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The Book of 2 Peter

Chapter 3

The principal design of this chapter is to demonstrate, the opposition to the objections of scoffers, that the Lord Jesus SHALL return again to this world; that the world will be destroyed by fire, and that there will be a new heaven and a new earth; and to show what effect this should have on the minds of Christians. The chapter, without any very exact arrangement by the author, essentially consists of two parts.
#1. The argument of the objectors to the doctrine that the Lord Jesus will return to the world, and that it will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:1-4).
#2. The argument of Peter, in reply to this objection; a strong affirmation of the Truth of the doctrine that the Lord Jesus SHALL return; that the Earth and all that it contains will be burned up; that there will be a new heaven and a new earth; and the effect which the prospect of the Coming of the Lord Jesus, and of the destruction of the world by fire, should have on the minds of Christians (2 Peter 3:5-18).

There are three major divisions in this chapter: #1. Apostates attitude toward the return to the Lord; #2. God's program of God for the world; and #3. Warning to believers. . . . This is another remarkable chapter that Peter has written.

Attitude Toward the Return Of The Lord

2 Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: (KJV)

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you . . . Simon Peter makes it clear that he is the writer of both letters.

In both which I stir up your pure minds by way of rememberance . . . in both letters, Peter tries to stir up their minds that they may stay pure and sincere, and remember the things he has told them. By way of remembrance (2 Pet. 1:13). He wants not only to commend them for what they were, but also direct his readers AWAY from false teachers and their heresies . . . to encourage and urge them onward to what they should be. Peter wrote great truths and he wanted them to receive benefit by what he wrote. He was very concerned about their eternal soul. 1 Peter 2:1-2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (KJV)

Peter wanted the Truth to sink in to them, because he knew the danger of the possibility of them straying into the errors of others. Such minds need to have Truths often refreshed to their memories. That is why we today need to delve into the Word of God daily!

2 Peter 3:2 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: (KJV)

That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets . . . the words of the holy prophets; the word of prophecy (2 Pet. 1:19). Peter joins the prophets and apostles together, as agreeing in their doctrine, using it as an argument to persuade his readers to continue in the faith of the Gospel . . . for what the apostles preached to them was confirmed by what the prophets in the Old Testament had taught before (Acts 26:22-23; Eph. 2:20). That ye . . . (Jude 1:17-18)

And of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour . . . by this Peter means the whole doctrine (teaching) of the Gospel preached by him and the other apostles (2 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 3:23).

Our precious Lord Jesus was the Author of eternal life (Heb.5:9), and the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb.12:2), and the One Who commanded us all to "go ye therefore" (Mat.28:19-20). The apostles received it from the Lord, and were ministers and instruments in delivering it to others. We, received the Gospel through the faithfulness of those apostles, let us too be faithful as we bring it to others.

2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (KJV)

In chapter 2, Peter called false teachers and apostates: brute beasts, spots and blemishes, cursed children, wells without water, clouds carried away, mist of darkness, servants of corruption, unstable souls, dogs, pigs. Now he adds "scoffers." A scoffer is someone who blasphemes, mocks, ridicules and/or scorns God and His Word, and His people, just like the Antichrist (Rev.13:6).

Knowing this first . . . this was very necessary to be known. Peter had told them in the chapter 2 about all the enemies of the Gospel, seducers and false teachers, now here he tells them of more enemies, profane scoffers. He cautions the saints again, about this bunch. He warns us as well!

In the last days (1 Cor. 10:11-12; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).

Scoffers . . . irreverent, ungodly enemies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil.3:18), seducers and false teachers . . . here Peter warns them to beware of enemies and blasphemers of God, those who criticize and debase His Truth (Ps. 1:1; 119:51; Isa. 28:14, 22).

Walking after their own lusts . . . just like the men mentioned in Chapter 2; such as are natural to them; lusts of ungodliness (Jude 1:18).

