“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Epilogue

“Peter concludes this brief letter as he began, urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that is, they were to get to know him better and better. This is the best way to discern false teaching. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world will always challenge our faith. We still have much room for growth. Every day we need to draw closer to Christ so that we will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.” ₍₁₎

“Peter ends this letter with a summary statement of the same instruction with which he began it (1:2–11). Pursuing Christian maturity and a deepening knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ will lead to doctrinal stability and prevent a Christian from being led astray.” ₍₂₎

“Having been instructed in the dangers of false teaching by this epistle, we now have no excuse if we are carried away by the errors of libertinism, the denial of the return of Christ, or any other view opposed to the sound doctrine given in the Scriptures. Therefore, we must be willing to turn away from false teaching anytime it is presented to us.” ₍₃₎

“Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for those people who create divisions and who make others fall away from the Christian faith by teaching doctrine that is not the same as you have learned. Stay away from them. People like these are not serving Christ our Lord. They are serving their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive unsuspecting people” (Romans 16:17-18 GW).

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).

(1) Life Application Study Bible [2 Peter 3:18] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.

(2) John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), 2 Pe 3:18.

(3) Grace and Knowledge (n.d.). Ligonier Ministries. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/grace-and-knowledge

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked” (2 Peter 3:17).

As we approach the end of this great Biblical epistle, 2 Peter 3:17 offers a final admonition regarding heretical ministers and their teachings: since you have been alerted to the presence of those who twist and distort the Scriptures, you must remain vigilant and alert. That message is as timely today as it was when it was first written, for if false teachers were active in the Apostle Peter’s era, how much greater is their activity today?

Then, as now, there are no shortages of those who seek to take advantage of the spiritually naïve. Thus, we have Peter’s encouragement to remain steadfast. One commentary underscores the need for diligence in this area with a closer look at this reference to being “led” or “carried” away…

“The verb ‘carried away’ (synapachthentes; trans. “led astray” in Gal_2:13) emphasizes a group or corporate movement. False teachers are not satisfied with ambushing one or two, now and then, here and there; they want to sweep large groups of people away from the correct doctrine of Christ. Those who keep company with such people are in danger of being led astray (referred to as ‘falling’; cf. 2Pe_1:10; Gal_5:4).” ₍₁₎

We should also note the descriptive phrase that closes this verse: “the error of the wicked.” This serves to remind us that heretical teachers are not mistaken, confused, or misguided. Instead, this passage describes such individuals as wicked…

“The term ‘wicked’ here means ‘unsettled’ or ‘lawless.’ These men were “unlearned and unstable” (3:16) in the Scriptures, and so were leading others astray with their twisting of God’s Word to fit their own opinions. There are many such teachers today as well, so ‘beware.'” ₍₂₎

Once again, this passage highlights the importance of reading God’s Word regularly, for those who are unfamiliar with Biblical teachings may be susceptible to various forms of deception. From erroneous spiritual beliefs that are not what they seem, to charismatic spiritual leaders who take advantage of those who don’t know any better, we can avoid many forms of deception simply by making a prayerful commitment to read the Scriptures each day.

Since God has warned us of such things through the inspired pen of the Apostle Peter, we should be diligent to ensure that we are not “…led away with the error of the wicked.”

Image Credit: Florent Darrault from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary [2 Peter 3:17]

(2) Institute for Creation Research, New Defender’s Study Bible Notes [2 Peter 3:17] https://www.icr.org/bible/2Pet/3/17/ Accessed 04 October, 2024

“He speaks about these things in all his letters in which there are some matters that are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable twist them to their own destruction, as they also do with the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16 HCSB).

The New Testament letter of 1 John highlights the need to evaluate the spiritual ideas and beliefs we encounter when it tells us, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1 NIV). That portion of Scripture reminds us that many spiritual teachings, experiences, or supposed displays of supernatural power may not come from God.

This applies to both groups and individuals, for there are ample opportunities for the “ill-informed and unbalanced” (Phillips) to twist good spiritual doctrine into something else. Those who distort the Scriptures in that manner do so to their own destruction, and may carry others in their wake. By remembering these admonitions, we can adapt and apply Jesus’ message from Mark 13:5:: “…Watch out that no one deceives you” (NIV).

