There is internal evidence, which links the First Epistle of Peter with the messages of the leading Apostle by that name. Also, as far as external evidence is concerned, several church fathers express support for the traditional authorship, including Irenaeus, Clement, Origen, and Tertullian. The author of 2 Peter is also the Apostle Peter. In 3:1, he refers to his first letter; in 1:14, he refers to the Lord's prediction of his death (John 21:18-19); and in 1:16–18, he claims to have been at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–4). The message of the First Epistle is that having Returned to the Shepherd as they Obeyed the Gospel, so they are now to go on to live in holiness, being ready to witness for their Lord, Following His Example in the increasing sufferings they must endure, strengthened by the assurance that they will Share His Glory. In 2 Peter the believers are to diligently pursue spiritual maturity, reject the erroneous doctrines of the false teachers and the doubts of the scoffers, who deny that Jesus is returning. History, Scripture and the character of God all point to His coming again.