2 Peter 3:4 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. (KJV)

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming . . . scoffers always question or deny the great Truths of the Bible. WHY? Could it be that they try to comfort and encourage themselves because they KNOW they are NOT walking in the light of Jesus, but instead . . . walking after their own lusts (2 Tim.4:3; 2 Pet.3:3; Jude 1:16,18) . . . and they KNOW, back in their mind somewhere, that there is a Judgment Day coming some day in the future?

Of his coming . . . Christ's Coming is mentioned in verse 2. These scoffers might by way of contempt, not mention His Name, as the Jews did (John 9:29). This scoffing goes on big time today. Where is the promise of His Coming? Why do you expect Him? He was said to return centuries ago, and He's still not here! But the Old Testament scoffers did not believe what the prophets said then either.
Psalms 10:11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. (KJV)
Psalms 73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? (KJV)

Arrogant skepticism and lawless lust is that of the scoffers in the last days. True! His Coming, to judge the world (Mat.25:31-46), and His promised Coming has not yet taken place, the Promise of this is yet to be fulfilled. BUT. . . my friend, do NOT be a "scoffer." Believe God, for He has NEVER lied, ever, nor will He ever lie, because He CANNOT lie! (Tit.1:2).

SO. . . Where is the promise of His coming? When shall He appear? Consider some things God has said in His Word.

• #1. Be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets (2 Pet.3:2). The prophets said that He would come the first time and He did!
• #2. Jesus Himself said He would come again (John 14:3).
• #3. The angels, at His ascension, clearly stated that He would come from Heaven in like manner as He went up (Acts 1:11; 1 Thes.4:16-17).
• #4. All His apostles said that He would appear a second time to judge both quick and dead (Acts 10:42; 1 Pet.4:5).
• #5. His apostles also said that His coming was at hand (Phil.4:5).

Yet, with all these things, scoffers still exist and ask: "But where is the fulfillment of all this? He has not come, nor is there any sign of His Coming." They simply refuse to believe God! "A scorner will not hear rebuke" (Pro.13:1). Pro.19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. (KJV) . . . Scoffers: (Jer.17:15; Mat.12:24; 24:48; 27:29; 27:37; Jude 1:18)

"Fathers" refers to the holy leaders in Old Testament times. The false teachers claimed that nothing had changed since God created the world. Therefore, nothing would change in the future. They did not believe that Jesus had spoken the Truth. But Peter answered them in 4 ways: #1.God’s Word (2 Pet.2:5-7) #2. God’s time (2 Pet.2:8) #3. God’s patience (2 Pet.2:9) #4. Peter warned them (2 Pet.2:10)

"In the last days'' scoffers will say that Jesus is never coming back, but Peter refutes their argument by explaining that God is the Master of time. The "last days'' is the time between Christ's first and second comings; thus we, like Peter, live in the last days. We must do the work to which God has called us and BELIEVE that He will return as He promised.

2 Peter 3:5 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: (KJV)

For this they willingly are ignorant of . . . SO many people today are absolutely ignorant of God's Word. I have had this written in my Bible for many years: "No man is uneducated who knows the Bible, and no one is truly educated who is ignorant of its teachings." SO true!

People today just do NOT know what they should know, BUT, if they would search the Scripture, they would find out!

That by the word of God . . . the Bible is God's Words: it is the command of God, or word of His power, as it is called (Heb. 1:3). God's WORD is awesome! (Gen. 1:6,9,11,14,20,24,26,29; Ps. 33:6; 148:5).

The heavens were of old . . . the heavens were formerly made (Gen.1:1). "Heaven" in the Scriptures sometimes refers to the atmosphere, sometimes to the starry worlds as they appear above us, and sometimes to the exalted place where God dwells. Here it is doubtless, as meaning the heavens as they appear, which embrace the sun, moon and stars.

And the earth standing out of the water and in the water . . . it seems here, that before the formation of the Earth, a part was out of the water, and a part under the water. The creation of the Earth was the result of the Divine agency acting on the mass of elements which in Genesis is called waters (Gen.1:2,6,7,9).