For instance, those who present an alternative version of Jesus that is not supported by the Scriptures do not convey the truth about Him. Thus, we would do well to follow the example of the people of Berea as chronicled in Acts 17:10-11…

“Immediately when night came, the believers sent Paul and Silas to the city of Berea. When Paul and Silas arrived in the city of Berea, they entered the synagogue. The people of Berea were more open-minded than the people of Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive God’s message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true” (GW).

With these things in mind, it’s important to remember a few critical points from earlier in our study of 2 Peter…

• False teachers will always exist (2 Peter 2:1).
• False teachers don’t tell the truth about Christ (2 Peter 2:1).
• False teachers often take advantage of others and manipulate them for personal gain (2 Peter 2:3).

Finally, it is worth reiterating that the New Testament book of 1 Thessalonians provides an effective method of guarding against spiritual deception: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If we test a spiritual teaching or belief against God’s Word, we can then say along with the Psalmist, “Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path” (Psalm 119:105 NET).

Image Credit: Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-golden-balance-scale-beside-a-laptop-6077797/

“speaking of these things in all his letters. Some things in these letters are hard to understand, things the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they also do to the rest of the scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16 NET).

Despite the understated nature of this passage, our text from 2 Peter 3:16 contains a pivotal statement regarding the Word Of God. We can begin unpacking that statement with a definition of the word “scriptures” as it appears within this verse…

“The word translated ‘Scriptures’ here is graphe, a word that occurs fifty-one times in the New Testament and that refers to the Old Testament Scriptures in every one of those occurrences. Thus the word Scripture was a technical term for the New Testament authors, and it was used only of those writings that were thought to be God’s words and therefore part of the canon of Scripture. But in this verse, Peter classifies Paul’s writings with the ‘other Scriptures’ (meaning the Old Testament Scriptures). Paul’s writings are therefore considered by Peter also to be worthy of the title ‘Scripture’ and thus worthy of inclusion in the canon.” ₍₁₎

This tells us that Peter the Apostle recognized Paul the Apostle’s New Testament letters as “Scripture” right from their inception. Of course, Paul recognized the God-inspired nature of those messages as well…

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

What’s more, “Peter thus puts Paul’s Epistles on the same plane with the O.T., which was also misused (Mt 5:21-44; 15:3-6; 19:3-10 ).” ₍₂₎ This has led one source to make the following statement…

“It is also very significant that Peter refers to Paul’s letters and groups them with ‘the rest of the Scriptures’ (2 Pet 3:16), and Paul quotes a passage from the Gospel of Luke, introducing it with the phrase, ‘For the Scripture says’ (1 Tim 5: 18). It is abundantly clear, therefore, that most, if not all, the NT writers claimed divine authority for themselves and their writings, sometimes even authenticating each others’ writings as such. What can explain this except their being convinced that Jesus had promised them the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that their teachings-both verbal and written-would be divinely inspired?” ₍₃₎

(1) Grudem, W. A. (2020). Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic). pg.17

(2) 2 Peter 3 – Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament – Bible Commentaries – StudyLight.org. (n.d.). StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/rwp/2-peter-3.html

(3) Cowan, S. B., & Wilder, T. L. (2013). In Defense of the Bible: A Comprehensive Apologetic for the Authority of Scripture. B&H Publishing Group. pg 459

“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” (2 Peter 3:16 KJV).

This reference to “wresting” or “twisting” the Scriptures contains an illustrative word-picture that sheds light on the efforts of those who intentionally distort Biblical truth. In the original language of this passage, this word conveys the following idea: “to distort the limbs on a rack… to wrench, distort, pervert.” ₍₁₎ So much like a sinister henchman who wrenched the limbs of a prisoner on a medieval torture rack, there are some who attempt to twist the Scriptures in a similar manner.

For his part, Paul the Apostle was clearly familiar with such efforts. In fact, Paul likely faced numerous attempts to distort his teachings from those who sought to discredit him. The Biblical books of Romans and Galatians appear to document several of those attempts…

“Why not say, then, ‘Let us do evil so that good may come’? Some people, indeed, have insulted me by accusing me of saying this very thing! They will be condemned, as they should be” (Romans 3:8 GNT).

“Well then, shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness?” (Romans 6:1 TLB).

“What does all this mean? Does it mean we are free to sin, because we are ruled by God’s wonderful kindness and not by the Law? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:15 CEV).

“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not!” (Galatians 2:17).

