II Peter 3 Commentary: A Steadfast Hope in a Changing World
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
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.
II Peter 3 addresses a critical issue: the challenge of doubt and skepticism regarding the return of Christ. Peter's letter serves as a powerful reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, grounded in the truth of God's Word, and living lives that reflect the hope they profess. He confronts the arguments of false teachers who deny the Lord's return, offering a robust defense of biblical truth and a compelling call to holy living. This chapter is particularly relevant for believers today who may face similar challenges to their faith.
Context: Dismantling Doubt in the Last Days
Following his thorough condemnation of false teachers in chapter 2, Peter directly confronts their arguments in II Peter 3. These deceivers scoff at the promise of Christ's return, suggesting that since the world continues as it always has, nothing will change. Peter reminds his readers that God is the Creator, capable of intervening in His creation. He uses the historical example of Noah's flood as evidence of God's willingness to judge sin and alter the course of nature. The chapter urges Christians to anticipate the new heavens and the new earth, rejecting false teachings, and living holy lives in anticipation of Christ's return.
The Scoffers and Their Doubts (II Peter 3:1-4)
Peter begins by reminding his "dear friends" (II Peter 3:1) of the purpose of his letters: to stir up their minds to remember the words spoken by the prophets and the commandments of the Lord and Savior through the apostles (II Peter 3:2). He wants to ensure they don't forget the foundational truths of their faith.
The primary issue Peter addresses is the emergence of scoffers in the last days (II Peter 3:3). These individuals mock the idea of Christ's return, asking, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" (II Peter 3:4). This is more than atheism; it's a form of deism, suggesting God is distant and uninvolved in daily life. They deny that Jesus will return to earth. They argue that all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation (II Peter 3:4).
Their argument rests on the perceived consistency of the natural world. They believe that the world operates according to fixed laws and that God will not intervene in human history. Peter's response will challenge this limited view of God's power and sovereignty.
God's Intervention in History (II Peter 3:5-7)
Peter counters the scoffers' claims by pointing to God's past interventions in history. He reminds them that God created the heavens and the earth from water by His word (II Peter 3:5). This act of creation demonstrates God's power to shape and alter the physical world.
Furthermore, Peter highlights the flood in Noah's time as a cataclysmic event in which God judged the wickedness of humanity (II Peter 3:6). This global catastrophe, a supernatural act using physical means, serves as a stark reminder that God is willing to intervene in human affairs to execute judgment. The scoffers deliberately overlook these historical events.
Peter then declares that the same word that created the world and brought the flood will also bring about the destruction of the present heavens and earth by fire, leading to a day of judgment for the ungodly (II Peter 3:7). This future judgment is as certain as the past events the scoffers choose to ignore.
God's Timetable and Patience (II Peter 3:8-9)
Peter shifts his focus to the recipients of his letter, urging them not to be ignorant of one crucial fact: "that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (II Peter 3:8). This statement emphasizes that God is not bound by human conceptions of time.
God's apparent delay in fulfilling His promise is not due to slowness but to His patience and mercy. He is "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). God's delay is an opportunity for more people to turn to Him and receive salvation. Many are waiting on God, when God is actually waiting on them.
The Day of the Lord (II Peter 3:10-13)
Peter warns that "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" (II Peter 3:10). This unexpected arrival will be marked by cosmic upheaval: "the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (II Peter 3:10). This "day of the Lord" denotes different divine interventions in different Scripture passages. Here it refers specifically to the coming great tribulation period when God will govern the affairs of man in a more direct and open way than he does at present.
In light of this future destruction, Peter poses a crucial question: "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God?" (II Peter 3:11-12). Believers should live lives that reflect their anticipation of Christ's return, focusing on holy conduct and godliness. We must abandon what is temporary and embrace what is eternal.
Peter reminds his readers that they are looking forward to "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (II Peter 3:13), a promise God made long ago (see Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). This hope should motivate them to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Living in Light of the Future (II Peter 3:14-18)
Peter concludes by urging believers to "be diligent to be found by him in peace, without spot or blemish" (II Peter 3:14). This means striving for holiness and living in a way that reflects the transforming power of God's grace.
He also acknowledges that Paul has written about similar themes, emphasizing God's patience as an opportunity for salvation (II Peter 3:15). However, Peter notes that some who are "untaught and unstable" distort Paul's writings to their own destruction (II Peter 3:16). This highlights the importance of proper interpretation and understanding of Scripture.
Peter warns believers to "be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of lawless people and lose your own stability" (II Peter 3:17). Maintaining a stable position spiritually is a key to godly living. Instead, he encourages them to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18). This growth should be ongoing, leading to greater understanding and a deeper relationship with Christ. Believers are to grow in their understanding of grace and their experiential knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They should resist false teachers, focusing on growth and spiritual development in a way that glorifies God both now and to the day of eternity.
Application
II Peter 3 provides timeless guidance for believers facing doubt and uncertainty. It reminds us of the following:
- God is sovereign and powerful. He is not limited by our understanding of time or the laws of nature.
- God's promises are trustworthy. We can have confidence in His Word, even when it seems like fulfillment is delayed.
- God's patience is an opportunity for salvation. We should use this time wisely, sharing the gospel with others.
- Our lives should reflect our hope. We should live in holiness and godliness, anticipating the coming of the Lord.
By embracing these truths, we can stand firm in our faith, resist the influence of false teachings, and live lives that honor God.
