1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 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:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 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.
5 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:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness,
12 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?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 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;
16 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.
17 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.
18 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.
Overview of 2 Peter Chapter 3
2 Peter Chapter 3 addresses the themes of the Second Coming of Christ, the delay of His return, and the importance of living a godly life in anticipation of that event. The chapter serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to be aware of false teachings that may lead them astray.
Key Themes
- The Return of Christ: The chapter emphasizes the certainty of Christ’s return and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
- Delay of the Lord’s Coming: It discusses the perception of delay in Christ’s return and explains God’s perspective on time.
- Judgment and Renewal: The chapter warns of impending judgment and the eventual renewal of the heavens and the earth.
- Call to Holy Living: Believers are urged to live in a manner that reflects their hope in Christ’s return.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: Reminder of Previous Teachings
In the opening verses, Peter reminds the readers of the importance of recalling the prophetic words spoken by the holy prophets and the commandments of the Lord. This serves as a foundation for the subsequent discussions on the Second Coming.
Verses 3-4: Scoffers and Their Arguments
Peter addresses the presence of scoffers who doubt the promise of Christ’s return. They question the delay, citing the continuity of the world since creation as evidence that the Lord will not return. This skepticism is a significant challenge faced by early Christians.
Verses 5-7: The Example of the Flood
Peter uses the historical example of the flood to illustrate that God has intervened in the past and will do so again. He emphasizes that the same word that created the world also has the power to bring judgment upon it.
- The world was formed out of water and through water.
- The flood destroyed the world of that time, serving as a warning of future judgment.
- The present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, indicating a future judgment.
Verses 8-9: God’s Perspective on Time
Peter reassures believers that God’s timing is not like human timing. He explains that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and vice versa. This perspective highlights God’s patience and desire for all to come to repentance.
Verses 10-13: The Day of the Lord
In these verses, Peter describes the Day of the Lord, which will come unexpectedly, resulting in the destruction of the current heavens and earth. He contrasts this destruction with the promise of new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Verses 14-16: Living in Anticipation
Peter encourages believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of the coming day. He emphasizes the importance of being diligent and at peace, as well as being aware of the teachings of Paul and other scriptures, which may be misinterpreted by the ignorant and unstable.
Verses 17-18: Warning Against False Teachers
The chapter concludes with a warning to be on guard against false teachings that can lead believers astray. Peter encourages growth in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that this growth is essential for spiritual maturity.
Conclusion
2 Peter Chapter 3 serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that believers have in Christ’s return and the importance of living a life that reflects this hope. It addresses the challenges posed by skepticism and false teachings while encouraging steadfastness in faith and holiness.