Paul addressed those efforts with reasoned responses in each instance (see Romans 3:7-26, Romans 6:1-11, Romans 6:15-23, and Galatians 2:18-21).It seems that Peter was similarly aware of those who adopted this approach, and that apparently led him to issue this cautionary message. This has brought one commentary to the following conclusion…

“The false teachers intentionally misused Paul’s writings by distorting them to condone lawlessness. No doubt this made the teachers popular, because people always like to have their favorite sins justified, but the net effect was to totally destroy Paul’s message. Paul may have been thinking of teachers like these when he wrote in Rom_6:15: ‘Since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!’ …the better we know Jesus, the less attractive false teaching will be.” ₍₂₎

(1) G4761 strebloo. Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/strebloo

(2) Life Application Study Bible [2 Peter 3:15-18] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.

“as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16 ESV).

2 Peter 3:16 focuses on another important concern- the “…ignorant and unstable [who] have twisted [Paul’s] letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture” (NLT). This reference to “the ignorant” doesn’t necessarily refer to those who are uneducated. Instead, this designation implies that those individuals opted to rely on their own Biblical interpretations rather than seek God’s guidance in understanding His Word. That led to a distorted perception of the Scriptures that skewed their meaning and application.

One source identifies this second reference to the “unstable” in the following manner: “The ‘unstable’ (Gr. asteriktoi) are those who were not always consistent in their allegiance to God or the world, namely, double-minded, fence-straddling compromisers. These types of people misunderstood and, in some cases, deliberately misrepresented the meaning of Paul’s writings. However, this only added to their own guilt before God.” ₍₁₎

This also reminds us that context is important whenever we encounter those who seek to use a Biblical text to support their views. The word “context” refers to “the part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.” ₍₂₎ In other words, the chapters and verses that surround a Biblical text help determine the meaning of that text. When verses are quoted outside their context, it is sometimes possible to make the Bible say some very unbiblical things.

For instance, it is possible to take an isolated portion of Scripture and quote it in a manner that makes it appear to support an erroneous position. Much like the false teachers chronicled here in 2 Peter chapter two, cultic organizations that claim an affinity with Christianity are widely recognized for this approach. Our text from 2 Peter 3:16 thus serves as a cautionary message, for those who intentionally follow that path are headed for certain destruction.

Finally, it’s important to recognize that this passage does not address various non-essential elements of the Christian faith. For instance, there are many areas where Christians of good conscience may reach different (but Biblically valid) conclusions on secondary aspects of belief and practice. Instead, this warning is directed toward those who deliberately twist, wrest (KJV), or distort (GW) Biblical truth. We’ll explore what it means to corrupt the truth in such a manner next.

Image Credit: Brett Jordan, Hermeneutical basics Context, context, context.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/x1brett/page97 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

(1) Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 2 Peter 2024 Edition. https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/html/2peter/2peter.htm

(2) context. (n.d.) American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011). Retrieved October 4 2024 from https://www.thefreedictionary.com/context

“He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16 NIV).

By highlighting some of the challenging aspects of Paul the Apostle’s Biblical letters, Peter directs our attention to a practical application from this passage. For example, some may justify their reluctance to read the Bible by claiming that it is too difficult to understand. But today’s age of technological advancement has made it increasingly difficult to rationalize that argument.

For instance, there are Biblical translations that cater to readers of all levels. Audio Bibles with skilled voiceover artists are widely accessible, with some online versions available at no charge. These advancements can help virtually anyone gain access to God’s Word in a manner that he or she can understand, remember, and apply.

So if we eliminate this objection, we may be left with a brutally honest truth: we don’t engage with God’s Word because we choose to prioritize other things. Some may not wish to invest the effort it takes to grasp and apply certain Biblical truths. Others may be hesitant to embrace the lifestyle changes that might accompany a better understanding of the Scriptures. In the alleged words of American humorist Mark Twain, “Some people are troubled by things in the Bible they can’t understand. What troubles me are the things I can understand.”

In such instances, honesty is the best policy. This means acknowledging our reluctance to read the Scriptures and humbly asking God to cultivate that desire within us. Good things in life rarely come easily, and our text from 2 Peter 3:16 alludes to the fact that we are likely to encounter Scriptural truths are are difficult to grasp. Nevertheless, God will surely reward the diligent student who faithfully attends to His Word.

