old Testament passages that are relevant to each of the chapters.

Harmon does a fine job of explaining the text of these two books within their framework in the Canon. if Peter or Jude referenced Old Testament works or even noncanonical works, he deals with them. The work also has an extensive bibliography at the end of the book that can be very helpful for further study.

I highly recommend this biblical theology of 2 Peter and Jude for anyone interested in those books of the Camon. You will gain much understanding from reading through his biblical theology.

[Joshua Molden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate how focused the authors were on biblical theology in this book. They trace almost every then of 2 Peter and Jude from Genesis, to 2 Peter/Jude, and all the way to Revelation. This would be a good read for anyone getting introduced to 2 Peter and/or Jude, as well as a great display of how to do biblical theology.

[Colleen McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of theology books on NT books. Matthew Harmon's contribution on 2 Peter & Jude has proved very helpful as I am getting ready to teach 2 Peter in our women's Bible study. He is clear and thoughtful.

[Charles Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief thematic overview of 2 Peter and Jude. Gives a robust roadmap without getting lost in the woods. Though the author is convinced that Genesis 6 (cited in Jude) speaks of fallen angels intermarrying with mankind, I remain unconvinced. That said, this is still a worthwhile read.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yea, really good!