The urgency of Peter's 2^nd letter is compelled by two factors we learn in context. The first is Peter's sense of his own approaching death. The second is the presence of false teachers among the early church. Peter's primary reasons for writing are illuminated further when compared with his 1^st epistle to churches gaining a foothold in the greater Asia Minor region. In I Peter the nature of the threat to the early church is that of persecution, while his 2^nd epistle primarily addresses theological corruption spread by popular teachers of the day. We learn by comparing the two that these enemies warrant different responses. Whereas Peter emphasizes patient endurance facing the first, he has no tolerance for the second. How easy it is for the modern church to invert these 2 responses. Too often Christians tolerate or entertain doctrinal corruption and cannot bear the thought of physical hardship or persecution. However, Peter echoes Paul in warning the church that our most dangerous foes are not physical but rather ideas, claims, and idolatrous philosophies which seek to exalt themselves above the knowledge of God. Peter fights heretical knowledge claims with the true and superior knowledge of God's self revelation in the Gospel. Biblically grounded knowledge is the necessary weapon to destroy early gnostic teachings and any other perverted alternative to the Word of God. The temptation of false knowledge is as old as original sin and Satan's promise of God-like powers in exchange for transgressing divine commands. Peter insists that a church grounded in the truth of the Gospel will be fortified to resist these influences which reappear in every age. However, for Peter and all the New Testament writers, knowledge in this sense cannot be reduced to mere intellectual comprehension. Effectual knowledge of the Gospel involves a realization on a much deeper level where faith evidences true heart transformation. This kind of knowledge is a means of grace which equips the church to stand against her enemies whether they come wielding persecution or heresy.