A prayerful effort to understand God’s Word will yield several other important benefits. First, we will be well positioned to understand what we believe and why. A familiarity with the Bible will also help us identify and avoid the false teachers Peter discussed earlier in chapter two. Finally, we have an opportunity to discover fresh spiritual truths or new applications of familiar truths whenever we open the Scriptures.

Thus, in the wise words of one commentator, “…let us seek to have our minds prepared for receiving things hard to be understood, by putting in practice things which are more easy to be understood.” ₍₁₎

Image Credit: Pete unseth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Matthew Henry: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. (n.d.). https://ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhcc/mhcc.liii.iii.html

“as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16).

We can begin our look at this passage by highlighting a few important observations. First, we can say that the Apostle Peter recognized and validated the divine origin of Paul the Apostle’s Biblical letters. Peter affirmed the God-inspired of nature those epistles when he acknowledged “…our dear brother Paul [who] also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him” (NIV) earlier in verse fifteen.

But Peter was not simply aware of those texts; either he had read those letters himself or he possessed enough knowledge about them to assert with confidence that Paul wrote “using the wisdom God gave him” (GW). Next, Peter associated those letters with “…the rest of the Scriptures” in the passage quoted above. This detail offers some insight into the origin of the New Testament canon of Scripture.

This word “canon” means “rule” or “rod of measurement.” Over time, this term came to represent the assembly of Biblical texts that were acknowledged to possess divine authority. For example, Biblical authors like Peter and Paul communicated by writing letters to a specific church or person, or for general distribution among many churches. Those recipients saved the letters they received and copied them for circulation among other churches. In fact, Paul endorsed this practice in one of his epistles when he said, “After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16).

We can also take comfort in Peter’s acknowledgment that Paul’s letters contained some things that were difficult to understand. This does not mean that Peter had difficulty understanding Paul’s epistles. However, he recognized the fact that it was no easy task to comprehend some of the spiritual truths contained within those letters. Of course, Peter understood such challenges all too well, for there were multiple instances when he and his fellow disciples struggled to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ teachings (see Mark 8:13-21, Mark 9:30-32, and John 16:16-18 for some examples).

Nevertheless, “hard to understand” is not the same as “impossible to understand.” We should not be deterred by the challenging nature of the some of the truths we encounter in the Scriptures, but instead seek God’s help in understanding and appropriating those truths in our lives.

“and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation–as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you” (2 Peter 3:15).

A look at the original language of this passage defines “longsuffering” in the following manner: “Longsuffering is that quality of self restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy, and is used of God…” ₍₁₎ On those difficult days when we long to see God bring forth “…a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells,” it is comforting to know that longsuffering is an emotional quality that God shares with His people.

Nevertheless, the Apostle Peter tells us that God’s longsuffering has a purpose: “the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.” The following commentary brings an important perspective to this idea…

“The imperative of verse 15, account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation, encourages believers to recognize the fact that just because God’s day hasn’t come yet, they shouldn’t follow the false teachers in believing that it’s not going to come; they should think of it in God’s way: the longer He delays it, the more people can be saved.” ₍₂₎

This passage then moves on to a subject that will occupy our attention for much of our remaining time in this chapter. That subject involves the man who is better known to us today as the Apostle Paul. Peter’s depiction of Paul here in 2 Peter 3:15 serves to establish an important foundation for many of the observations that will follow.

Notice that Peter identified Paul as a “beloved brother” in this verse. This signals the absence of a competitive rivalry between these two great apostles. Instead, Peter publicly recognized Paul’s calling, as well as “…the wisdom given to him.” This may also account for the sudden shift in focus to a discussion of Paul’s writings in this passage.

You see, Paul echoed a similar sentiment regarding the purpose behind God’s longsuffering in the Biblical book of Romans. In one portion of that epistle, Paul asked the following question…

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

However, we’re about to find that there is considerably more to this verse (and those that follow) as we continue our exploration of this passage.

(1) makrothumia (G3115) Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words with Topical Index, W.E. Vine, © 1996, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.

(2) Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2627.

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).

The New Testament book of Hebrews points us to another contemporary application of our text from 2 Peter chapter three: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14 ESV). So much like a traveler who sees the end of his or her journey in the distance, these passages encourage us to focus upon our eternal destination as we live for Christ in this transitory world.

