2 Peter 3 - Introduction

ANALYSIS.

The object I had in writing this letter is to stir you up, that you may keep in mind the words of the prophets about the reign of Christ, and the commandment we apostles of Jesus Christ have given you.

One thing I desire you to know in the outset is that scoffers will come in the last days, who will object to our gospel and teachings. They will say, among other things, that we claim the second coming of Christ is near at hand, and they claim there is no sign of his coming. They will say that all things are just as they were from the beginning. In this they are mistaken, for the world as it was at the first was destroyed by water. Besides, their claim of delay is without foundation. They make a mistake in this. God does not measure time as man measures it Days and years are alike to him in the accomplishment of his purposes. He is not slack, but is long-suffering, that men may have opportunities for repentance, and is not willing that any should perish. Be assured, however, the day of judgment will come, and just as unexpectedly as comes a thief to steal. At that time the heavens will disappear, making a great noise. Everything will melt with a great heat, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. Knowing that these things are certain, you should be holy and pure in all your acts toward God and man. We, however, have the promise of a new heaven and a new earth; not wicked like the present, but one in which right-doing only will exist. Looking for this new heaven and new earth, I urge you, beloved brethren, to be earnest and careful, that when the Lord comes he will find you in peace and blameless. Paul also spoke of these things, and while he wrote some sentences hard to comprehend, the unlearned and those who are not sound in the faith only will wrest them to their hurt. I urge you to beware, and not to be led away by the bad acts of the false teachers or wicked persons, and you fall from your stability in the faith, but, contrariwise, grow in Christian character and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him we both ascribe the honor of this salvation, and forever.