The false teachers refused to remember (or admit) that God judged the world, just like multi-millions today! God’s WORD created the firmament. He commanded the Earth to appear out of the water and it did! (Gen.1:9-10). Every plant and animal needs water to keep it alive (Gen.2:5-6).
There was a judgment in the pre-Adamic world, before man was put here (Isa.14:12-14; Rev.12:9).

Things that People Are Willingly Ignorant Of:

• #1. That by the Word of God the Heavens were created of old (2 Pet.3:5; Ps.68:33; 102:25; Mic.5:2).
• #2. That the Earth was established in and out of water (2 Pet.3:5; Ps.24:2; 136:6).
• #3. That "the world that then was" (2 Pet.3:6; Gen.1:2; Ps. 104:5-9; Jer.4:23-26; Isa.14:12-14; Eze.28:11-17).
• #4.That with the God who inhabits eternity, a thousand years is like a day and a day like a thousand years. (2 Pet.3:8-9; Ps.90:4; Isa.57:15; Eph.3:11).
• #5. That the Lord is NOT slack concerning His Promises but is longsuffering to all men, wishing that all would come to repentance (2 Pet.3:9; 1 Tim.2:4; Rev.22:17).
• #6. That the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night, in which day (the end of it) the heavens and the earth will be renovated and made new a third time (2 Pet.3:10-13; Isa.65:17; 66:22-24; Rev.21-22).
• #7. That all rebellion will then be put down (2 Pet.3:13; 1 Cor. 15:24-28).
• #8. That the righteous natural people left on Earth after the war (Rev.20:7-10) will multiply and replenish the new Earth forever, carrying out God's original program for Adam, as would have been done if man had not sinned (2 Pet.3:13; Gen.1:26-31; 8:22; 9:12; Isa.9:6-7; Dan.7:13-14,27; Mat.25:34,46; Lk.1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 21:1 through Rev. 22:5).
• #9. That the resurrected saints, will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ and will reign as kings and priests on Earth (2 Pet.3:13; Ps.149:5-9; Rom. 8:17; 1 Cor.4:8; 6:2; Eph.2:7; 2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Thes.1:4-10; Rev.1:6; 2:26-27; 5:9-10; 11:15; 20:4-6; 22:5).

This ignorance of the Biblical facts is not God's fault. These ignorant ones are willingly ignorant, choosing to remain in darkness, and scoffing at the Second Coming of Christ, denying Him who bought them with His own blood (2 Pet. 2:1; 3:5,8-10). They shut their eyes to the light so abundantly offered to them and refuse to believe any and all evidence that it is a FACT!

2 Peter 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: (KJV)

The Earth was formed out of water and by water, and it was also by the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed. The scoffers forget that God made the heavens by His Word . . . He spoke, and it WAS! His command brought the Earth out from the water and then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood because of the horrendous immorality (Gen.6:5). All all the inhabitants of the earth were destroyed, except 8 people (1 Pet.3:20).

2 Peter 3:7 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. (KJV)

But the heavens and the earth which are now . . . as they now exist. There is no problem understanding what is meant by the word earth . . . but it is not so easy to determine just how much is included in the word heavens. It cannot mean the Heaven where God dwells. It is possible Peter means the heavens as they appear to the eye; and that the fire would not only destroy the Earth, but would change the heavens as they now appear to us. When the Earth and its atmosphere is subjected to a universal fire, all that is implied by Peter would occur.

By the same word . . . here again we consider the power of God's Word. The same Word that made the Earth appear, shall on His command, be destroyed.

Are kept in store . . . it seems that this day of destruction is reserved for future use. Only God has control of that destruction. Some think that it is to be nuclear war (Zec.14:12). If that is the case, which very well could be, GOD is in complete control. Believe it.

Reserved unto fire . . . kept for that day to be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10). The first way that God destroyed the Earth because "the wickedness was great" (Gen.6:5), was by water. The next time will be by fire . . . for the SAME reason! "Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" . . . not only homosexuality, but abortion, adultery, fornication, murder, stealing, covetousness . . . on and on and on! When God's wrath comes to a boiling point (Rom.2:5), the first thing that will happen is that the church will be removed (1 Thes.4:13-18). Then the horrible Great Tribulation shall start (Mat.24:21). The first 3 1/2 years will not be bad (Dan.9:27), but when the Antichrist breaks the peace treaty with Israel. . . look out (Rev.ch.6-18)!