In addition to what we read in Hebrews 13:14, the Biblical book of Philippians offers a similar reminder:

“…our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

As we seek to represent Jesus faithfully in the course of our daily lives, we should live with the recognition that God’s people are sojourners (1 Peter 2:11) on the road to another destination. In view of the fact that our citizenship resides in heaven, we should conduct ourselves in a manner that exemplifies the ideals and principles of our true home. Thus, we should “…make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight” (NLT).

Since the world we inhabit now is not like the world that lies ahead, this passage reminds us of the need to prioritize our relationships, occupations, material possessions, and other affairs of life with a view towards eternity. Consider the following counsel from the Biblical book of 1 Timothy…

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

Finally, we have a descriptive turn of phrase that closes this verse: “without spot and blameless.” This serves to highlight the attributes that should characterize the people of God. Unlike the false teachers of the previous chapter (who were neither spotless nor blameless), our author encouraged his readers to pursue these qualities with diligence. 1 Peter 1:19 made use of a similar phrase in reference to Jesus, and thus recalls the words of Matthew 10:24-25…

“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters…” (NIV).

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV).

In Matthew 5:6, Jesus offered the following assurance: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (ESV). Those who will inhabit the new heavens and earth referenced here in 2 Peter 3:13 can thus look forward to the fulfillment of that promise from the Gospel of Matthew. However, our text from 2 Peter also presents us with a contemporary application as well.

When this world is eventually replaced by “…a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells,” the wisdom that characterizes our world is destined to crumble alongside it. For instance, our world places great value on the things we possess. If a person has great athletic ability, physical attractiveness, or financial wealth (to name a few examples), then society often views that person as someone who possesses worth.

However, 2 Peter 3:13 tells us that the value system of the new heavens and earth will be very different. There, the focus will be on who we are and not on what we possess. Those who choose to build their lives on the moral philosophies of this “adulterous and sinful generation” (to use Jesus’ terminology from Mark 8:38) will thus be left with no recourse.

As long as this world remains in its current state, there are sure to be many who view its wisdom as something practical, sensible, and expedient. But when this world is succeeded by “…a world filled with God’s righteousness” (NLT), the wisdom that reflects the priorities of our world will collapse as well. Therefore, those who live for Christ and follow His example today will be blessed and satisfied with the world He will establish then.

While the reasoning of this world presents a semblance of wisdom, that type of wisdom often fails to account for the eternal consequences of our decisions. One commentary addresses this shortcoming in the context of our passage from 2 Peter 3:13…

“The old cosmic system will then give way to a new heaven and a new earth and this is what believers are looking forward to (cf. 2Pe_3:12, 2Pe_3:14), not to the earth’s destruction. The new heaven and new earth, given by the promise of God, will finally be the home or dwelling place of righteousness (lit., ‘in which righteousness dwells permanently’). It will be the home of righteousness because the Righteous One will be there (Jer_23:5-7; Jer_33:16; Dan_9:24; Rev_21:1, Rev_21:8, Rev_21:27). What a contrast this will be to the world’s unrighteousness.” ₍₂₎

(1) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary, note on 2 Peter 3:13

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

Matthew Henry, the great 17th century commentator, posed a thought-provoking question regarding this passage: “What will become of us, if we set our affections on this earth, and make it our portion, seeing all these things shall be burned up? Therefore make sure of happiness beyond this visible world.” ₍₁₎ Since God promises to establish a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells, we would do well to prepare for that future today.

However, 2 Peter 3:13 is not the only Biblical passage that speaks of this future reality. For instance, the book of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22) and the New Testament book of Revelation (Revelation 21:1) also reference this promise of a new heavens and earth as well. This word “new” does not simply refer to the latest or most recent version of something. Instead, this word expresses the idea of something fresh and unworn.

So, unlike the unscrupulous advertiser who markets a “new” product that is little more than an old product dressed up in a different package, the new heavens and new earth will be pristine and unspoiled. If we were to employ some technical jargon to describe this future event, we might say that God will not simply “power off” the current universe and “reboot” it. Instead, He will completely rewrite its operating system.

Since these new heavens and earth will be a place where righteousness dwells, it will be completely uncorrupted by anything that is wrong, dirty, or impure. The Biblical book of Romans contrasts our present reality with this future reality in the following manner: “Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay” (Romans 8:20-21 NLT). Thus, we can look forward to a time when God will make all things as they should be once again.

