This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
WhatsApp
Copy
That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
WhatsApp
Copy
WhatsApp
Copy
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
WhatsApp
Copy
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
WhatsApp
Copy
WhatsApp
Copy
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
WhatsApp
Copy
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
WhatsApp
Copy
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
WhatsApp
Copy
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
WhatsApp
Copy
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
WhatsApp
Copy
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
WhatsApp
Copy
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
WhatsApp
Copy
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
WhatsApp
Copy
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
WhatsApp
Copy
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.
WhatsApp
Copy
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
WhatsApp
Copy
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
WhatsApp
Copy
Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
2 Peter 3 addresses scoffers who doubt the return of Christ. Peter explains that God is not slack concerning His promise but is longsuffering, and he describes the future destruction of the world by fire, urging believers to live in holiness.
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. God’s Perspective on Time: One day is with the Lord as a thousand years (v. 8). We should not mistake God’s patience for indifference; His delay is an opportunity for repentance.2. Looking for New Heavens: Since everything we see will be dissolved, we should live in "all holy conversation and godliness" (v. 11-13). Our hope is fixed on a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
3. Growing in Grace: The final command of the apostle is to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (v. 18). Stagnation is the first step toward falling from our own steadfastness.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we look for the coming of the Day of God and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Grant that we may be found of Thee in peace, without spot, and blameless, growing evermore in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.