Against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men . . . the world was destroyed by a flood on account of the wickedness of its inhabitants. This Passage teaches is that the world is reserved now for such another destruction. . . by fire.

2 Peter 3:8 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. (KJV)

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing . . . be sure of it (2 Pet. 3:5). Peter cautions them against the ignorance of scoffers, and to try to prevent it from happening to them, telling them that they would have to know this one thing, which exists in the Scripture, that being prophecy of Christ's Coming (Ps.98:9; Dan. 7:13-14; Zec.14:4; Mat.10:23; 26:64; Mark 13:26,35; 14:62; Luke 9:26; 19:15; 21:27; John 21:22; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 11:26; 15:23; Heb. 9:28; 2 Pet. 3:10). Then see: Rev.19:11-21.

The scoffers' objection was that much time had come and gone since those prophecies, and He still had NOT come!
The reply of the apostle is, for that which may seem to be a long time to us is a brief period with God.

That one day is with the Lord as a thousand years . . . a similar thought occurs in: Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (KJV) . . . What Peter is trying to get across to his readers is, a thousand years is a LONG period of time . . . to us humans . . . but to our eternal God, nothing is past, nothing is future, but all things present, there is NO difference of time, so a thousand years to Him is like a blink of an eye with us. The scoffers refuse to believe this fact, so they just cannot see all the centuries of the Lord's delay in coming. It just does not make any sense at all to those Biblically ignorant.

2 Peter 3:9 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. (KJV)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise . . . God will NOT postpone the fulfilling of this Promise, or any other Promise beyond the appointed time. When God says it is time, Jesus shall return! Simple as that!

As some men count slackness . . . the scoffers, because of Christ's not yet coming, question IF He would come at all . . . as if God has changed His mind or would not fulfill it! There are some believers, who, because their faith is weak, and greatness of their sufferings, might grow impatience, and think Christ slow in coming to avenge their cause, and give them their reward.

But is long-suffering to usward . . . to believers, the elect, God's children.

Not willing that any should perish . . . It is not God's will that you or anyone else should perish. Perish = to destroy, destroy utterly, put to death, ruin. He wants NO one to go to Hell! He does NOT want to condemn anyone to Hell!
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV)
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV)
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV)
1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) . . . Do you really SEE what each of these verses say? You must BELIEVE what God says, OR He shall condemn you to Hell . . . NOT because He wants to, but because YOU chose NOT to believe what He clearly says!

I think if you are reading this commentary, it is because God does NOT want you to be condemned to Hell. He wants your name in the book of life (Rev.20:15). He wants you to pass from death unto life (John 5:24). And you can do that, turn to Christ Jesus today and receive the wonderful salvation that He has for you.

2 Peter 3:10 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. (KJV)

But the day of the Lord . . . (Luke 17:27) Judgment Day is here called the day of the Lord, and the great day (Jude 1:6), and the great day of God Almighty (Rec.16:14), and the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6, 10). Jesus will not continue to wait for ever. Jesus said that people would not know when He would return (Luke 12:39-40). People do not expect a thief to come suddenly to their house in the middle of the night. It shall be in a similar way, that Jesus will suddenly return to this world. God will not give people any more time to obey Him, that is why we must be careful to live a life that pleases God. With His return, Jesus will bring judgment.

Will come as a thief in the night . . . a thief comes suddenly and unexpectedly, when he thinks all in the house are most secure. (Mat.24:37-39; 1 Thes. 5:2-3).

In the which the heavens . . . those that are visible, where the stars are, not the dwelling place of God.

Shall pass away . . . totally, to cease to be; OR possibly their present being and condition, to cease to be what they now are, and to give place to the new heaven (Rev. 21:1). The same word is used in (Mat.24:35; Lu. 16:17).

With a great noise . . . with such a noise as is usually caused by such violent and speedy motions.

