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Best Commentaries on 2 Peter and Jude

Second Peter and Jude warn the church against false teachers and their deceitful doctrines. These epistles also anticipate Christ’s return as a time of great judgment and salvation. Amid these heavy themes, Peter and Jude repeatedly remind their “exiled” readers that their only hope rests in Jesus’s promised return. Until that day, the church is to live together as chosen pilgrims, loving one another and contending for the truth as a distinctive witness.

Here are our top picks for commentaries on 2 Peter and Jude.

Introductory Commentaries

For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training

1 & 2 Peter & Jude

Paul D. Gardner
Focus on the Bible
Christian Focus, 2013

Gardner’s commentary on 1–2 Peter and Jude is a terrific introductory resource. Easy to read, doctrinally faithful, and pastorally wise, this commentary is also well-written, clear, and insightful.

“2 Peter and Jude” in Hebrews–Revelation

Matthew S. Harmon
ESV Expository Commentary
Crossway, 2018

For teachers, preachers, and regular readers, Harmon’s commentary is an excellent resource. The author handles scholarly issues with skill, simplicity, and clarity. His exposition is full of useful insights, rich in theological reflection, and highlights broadly Reformed doctrine. This rich and applicable book will encourage readers.

Preaching Commentaries

For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word

2 Peter and Jude

Michael E. Green
Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
IVP Academic, 2009

Green’s lucid explanation of the letters’ meaning isn’t distracting. You won’t find convoluted scholarly discussions. Green’s concern is to communicate the true meaning with clarity and reliability. He examines the text section by section, draws out its main themes, comments on individual verses, and deals with sections that are difficult to interpret.

2 Peter, Jude

Douglas J. Moo
NIV Application Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 1997

Moo is always worth reading. His commentary juxtaposes the letters’ claims about absolute truth and spiritual authority with the false teaching the epistles’ authors confronted. Moo opens readers eyes to spiritual realities and helps us apply the fiery, unapologetic language of 2 Peter and Jude.

1 and 2 Peter and Jude, 2nd edition

Thomas R. Schreiner
Christian Standard Commentary
Holman Reference, 2020

In his characteristically articulate way, Schreiner carefully guides readers through 2 Peter and Jude, illuminating both the historic meaning and contemporary significance of these two practical yet profound epistles. Schreiner focuses on the theological structure and content of the epistles, blending careful attention to the text, theological analysis, and thoughtful application.

Scholarly Commentaries

For pastors and theologians proficient in biblical Greek

Jude–2 Peter

Richard J. Bauckham
Word Biblical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2014

Bauckham’s classic work pays careful attention to both the Greek text and the larger Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds in which the letters were written. He considers relevant literature exhaustively and is especially strong on parallels in Second Temple Judaism’s texts. Though Bauckham asserts that 2 Peter depends on Jude and is pseudonymous, academic readers shouldn’t miss Bauckham’s balanced commentary.

The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude

Peter H. Davids
Pillar New Testament Commentary
Eerdmans, 2006

Davids’ volume proves slightly more scholarly than other entries in the PNTC series yet remains accessible and useful to readers with a background in Greek. The commentary consistently couples the author’s expertise in exegeting the text with deep and insightful theological reflection.

Jude and 2 Peter

Gene L. Green
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
Baker Academic, 2008

Green’s commentary is linguistically and rhetorically informed. With extensive research and familiarity with recent scholarship, Green leads readers through the sociological, historical, and theological aspects of 2 Peter and Jude. This commentary is particularly strong in its discussion of the letters’ Hellenistic context. Green has significant knowledge of classical literature and as a result, he recognizes the rhetorical structures in the text. This is an ideal companion for detailed study of these New Testament books.