| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 The Christian's call and election (1:1-11) may grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (1:2) | Salutation | 5 The promise of the Lord's coming (3:1-18) But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. (3:18) |
| 1 The Christian's call and election (1:1-11) For, in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. (1:11) | New world | 5 The promise of the Lord's coming (3:1-18) But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (3:13) |
| 2 Eyewitnesses of Christ's glory (1:12-21) Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (1:19) | Words of prophecy | 4 Criticism to antagonists (2:13-22) but he received a rebuke for his own crime: a mute beast spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet's madness (2:16) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 The Christian's call and election (1:1-11) Anyone who lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetful of the cleansing of his past sins (1:9) | Heresy | 3 Warning about false prophets (2:1-12) Many will follow their licentious ways, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled. (2:2) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 3 Warning about false prophets (2:1-12) and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man oppressed by the licentious conduct of unprincipled people (2:7) | Warning about heresy | 5 The promise of the Lord's coming (3:1-18) Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. (3:17) |