2 Peter 3
2 Peter 3 is the section where the apostle Peter encourages believers concerning the last days and the return (or coming again) of Christ. Overall, it is structured around the appearance of those who mock the coming again (3:1–7), the Lord’s concept of time and endurance (3:8–10), hope for a new heaven and a new earth (3:11–13), and the final exhortation and warning (3:14–18).
1verseThis is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you
2versethat you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,
3verseknowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts
4verseand saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
5verseFor they willfully forget that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water by the word of God,
6verseby which means the world that existed then, being overflowed with water, perished.
7verseBut the heavens that exist now and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8verseBut don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9verseThe Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10verseBut the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat; and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11verseTherefore, since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,
12verselooking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13verseBut, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14verseTherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.
15verseRegard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you,
16verseas also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17verseYou therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.
18verseBut grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
A Warning Against Those Who Doubt the Return (3:1–7)
In this passage, Peter reminds believers of the exhortations he had given earlier. He says that people will appear who mock God’s promise, and mentions that they deliberately forget that past judgment (the Flood in the days of Noah). He emphasizes that the world was created by God’s word, and that judgment will also take place through God’s word.
God’s Endurance and the Perspective of Time (3:8–10)
Here Peter explains that God acts differently from human time. Some people think the return is delayed, but he says that God is patient because He wants all people to repent. However, the day of the Lord will come like a thief, so they must always be ready for it.
Living with Hope for a New Heaven and a New Earth (3:11–13)
Peter encourages believers about how they should live, looking forward to the fact that everything will be destroyed this way. He urges a life that waits for the day of the Lord with holy conduct and godliness—that is, a life prepared with hope for a new heaven and a new earth. This hope is an important driving force that determines the direction of the lives of faithful people.
Conclusion and Final Exhortation (3:14–18)
In the final section, Peter asks believers to strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish. He also mentions that the apostle Paul wrote a letter in the same context, and warns them to be careful not to distort the words of Scripture. He emphasizes that they should stand firm in faith and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Meditation Points
- Can I trust God’s promises without being shaken by the words of mockers?
- Do I understand God’s endurance and mercy, as well as his concept of time?
- Does the hope of a new heaven and a new earth actually determine the direction of my life?
- Am I standing firmly in the gospel to the end and understanding the word correctly?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I reflect on how much I truly believe and live by the promise of the return.
- I think about practicing endurance and love toward others by imitating the Lord’s patience and mercy.
- I resolve to live as someone preparing for a new heaven and a new earth through a holy life and godly conduct.
This is the last chapter of 2 Peter.