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
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.
II Peter 3 addresses a critical issue: the challenge of doubt and skepticism regarding the return of Christ. Peter's letter serves as a powerful reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, grounded in the truth of God's Word, and living lives that reflect the hope they profess. He confronts the arguments of false teachers who deny the Lord's return, offering a robust defense of biblical truth and a compelling call to holy living. This chapter is particularly relevant for believers today who may face similar challenges to their faith.
Context: Dismantling Doubt in the Last Days
Following his thorough condemnation of false teachers in chapter 2, Peter directly confronts their arguments in II Peter 3. These deceivers scoff at the promise of Christ's return, suggesting that since the world continues as it always has, nothing will change. Peter reminds his readers that God is the Creator, capable of intervening in His creation. He uses the historical example of Noah's flood as evidence of God's willingness to judge sin and alter the course of nature. The chapter urges Christians to anticipate the new heavens and the new earth, rejecting false teachings, and living holy lives in anticipation of Christ's return.
The Scoffers and Their Doubts (II Peter 3:1-4)
Peter begins by reminding his "dear friends" (II Peter 3:1) of the purpose of his letters: to stir up their minds to remember the words spoken by the prophets and the commandments of the Lord and Savior through the apostles (II Peter 3:2). He wants to ensure they don't forget the foundational truths of their faith.
The primary issue Peter addresses is the emergence of scoffers in the last days (II Peter 3:3). These individuals mock the idea of Christ's return, asking, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" (II Peter 3:4). This is more than atheism; it's a form of deism, suggesting God is distant and uninvolved in daily life. They deny that Jesus will return to earth. They argue that all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation (II Peter 3:4).
Their argument rests on the perceived consistency of the natural world. They believe that the world operates according to fixed laws and that God will not intervene in human history. Peter's response will challenge this limited view of God's power and sovereignty.
God's Intervention in History (II Peter 3:5-7)
Peter counters the scoffers' claims by pointing to God's past interventions in history. He reminds them that God created the heavens and the earth from water by His word (II Peter 3:5). This act of creation demonstrates God's power to shape and alter the physical world.
Furthermore, Peter highlights the flood in Noah's time as a cataclysmic event in which God judged the wickedness of humanity (II Peter 3:6). This global catastrophe, a supernatural act using physical means, serves as a stark reminder that God is willing to intervene in human affairs to execute judgment. The scoffers deliberately overlook these historical events.
Peter then declares that the same word that created the world and brought the flood will also bring about the destruction of the present heavens and earth by fire, leading to a day of judgment for the ungodly (II Peter 3:7). This future judgment is as certain as the past events the scoffers choose to ignore.
God's Timetable and Patience (II Peter 3:8-9)
Peter shifts his focus to the recipients of his letter, urging them not to be ignorant of one crucial fact: "that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (II Peter 3:8). This statement emphasizes that God is not bound by human conceptions of time.
God's apparent delay in fulfilling His promise is not due to slowness but to His patience and mercy. He is "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). God's delay is an opportunity for more people to turn to Him and receive salvation. Many are waiting on God, when God is actually waiting on them.
The Day of the Lord (II Peter 3:10-13)
Peter warns that "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" (II Peter 3:10). This unexpected arrival will be marked by cosmic upheaval: "the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (II Peter 3:10). This "day of the Lord" denotes different divine interventions in different Scripture passages. Here it refers specifically to the coming great tribulation period when God will govern the affairs of man in a more direct and open way than he does at present.
In light of this future destruction, Peter poses a crucial question: "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God?" (II Peter 3:11-12). Believers should live lives that reflect their anticipation of Christ's return, focusing on holy conduct and godliness. We must abandon what is temporary and embrace what is eternal.
Peter reminds his readers that they are looking forward to "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (II Peter 3:13), a promise God made long ago (see Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). This hope should motivate them to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Living in Light of the Future (II Peter 3:14-18)
Peter concludes by urging believers to "be diligent to be found by him in peace, without spot or blemish" (II Peter 3:14). This means striving for holiness and living in a way that reflects the transforming power of God's grace.
He also acknowledges that Paul has written about similar themes, emphasizing God's patience as an opportunity for salvation (II Peter 3:15). However, Peter notes that some who are "untaught and unstable" distort Paul's writings to their own destruction (II Peter 3:16). This highlights the importance of proper interpretation and understanding of Scripture.
Peter warns believers to "be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of lawless people and lose your own stability" (II Peter 3:17). Maintaining a stable position spiritually is a key to godly living. Instead, he encourages them to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18). This growth should be ongoing, leading to greater understanding and a deeper relationship with Christ. Believers are to grow in their understanding of grace and their experiential knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They should resist false teachers, focusing on growth and spiritual development in a way that glorifies God both now and to the day of eternity.
Application
II Peter 3 provides timeless guidance for believers facing doubt and uncertainty. It reminds us of the following:
- God is sovereign and powerful. He is not limited by our understanding of time or the laws of nature.
- God's promises are trustworthy. We can have confidence in His Word, even when it seems like fulfillment is delayed.
- God's patience is an opportunity for salvation. We should use this time wisely, sharing the gospel with others.
- Our lives should reflect our hope. We should live in holiness and godliness, anticipating the coming of the Lord.
By embracing these truths, we can stand firm in our faith, resist the influence of false teachings, and live lives that honor God.