Finally, two commentators remind us of the need to maintain the right perspective regarding Biblical passages (such as 2 Peter 3:13) that reference future events…

“Christians need to remember the ultimate, ‘bottom-line,’ purpose of biblical eschatology [the study of future end times things]: to make us better Christians here and now.” _[a]

“The purpose of prophetic truth is not speculation but motivation…” _{[b] (2)}

Image Credit: Neji, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Matthew Henry: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. (n.d.). https://ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhcc/mhcc.liii.iii.html

(2) [a] Douglas J. Moo, 2 Peter and Jude, p. 202. [b] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 2:466. Quoted in Notes on 2 Peter 2024 Edition, Dr. Thomas L. Constable https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/html/2peter/2peter.htm

“looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:12).

There are several ways we can approach the various themes within this passage. The first is relatively simple and clear: God’s people should look for Christ’s return in advance of this coming day of God. However, this does not mean we should seek to associate a date with Jesus’ return. As Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24:36, “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows–neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son–except the Father only” (HCSB). Instead, every generation should wait expectantly for Jesus’ second advent.

Next, we have this reference to “…hastening the coming of the day of God.” “Hastening” conveys several related ideas including “to urge on,” “impel,” or “to be eager for the arrival” of something. ₍₁₎ While some may view this approaching day of God with a sense of dread, Jesus’ followers should eagerly embrace its arrival. For instance, Jesus once explained the underlying differences between those mindsets…

“…everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:20-21).

We can also view this reference to “hastening” from a different perspective. As we’ve already seen, the word “hasten” is used to describe an attempt to expedite an action or activity. In light of this, our text from 2 Peter 3:12 underscores the need to avoid a passive mindset in anticipation of that day. Instead, we should actively employ the talents, skills, abilities, gifts, and opportunities that God has graciously given us for use in His service today.

As one source observes, “…[Its] not that God’s eternal appointment of the time is changeable, but God appoints us as instruments of accomplishing those events which must be first before the day of God can come.” ₍₂₎

Finally, this reference to “the day of God” invites a comparison to Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane. When Jesus was seized in Gethsemane, He said to those who came to arrest Him, “…Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:52-53). So even though Jesus’ enemies had their hour in the waning days of His earthly life, 2 Peter 3:12 tells us that God will have His day in the future.

Image Credit: Opportunity by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0Alpha Stock Images

(1) G4692 speudo. Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/speudo

(2) Jamieson, F. &. B. (2000, February 19). Commentary on 2 Peter 3. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/2Pe/2Pe_003.cfm

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11).

The apocalyptic images described earlier in 2 Peter 3:10 lay the foundation for the practical application given to us here in 2 Peter 3:11. Since all our material possessions will eventually dissolve, our author brings forth a thought-provoking question: “What kind of people ought you to be?” He then provides the answer himself: “You ought to live holy and godly lives.”

Unlike those who choose to disregard the Biblical teachings on this subject, it is important to live with these realities in mind. Consider the following warning from Jesus in the form this parable from the Gospel of Luke…

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Peter asked, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?’ The Lord answered, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers” (Luke 12:35-46 NIV).

This parable, along with our text from 2 Peter 3:11, reminds us of the need to live in “holy conduct and godliness” (CSB) with a view towards eternity.

“The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed. The earth and everything that people have done on it will be exposed” (2 Peter 3:10 GW).

The twenty-fourth chapter of the gospel of Matthew is dedicated exclusively to the subject of end-time events. That portion of Scripture also records a message from Jesus to His disciples regarding the importance of being prepared for His eventual return. A closer look at that message reveals an analogy followed by a warning…

“But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:39-40).

The Apostle Peter drew upon this imagery of an unexpected thief here in 2 Peter 3:10. As mentioned earlier, Paul the Apostle made use of a similar illustration in the New Testament epistle of 1 Thessalonians, as did the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. These references serve to remind us that we should live in anticipation of Jesus’ return whenever it might take place. As one source observes, “Knowing how to live in preparation for the Lord’s return is more important than knowing the timing of His return (Acts 1:6–7).“ ₍₁₎

Here in 2 Peter 3:10, we’re told that the constituent elements that make up the physical universe will dissolve when that day arrives. This reference to “Everything that makes up the universe…” pertains to the elemental components of physical matter. This probably alludes to some type of dissolution in the atomic structure of material things.

