1–2 Peter and Jude: A 12-Week Study

Knowing the Bible

by Jonathan K. Dodson, J.I. Packer (Editor), Lane T. Dennis (Editor)

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions that help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) "Gospel Glimpses" that highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) "Whole-Bible Connections" that show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) "Theological Soundings" that identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on every page of the Bible.

1-2 Peter and Jude are letters written to churches experiencing various kinds of trials--false teachers, distorted views of the gospel, and harsh persecution. If 1 Peter exults, "Jesus will return!" and 2 Peter rebuffs the claim, "Jesus won't return," then Jude exhorts, "Jesus is just about here!"

Together, these letters form a kind of manifesto of hope for living faithfully no matter how dark the times. This study highlights the importance of holding fast to the true gospel, living distinct, holy lives, and looking ahead to the return of Christ.

Part of the Knowing the Bible series.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

96 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2017

About the author

Jonathan K. Dodson (M.Div, Th.M) is happy husband to Robie, and proud father to Owen, Ellie & Rosamund. He is the lead pastor of City Life Church and a leader in PlantR and Gospel Centered Discipleship.com. Jonathan is also author of Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Raised? Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection and The Unbelievable Gospel: Say Something Worth Believing (September, 2014). He enjoys listening to M. Ward, smoking his pipe, watching sci-fi, and following Jesus.

Reviews

[Parker Robb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is really good for the Old Testament, but falls flat in the New Testament. The cherry picking of verses and completely out of context questions make me wonder if the author is even reading the same Bible book I am.

He completely ignores and skips over Peter’s direct quotes from Isaiah, Proverbs, Psalms, and other parts of the Old Testament as if Peter didn’t mean to include them and they’re irrelevant. 2 Peter 2 centers around the story/character of Balaam from Numbers, but the author never mentions Balaam even *once* in the lesson covering that chapter! I would love to know if the author reads any other book in this manner, skipping over obvious direct quotes to other works—either he doesn’t know how to read effectively, or the way he reads is inconsistent.

At least the “Whole Bible Connections”, “Gospel Glimpses”, and “Theological Soundings” at the end of each lesson are useful—the only useful part of this book that is.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read

I’ve read several books in the series, and have yet to find one that hasn’t been worth the time and money. This one in particular has several thought-provoking questions, as well as excellent definitions and thoughts for all three letters. Well worth the read, and highly recommended.

[Emma Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this study. The authors provided lots of thoughtful questions that pushed me to dive deeper into the word. As I completed this study alongside my small group, I came to know and love God more.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series delivers every time.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a mostly helpful study guide for these New Testament books. Some of the questions are a little wordy and difficult for a group study. The notes are good.