Shall melt with fervent heat . . . (2 Pet. 3:12), properly means melting, or being on fire, burning, shall be dissolved or destroyed.

The earth also . . . the habitable part of the world. Though the Earth, as a part of the world, is included in the elements before mentioned, I think here it may mean its inhabitants, and the things contained in it.

2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, (KJV)

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved . . . since this is a Truth and a fact, we had better pay attention! Seeing the coming of the Lord to Earth (Zec.14:4; Rev.19:11-21; 20:11-15) will be so terrible, as to bring with it the end of this world as we know it, and the destruction of all these things here below, we should be very careful how we live, and on what we set our affections, because we know NOT when He will come.

What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness . . . in holy conduct and piety. The fact of His Coming should bestow within us a deep and abiding influence on us, to make us want to lead holy lives. We should know deep down that there is nothing permanent on the Earth; that this is Earth is NOT our eternal home; and that our greatest interests should be in the world to come. But, so few feel this way today.

We should be cautious, humble and in prayer always (1 Thes.5:17). We should never quench the Spirit (1 Thes.5:19), but let Him do His work within us. It should prompt us to lay up our treasures in Heaven (Mat.6:19-21). It should cause us to ask ourselves "Are we ready for Jesus to come?"

Since the present world will end like this, TRUE Christians must live holy lives. People who do not know God say, ‘Eat, drink and be merry’ (Luke 12:19). They just want to enjoy themselves here and now, it this temporal world. But God shall punish people who do not obey Him (chapter 2). Peter encouraged Christians to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). ‘Holy’ means to be separate from evil things and to belong to God. When Jesus returns He will reward Christians (2 Pet.1:10-11; 1 Pet.1:3-5).

2 Peter 3:12 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? (KJV)

Looking for . . . not knowing when this may occur, our mind should be in that state which expects that it could be at any moment. We must believe that it shall happen and not be taken by surprise should it happen at any moment.

And hasting unto the coming . . . we should anxiously desire His Coming, and hasten or accelerate it if we can. HOW could we hasten it? By obeying Jesus' command "Ge ye therefore" (Mat.28:19-20). I believe there is a certain number of Gentiles to be placed in the church (Rom.11:25), and when the quota is filled, Jesus shall come for believers (1 Thes.4:13-18).

TRUE Christians do not dread the coming of that day, but look forward to it as the completion of our redemption (1 Pet.1:4-5), and we welcome the return of our Saviour and Lord (Rom.8:18-23). We look forward to the redemption of our body; and our complete deliverance from sin and misery. We look forward to NO more sin, ever again (1 Cor.15:48-50; 2 Cor.5:1-2; Phil.3:21), never to displease God again! Also see (Luke 21:27-28; Eph. 4:30).

"Looking for" (Titus 2:13; Heb.10:27; Jude 21), looking for; patiently waiting for, and expecting with a fervent desire .
"Melt" (Judg.5:5; Ps.46:6-7; 97:5; Am.9:5,13; Nah.1:5; Mic.1:4)

Peter did not want to scare Christians. He repeated here what he said in verse 10. Christians should eagerly expect the day when Jesus returns to this world. We should want this day to come. Let us all pray "Thy kingdom come" (Mat.6:10). It will come sooner as Christians tell the good news about Jesus to other people (Mat.24:14; Rom.11:25). It will come as Christians obey God and bring others into the family of God.

2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (KJV)

Nevertheless we, according to his promise . . . the Promise of a new heavens and a new earth: (Isa. 65:17; 66:22; Rev. 21:1, 27).

Look for new heavens and a new earth . . . instead of the present world, which shall be consumed by fire, (2 Pet.3:10,12), the first heaven and earth, which pass away (Rev. 21:1). These will be new heavens and a new earth, either as to their substance, or as to their qualities, refined and purified from ALL defilement, and free from all that vanity to which the creature was made subject by the sin of man (Rom. 8:20-21).

Wherein dwelleth . . . perpetual abiding, not only for a time (Rom. 8:11; 2 Cor. 6:16; 2 Tim. 1:14).