Finally, two sensory events will accompany this cataclysmic event: fire and sound. Taken together, this seems to reflect an event of tremendous explosive power, one that will be seen, heard, (and likely) felt. As with our earlier reference to an unexpected thief, there are other Biblical allusions to this event in the Old Testaments books of Haggai (2:6-7), Isaiah (13:13), and the New Testament epistle to the Hebrews.

2 Peter 3:10 thus completes a quartet of four Biblical witnesses who testify to the reality of this all-encompassing, catastrophic event. Therefore, these passages should inform our thinking regarding the investments we make today with respect to our time, our relationships, our finances, our material possessions, and other aspects of our daily lives.

(1) Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Th 5:1). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10 NIV).

In the context of this passage from 2 Peter 3:10, the “day of the Lord” signifies the future dissolution of the universe, or “space” as we know it today. We find similar expressions of this idea in the book of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 65:17), as well as the New Testament book of Revelation (Revelation 21:1). The Biblical book of Colossians also touches upon this subject in speaking of Jesus in the following manner: “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

So Jesus is not only the executor of creation, He is the one who holds creation together. Colossians 1:17 thus provides us with an insight of astonishing proportions: Jesus personally sustains everything that exists in the material realm. This striking reality brings an important perspective to our text from 2 Peter 3:10. If Jesus were to refrain from holding everything together, it would surely generate the result described here in 2 Peter.

While it may be unsettling to contemplate a future that ends with universal destruction, this should not lead to hopelessness or despair. God has better things in store, as we’ll learn shortly. Instead, these future realities should motivate us to act proactively and make choices that honor God today. To illustrate this, our author will pose a question in the following verse and then proceed to answer it himself…

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11 NIV).

We’ll return to this verse from 2 Peter 3:11 shortly. But for now, we can also approach this reference to the day of the Lord from a different perspective. You see, “the day of the Lord” also arrives in a multitude of human lives each day. In this sense, the day of the Lord occurs whenever someone departs from this earthly life and enters the realm of eternity.

For some, that day arrives “like a thief” in the form of a sudden or untimely death. Thus, the day of the Lord did not represent a distant event in the far-off future for those who pass in this manner. Instead, it became the day when someone was abruptly summoned to face his or her Creator with no further opportunity to reverse the choices and decisions of life.

Since every material possession we own will eventually dissolve, those who act upon this message from 2 Peter 3:10-11 will be well prepared to answer that call to eternity whenever it arrives.

Image Credit: “The countdown clock struck zero and the launch happened and” by G0SUB is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

“But 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 melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).

Considering how often the “day of the Lord” appears within the Scriptures, this term is one that warrants careful consideration. For instance, this phrase appears in both the Old and New Testaments to describe God’s wrath (Isaiah 13:9), God’s judgment (1 Thessalonians 5:3), a time of destruction (Joel 1:15), and a day of reprisal for those who have committed transgressions (Obadiah 1:15).

The prophet Joel depicted the day of the Lord as a “great and very terrible” event (Joel 2:11). Several other Biblical authors shared that characterization, including the Old Testament prophets Ezekiel, Amos, Zephaniah, and Malachi. Those writers associated the “day of the Lord” with corresponding descriptions such as, “doom,” “darkness,” “trouble and distress,” and “dreadful.”

In the New Testament epistle of 1 Thessalonians, the day of the Lord is linked with the events that will accompany Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:2). Three commentators add their insights into this important Biblical concept…

“The prominent idea associated with that Day in the Old Testament, and in this passage as well, is that of ‘judgment’ and destruction upon the enemies of God. This stands in striking contrast to the previous passage (4:13–18), where the emphasis was hope and resurrection. The difference of course is one of focus; it depends upon whether believers or unbelievers are in view.” ₍₁₎

“In the OT the writers saw two ages, an evil age and a coming age of righteousness, the age of the Spirit. God would intervene in history through His Messiah to set up this new age. This event was known as the ‘Day of the Lord.’ Notice that NT writers attribute this to Christ. His first coming, the Incarnation, was foretold in many OT texts. The Jews did not expect a divine person, just a divine intervention. The two comings of the Messiah, one as suffering servant and savior, one as Judge and Lord, were not obvious to OT people.” ₍₂₎

“Christ has already passed through the judgment of the day of the Lord for believers, so they need not fear His return (Heb. 9:27, 28). Unbelievers, however, will feel the wrath of God when the day of the Lord is consummated at the second coming of Christ.” ₍₃₎

Portions of this study originally appeared here.

