The Book of
2 Peter 3
18 verses≈ 4 min1 personBSB
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1Every effortGrow in faith; trust the eyewitnesses
- 2False teachersTheir end is sure; God rescues His own
- 3The promiseHe will come; His patience savesChapter 3
The Coming Judgment
Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
2 Peter 3:1–2
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On the map
A second letter from Rome
Peter probably writes from Rome near the end of his life. When he says “this is now my second letter to you,” he seems to mean the same readers as 1 Peter: believers scattered across the Roman provinces of Asia Minor, modern Turkey. Once more he writes to stir them “by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets.”
Peter
Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
The scoffers
“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”
Peter
But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
Question
Quick question
The scoffers say “everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” Peter answers from history.
What two things does Peter say the scoffers deliberately overlook?
The Day of the Lord
Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
0:18
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
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 its works will be laid bare.
Reflect
What kind of people?
Peter answers the question of the end with a life: “holiness and godliness,” and to be “found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.” If the Lord came today, what would you want Him to find you doing? Write down one thing you could begin, or set right, this week.
Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
In this chapter
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Pray
Grow in grace
Pray Peter’s last words back to God. Thank Him that “our Lord’s patience brings salvation,” and that He is still calling people home. Ask Him to keep you on your guard and to help you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Then end where Peter ends: “To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
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2 Peter 3
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A verse to carry with you
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
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