Righteousness . . . in the new heavens and new earth, there shall be absolutely NO sin whatsoever! With the destruction of the world, Satan's kingdom of sin shall be totally destroyed, and God's elect, the inhabitants of the new world, shall be filled with righteousness. The whole new world will then be the possession and kingdom of the saints, who follow Christ wherever He goes.

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (KJV)
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV) . . . ALL immorality, corruption, evil, wickedness, all disobedience and rebellion against God; NO SIN of any kind shall have any part of the new heavens and new earth!

There is absolutely NO evidence whatsoever that any world or person has been annihilated, although it disappears from human view. As observed above (2 Peter 3:10) there is NO proof that a single particle of matter ever has been annihilated, or ever will be. It may change its form, but it shall still exist (Rev.20:13). God was able to create a person, He certainly will be able to reconstruct the person even though they were buried at sea or burned up. With God, all things are possible (Mat.19:26).

Even though the Earth and its inhabitants did undergo important changes by the Flood, NOTHING was annihilated. And when the Earth and its inhabitants are destroyed by fire, it shall undergo important changes too, but NOTHING will be annihilated. That is a damnable heresy! (2 Pet.2:1).

The new heavens and earth will be holy. They will be the abode of righteousness for ever. This fact is clearly revealed in the words: "wherein dwelleth righteousness." It is also proven by the Scriptures (Rev.21:27; 22:14-15; 1 Cor. 6:9,10; Heb.12:14).

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (KJV)

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things . . . Christ's Coming to judgment; the destruction of this world; a new heaven and a new earth, in which dwells righteousness.

Be diligent . . . Peter means in securing your salvation. The results of our hopes of eternal life (Tit.1:2), should lead us to an earnest desire to live to please God. We should look forward to the glory that awaits us (1 Pet.1:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:58; Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:16).

That ye may be found of him in peace . . . of Him, Christ the Judge. In peace . . . at peace with God, from Whom proceeds peace of conscience, and a peaceable disposition toward others.

Without spot, and blameless . . . Peter means perfect righteousness, which can come ONLY from Christ Jesus (1 Cor.1:30). Our sanctification too, is through faith in Christ, and our wisdom to reject fleshly lusts and the pollutions of the world. Our redemption is ONLY through Christ Jesus! This verse is awesome! 1 Cor.1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (KJV) . . . My friend, you CANNOT go to Heaven, you CANNOT gain an inheritance there , without JESUS! (1 Pet.1:4-5). You CANNOT be without spot and blameless without JESUS!! John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) Also see: (Eph.5:27; 1 Thes.5:23-24).

Peter urged his ‘beloved' to live pure lives. This was in contrast to the false teachers. Their lives were NOT pure, they were like dirty ‘spots and blemishes' (2 Pet.2:13). When Christians live a pure life, it pleases God, and their conscience is clear. TRUE Christians must have a good relationship with God as they eagerly wait for Jesus to return.

2 Peter 3:15 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; (KJV)

And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation . . . we should consider the delay in Jesus' Coming to judge the world, NOT as an evidence that He never will come, but instead as proof of His desire that as many as possible should be saved.

Some say that He will never come, and that His Promises had failed. Peter disagrees saying that it is evidence of His mercy, and of His desire that we should be saved. Wicked men should not think that because God does not cut them down where they stand, that they will never be punished, or that God is not faithful to keep His Promises. THAT is NOT so!

Even as our beloved brother Paul also . . . Peter calls him a "brother" because he was a believer in Christ, belonging to the family of God with him, and was of the household of faith.

According to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you . . . I think that Peter means that Paul had written to the church for the same reason Peter writes . . . for the general good of all the saints, as well as for those particular churches or men to whom they were sent.

Wisdom was "given unto him" . . . and came from above, from God, who gives it liberally. What Paul wrote and what Peter wrote also, came from the Lord Himself; and considered it to be a free grace gift of God bestowed upon him. I think that all the light and knowledge were by the revelation of Christ to BOTH men, and I believe both Paul and Peter ascribes it to God, that He might have all the glory, the way that it should be!

