Summary
We find Richard J. Bauckham’s 2 Peter & Jude a detailed technical study of two short letters with a sharp pastoral edge. The work helps us track the argument, handle difficult phrases, and understand how the warnings against false teaching function within the letters’ overall purpose.
This is not a quick read, but it is often a clarifying one. When these letters are preached carelessly they can sound merely angry. Bauckham’s attention to context helps us preach them as serious, loving warnings that guard the church.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this commentary when we want careful help on passages that are easy to mishandle. The letters press hard on judgement, holiness, and truth. Technical clarity helps us keep our tone faithful to the text, firm without being harsh.
We also benefit from careful handling of biblical allusions and difficult examples. That matters, because our people need to see how Scripture interprets Scripture, and how the apostles reason from the whole counsel of God.
For Reformed preaching, this volume can strengthen our confidence that clear exegesis will produce clear proclamation. The warnings land properly when they are grounded in the gospel of Christ and the call to persevere in truth.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as a valuable technical companion for preaching and teaching in 2 Peter and Jude. It is best paired with a more directly expository work, but it can protect our preaching from avoidable errors and shallow readings.
As a next step, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, then browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working shelf.
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Richard J. Bauckham
Richard J. Bauckham is a British New Testament scholar of the contemporary era, widely appreciated in evangelical and Reformed circles for careful historical and theological work.
He is known for rigorous scholarship in early Christian studies and for clear argument that serves the church’s confidence in apostolic testimony. His work on 2 Peter and Jude helps readers handle disputed texts with precision, keeping false teaching, holiness, and hope in view.
He remains valued for depth, clarity, and a strong instinct for how theology strengthens faithful witness.
Recommended titles include 2 Peter and Jude in Word Biblical Commentary, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, and Theology of the Book of Revelation.
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical