The letter names Peter
The opening gives a direct answer. The writer calls himself Simon Peter and describes himself as Jesus Christ's servant and apostle (2 Peter 1:1). Simon was Peter's original name. Jesus gave him the name Cephas, an Aramaic word corresponding to the Greek name Peter, both connected with the idea of a stone or rock (John 1:42).
So, according to the book itself, 2 Peter was written by the apostle Peter. He wasn't presenting an abstract religious message. He wrote as a man who had followed Jesus closely and carried responsibility for strengthening other believers.
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Who was Simon Peter?
Peter was a fisherman from Galilee. Jesus called Peter and his brother Andrew while they were working by the Sea of Galilee, and they left their nets to follow him (Matthew 4:18-20). Peter became one of the Twelve apostles, the witnesses Jesus chose to be with him and to proclaim his message.
Peter's story is striking because he was both devoted and imperfect. He confessed that Jesus was the Christ (Matthew 16:16), yet later denied knowing Jesus during the night of Jesus' trial (Luke 22:61-62). After the resurrection, Jesus restored and commissioned him to care for his people (John 21:15-17). That mixture of failure, forgiveness, and renewed service gives Peter's words a very human weight.
Peter writes as an eyewitness
In 2 Peter, the author says he did not follow cleverly invented stories when speaking about Jesus' power and coming. He says he was an eyewitness of Jesus' majesty, referring to the moment when Jesus was glorified on the mountain and the voice came from heaven (2 Peter 1:16-18).
The Gospels identify Peter as one of the disciples who saw that event with James and John (Matthew 17:1-5). This is why the letter speaks with such urgency about remembering the truth about Jesus. Peter wants believers to hold firmly to what they have received, rather than being pulled aside by false teachers.
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
A final message for the church
The writer expects his death to be near and deliberately repeats what believers need to remember (2 Peter 1:12-15). That fits Peter's role as a pastor-like leader who wanted Christians to remain steady after he was gone.
Near the end, he warmly refers to Paul as a beloved brother and recognises the wisdom given to him (2 Peter 3:15-16). Peter's focus is not on building his own reputation. He points people to God's promises, holy living, patience, and growth in knowing Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18).
Read 2 Peter as a personal letter from an apostle urging ordinary believers to stay awake, trust God's word, and keep growing. Its central concern is still timely.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.