“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Earlier in verse three, Peter the Apostle addressed a question from scoffers who ridiculed those who were awaiting Jesus’ return: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” One commentary highlights the distinction between those who adopt that dismissive attitude and others who raise valid concerns about the perceived delay in Jesus’ return…
“There is considerable difference between the question ‘where is the promise of His coming?’ and ‘when is the Lord coming?’ The former is of the unbeliever and the latter is of a perplexed believer.” (1)
With this in mind, we should recognize that it is neither wrong nor inappropriate to ask questions regarding this subject. For instance, the following commentator defines this reference to “slackness”: “The word implies, besides delay, the idea of lateness with reference to an appointed time.” (2) If we are similarly puzzled by this apparent delay, then perhaps we may benefit from a change of perspective.
If we desire to know why Jesus has not returned in the centuries that have elapsed since His death and resurrection, we need look no further than 2 Peter 3:9 for the answer. As seen in the passage quoted above, “…he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (NIV). This directs our attention to an important point. Instead of focusing on the apparent delay in Christ’s return, we may do better to set our sights on what He seeks to accomplish during this interim period.
One source highlights the beneficial nature of this approach…
“The point of 2 Peter 3 is that, no matter how long it takes, God will keep His word—’the Lord is not slow in keeping his promises’ (verse 8)—specifically, He will return one day to judge the world and rescue His people. The fact that it has not happened yet is absolutely no indication that He will not do it.” (3)
While it may seem as if Jesus’ second advent is taking longer than expected, we can be confident that there is a justifiable reason for any apparent delay. We can be certain that Christ will fulfill His promise to return, for we have His personal assurance in this regard…
“And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am” (John 14:3 GNT).
(1) Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1700.
(2) Vincent, Marvin R. DD. “Commentary on 2 Peter 3”. “Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/vnt/2-peter-3.html. [verse 9[ Charles Schribner’s Sons. New York, USA. 1887.
(3) GotQuestions.org. (2022, September 19). GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/2-Peter-3-8-thousand-years-day.html