2 Peter 3:16 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. (KJV)

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things . . . Paul, in all his letters, spoke of similar things written by Peter in this letters.

• #1. He spoke of Christ's Coming to judgment (1 Thes.3:13; 4:13-18; 2 Thes.1:7-10; Tit.2:13).
• #2. He spoke of the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:22; Phil.3:20-21).
• #3. He spoke of fire in judgment (1 Cor.3:13; 2 Thes.1:8).
• #4. He spoke of the heavenly country (2 Cor.5:1-10).
• #5. He spoke of the introduction of the righteous into that country (1 Thes. 4:17).
• #6. He spoke of the judgment of all mankind by Christ (Rom.14:10).
• #7. He spoke of those who disobey God (Rom.2:8; 1 Cor.3:17; 2 Thes.1:9).
• #8. He spoke of false teachers (2 Cor.11:4,13; Gal.1:9; 5:8; Phil.1:15; 1 Tim.1:7; 4:2; 6:3; 2 Tim.4:3; Tit.1:11 ).
• #9. He spoke of damnable heresies (1 Cor.11:19; 1 Tim.1:3; 4:1; 6:20; 2 Tim.2:17; Tit. 3:10)
• #10. He spoke of apostasy (2 Thes. 2:3; 1 Tim.1:19; 4:1; 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:4). . . Both Peter and Paul taught the same things, the things of God, the TRUTH!
  

2 Peter 3:17 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. (KJV)

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing that ye know these things before . . . that the Judge SHALL come, and that heretics, deceivers, false teachers and scoffers will come! Christians who stay firmly in the Word of God, know these things, and can watch out for those trying to lead us astray, and we know that the Judge shall return, and we can eagerly watch for His return (Mat.25:13).

Being aware of this danger . . . and knowing what results may follow. We should read the Bible in earnest, that we may not fall into error, and be deceived. SO much deception out there! BEWARE!!! Evil ones everywhere!

With the error of the wicked . . . wicked men, such as Peter had referred to in chapter 2, who became teachers of religion.

Fall from your own stedfastness . . . we must firmly adhere the the Truth! I think the danger here is not falling from grace, but straying from the firm and settled principles of Gospel Truth, into error that will lead to Hell.

Christians knew that false teachers would come. They knew that they had to be careful because Satan's workers (2 Cor.11:13-15) would try to tempt them away from the Truth about Jesus. False teachers still abound today. They try to lead people away from the truth about Jesus. Beware!! They are everywhere! And they pretend to be "shepherds" but they are nothing but wolves in sheep's clothing (Mat.7:15).
See: . . . http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_1_false_teachers.1.htm

2 Peter 3:18 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. (KJV)

But grow in grace . . . (Col.1:10). To "grow in grace" is to increase your knowledge of Christ and the Bible, and especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1,14).

And in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . . . (John 17:3; Col.1:10). To know the Lord Jesus Christ . . . is to know just how much He loves us, and to possess characteristics of His person and His Work. In other words, we must imitate Him and the way to imitate Him is to know Him better day by day . . . on a close, personal basis! We must really KNOW Christ, if we want a saving knowledge of Christ!

To him be glory . . . (Rom.16:27; 2 Tim.4:18). We must always desire that ALL honor and glory should be rendered to the Redeemer! There is no wish more deeply cherished in the hearts of TRUE Christians than this, and there is nothing that will enter more into their worship in Heaven (Rev.1:5-6, 5:12-13).

Facts about False Teachers
#1. They are enemies of the cross (Phil. 3:18).
#2. Their end is destruction (Phil. 3:19; 2 Cor. 11:14-15; Heb. 6:8; 2 Pet. 2:20).
#3. Their god is their belly (Phil. 3:19; Rom.16:18; Isa.56:10-12; Eze.13:19).
#4. Their glory is in their shame (Phil. 3:19).
#5. They mind earthly things (Phil. 3:19; Rom.8:5-6; 2 Pet.3:3,13-20; Mat.7:15).

Bible Commentaries

Second Peter

Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Ch.3

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