2 Peter 3:1-9

¹ “Beloved, this is now the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of a reminder, ² to remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. ³ Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, ⁶ through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water. ⁷ But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people. ⁸ But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.”

Verse 1: Peter addresses his audience as dear friends and acknowledges that this is his second letter to them. He explains that his purpose in writing these letters is to remind and stimulate them to engage in wholesome thinking. This emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds and aligning our thoughts with the truth of the gospel.

Verse 2: Peter urges his readers to remember the words spoken by the holy prophets in the past and the command given by our Lord and Savior through the apostles. This highlights the significance of holding onto the teachings of Scripture and the authority of Jesus Christ. It encourages believers to anchor their faith in the truth revealed through the prophets and apostles: The gospel of grace.

Verse 3: Peter warns that in the last days, scoffers will arise who mock and ridicule the teachings of the faith. These scoffers will be driven by their own evil desires and will seek to undermine the truth. This serves as a reminder to be aware of false teachings and to stand firm in the face of opposition.

Verse 4: The scoffers will question the promised return of Jesus, suggesting that everything has remained the same since the beginning of creation. This challenges the faith of believers and attempts to undermine the hope of Christ’s second coming. However, Peter encourages his readers to remain steadfast in their belief, despite the doubts raised by the scoffers.

Verse 5: Peter reminds his readers that the scoffers deliberately overlook the fact that God, by His word, brought the heavens into existence and formed the earth out of water. This highlights the power and authority of God as the Creator and serves as a reminder of His ability to fulfill His promises.

Verse 6: Peter references the historical event of the worldwide flood, emphasizing that the world of that time was deluged and destroyed by the waters. This serves as a reminder of God’s judgment and His ability to bring about significant changes in the course of history.

Verse 7: Peter explains that just as the flood brought judgment in the past, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, which will come on the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. This highlights the certainty of God’s judgment and the importance of living in a manner that is pleasing to him.

Verse 8: Peter reminds his readers not to forget that God’s perspective of time is different from ours. He emphasizes that for the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. This highlights the eternal nature of God and His patience in fulfilling His promises.

Verse 9: Peter reassures his readers that the apparent delay in the fulfillment of God’s promise should not be interpreted as slowness or indifference. Instead, it is a demonstration of God’s patience and His desire for all people to come to repentance and be saved. This emphasizes God’s loving and merciful nature, as He extends the opportunity for everyone to turn to him and receive salvation.