(1) Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2480). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

(2) Dr. Bob Utley. Free Bible Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 5:2 Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL07/VOL07B_05.html

(3) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2138). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

“The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NET).

We can work through several challenging aspects of this passage with the help of various commentators. Our first source sets an appropriate foundation for our look at this verse…

“[The Lord] can’t be waiting for everyone to be saved, since the emphasis is that He will destroy the world and the ungodly. Those who do perish and go to hell, go because they are depraved and worthy only of hell and have rejected the only remedy, Jesus Christ, not because they were created for hell and predetermined to go there. The path to damnation is the path of a non-repentant heart; it is the path of one who rejects the person and provision of Jesus Christ and holds on to sin (cf. Is 55:1; Jer 13:17; Eze 18:32; Mt 11:28; 23:37; Lk 13:3; Jn 3:16; 8:21, 24; 1Ti 2:3, 4; Rev 22:17).” ₍₁₎

Another commentary directs our attention to the tension between God’s desire (or His desiderative will), and what He decrees (or His decretive will)…

“Unless God’s will is viewed on the two planes of his desiderative and decretive will (what he desires and what he decrees), hopeless confusion will result. The scriptures amply illustrate both that God sometimes decrees things that he does not desire and desires things that he does not decree. It is not that his will can be thwarted, nor that he has limited his sovereignty. But the mystery of God’s dealings with humanity is best seen if this tension is preserved. Otherwise, either God will be perceived as good but impotent or as a sovereign taskmaster. Here the idea that God does not wish for any to perish speaks only of God’s desiderative will, without comment on his decretive will.” ₍₂₎

Our final commentator addresses this reference to “those who perish” in response to an age-old question: “How can a good God send people to hell?”

“This question assumes that God sends people to hell against their will. But this is not the case. God desires everyone to be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9). Those who are not saved do not will to be saved. Jesus said, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing’ (Matthew 23:37). As C. S. Lewis put it, ‘The door of hell is locked on the inside.’ All who go there choose to do so. Lewis added: ‘There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end,’ Thy will be done.’ All that are in hell, choose it.'” ₍₃₎

(1) John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), 2 Pe 3:9.

(2) NET Bible notes on 2 Peter 3:9 https://netbible.org/bible/2+Peter+3

(3) Zacharias, R., & Geisler, N. L. (2003). Who Made God?: And Answers to Over 100 Other Tough Questions of Faith. Zondervan. [pg. 30]

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

While this passage is notable for the controversy it stirs with regard to the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, there is another aspect of this verse that may go virtually unnoticed from a 21st century perspective.

Among the heretical teachers of the first century, there were undoubtedly some who viewed the acquisition of “secret knowledge” as the key to spiritual enlightenment. However, 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God does not hide His plan of salvation from a larger audience in favor of a select few. Instead, God’s call to salvation through Christ is open to all who will accept it.

Thankfully, God is patient with the members of the human family and not willing that any should perish, as we are told in the passage quoted above. For instance, we can illustrate the depth of God’s patience with a look at His attitude toward the people of Old Testament Israel. Consider the following lament as expressed through the pen of the Biblical prophet Isaiah: “But concerning Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people'” (Isaiah 65:2 NIV).

With unparalleled patience, God continues to extend His hands to us through Christ. But let’s approach this gracious gesture from a human point of view and reflect upon our own relationships with others. If one person extends his or her hand to another in a gesture of friendship, it would be highly offensive to ignore or reject it. If such is the case among human beings in their relationships with one another, how much more insulting is it for the Creator of humanity to be rejected in a similar manner?

Furthermore, we should note that God stretches forth His hands in an offer of friendship even to those who are obstinate and disobedient. One pastoral commentator adds the following insight…

“We understand that God is not willing that any should perish not in the sense of a divine decree, as if God has declared that no sinners will perish. Rather, Peter’s statement reflects God’s heart of love for the world (John 3:16), and His compassionate sorrow even in the righteous judgment of the wicked. It is the same thought as expressed in Ezekiel 33:11: As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” ₍₁₎

(1) Enduring Word. (2022, July 13). Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Peter Chapter 3. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-peter-3/