2 Peter 3
BSB1 Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking 2 by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 “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." 5 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, 6 through which the world of that time perished in the flood. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness 12 as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight. 15 Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. 16 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. 17 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. 18 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.
Study Notes — 2 Peter 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Peter 3
- Themes from 2 Peter 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Peter 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a reminder of the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:1-2). The author then addresses the scoffers who doubt the second coming, saying that they will be destroyed by the very elements they trust in (2 Peter 3:3-7). The chapter also discusses the delay of the second coming, explaining that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:8-9). The author encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God (2 Peter 3:10-14). The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers and a call to grow in the knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:15-18).
Context for the Chapter
2 Peter chapter 3 is the final chapter of the book of 2 Peter, which is a general epistle written to believers in the first century. The chapter is part of a larger section of the book that deals with the return of Jesus Christ and the importance of living holy lives in anticipation of it. The chapter also connects with other biblical themes, such as the day of the Lord in the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:12, Joel 2:31) and the second coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 20:1-6).
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God. It also reminds us of the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. We should be patient and not doubt the second coming of Jesus Christ, but instead, look forward to it with anticipation and joy.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the second coming of Jesus Christ and the importance of living holy lives in anticipation of it. The author reminds us to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, and to look forward to the day of God with joy and anticipation (2 Peter 3:1-2, 10-14). We should not doubt the second coming, but instead, be patient and trust in God's promises (2 Peter 3:8-9).
Voices from the Church
“The day of the Lord is a day of darkness and gloominess, but it is also a day of great joy and triumph for the people of God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The second coming of Jesus Christ is a doctrine that is full of comfort and consolation for believers, and it should motivate us to live holy and godly lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Importance of Remembering the Words of the Prophets (2 Peter 3:1-2) — The author reminds the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior.
- The Scoffers and the Second Coming (2 Peter 3:3-7) — The chapter contrasts the scoffers who doubt the second coming with the believers who look forward to it.
- The Delay of the Second Coming (2 Peter 3:8-9) — The author explains the delay of the second coming, saying that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.
- Living Holy and Godly Lives (2 Peter 3:10-14) — The author encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God.
- Conclusion and Final Warning (2 Peter 3:15-18) — The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers and a call to grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
Core Doctrines
- The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus Christ will return to judge the world and to give believers eternal life (2 Peter 3:1-2, 10-14).
- The Importance of Scripture
- The author reminds the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in the life of believers (2 Peter 3:1-2).
- The Patience of God
- The chapter explains the delay of the second coming, saying that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:8-9).
- The Importance of Practical Holiness
- The author encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God, emphasizing the importance of practical holiness in the life of believers (2 Peter 3:10-14).
Lessons from 2 Peter 3
- The Importance of Remembering the Words of the Prophets — The author reminds the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in the life of believers.
- The Danger of Scoffing at the Second Coming — The chapter contrasts the scoffers who doubt the second coming with the believers who look forward to it, warning against the danger of scoffing at the second coming.
- The Patience of God — The chapter explains the delay of the second coming, saying that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.
- The Importance of Living Holy and Godly Lives — The author encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God, emphasizing the importance of practical holiness in the life of believers.
- The Warning Against False Teachers — The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers and a call to grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
Themes from 2 Peter 3
- The Day of the Lord — The chapter teaches about the second coming of Jesus Christ and the final judgment.
- The Importance of Scripture — The author reminds the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in the life of believers.
- The Patience of God — The chapter explains the delay of the second coming, saying that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.
- The Importance of Practical Holiness — The author encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God, emphasizing the importance of practical holiness in the life of believers.
- The Warning Against False Teachers — The chapter concludes with a warning against false teachers and a call to grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter teach about the second coming of Jesus Christ?
- How does the author contrast the scoffers with the believers?
- What is the significance of the delay of the second coming?
- How should believers live in anticipation of the day of God?
- What warning does the chapter give against false teachers?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Importance of Remembering the Words of the Prophets (2 Peter 3:1-2)
| 3:1 | The author reminds the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior. |
| 3:2 | The author encourages the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, so that they may be mindful of the truth and not be deceived by false teachings. |
2. The Scoffers and the Second Coming (2 Peter 3:3-7)
| 3:3 | The chapter contrasts the scoffers who doubt the second coming with the believers who look forward to it. |
| 3:4 | The scoffers say that everything will continue as it has since the beginning of creation, doubting the second coming and the final judgment. |
| 3:5 | The scoffers deliberately forget that the heavens and the earth were created by the word of God, and that the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment. |
| 3:6 | The world at that time perished in the flood, and the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. |
| 3:7 | The heavens and the earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. |
3. The Delay of the Second Coming (2 Peter 3:8-9)
| 3:8 | The author explains that with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day, emphasizing God's perspective on time. |
| 3:9 | The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with the readers, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. |
4. Living Holy and Godly Lives (2 Peter 3:10-14)
| 3:10 | The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be destroyed by fire. |
| 3:11 | Since everything will be destroyed in this way, the readers should live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God. |
| 3:12 | The readers should look forward to the day of God and speed its coming, looking forward to the new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness dwells. |
| 3:13 | According to God's promise, the readers are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. |
| 3:14 | The readers should make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God, looking forward to the day of God. |
5. Conclusion and Final Warning (2 Peter 3:15-18)
| 3:15 | The readers should regard the patience of the Lord as salvation, just as the beloved brother Paul also wrote to them with the wisdom that God gave him. |
| 3:16 | The readers should be on their guard against the ignorant and unstable, who distort the Scriptures to their own destruction, as they do also with the rest of the Scriptures. |
| 3:17 | The readers should not be carried away by the error of the lawless and lose their own stability, but should grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 3:18 | The readers should grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the day of the Lord?
The day of the Lord is the second coming of Jesus Christ and the final judgment, when God will destroy the present heavens and earth and create a new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:10-13).
Why is the second coming delayed?
The second coming is delayed because God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
How should believers live in anticipation of the day of God?
Believers should live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God, and making every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 3:1 → 1 Peter 1:20 | The reminder to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior is similar to the reminder in 1 Peter 1:20 to remember the predictions of the prophets. |
| 2 | 2 Peter 3:3 → Jude 1:18 | The scoffers who doubt the second coming are similar to the mockers in Jude 1:18 who will come in the last time, following after their own ungodly desires. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 3:5 → Genesis 1:1 | The creation of the world by the word of God is similar to the creation account in Genesis 1:1-31, where God speaks and creates the world. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:6 → Genesis 6:1-8:14 | The flood that destroyed the world is similar to the flood account in Genesis 6:1-8:14, where God destroys the world with a flood. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 3:8 → Psalm 90:4 | The comparison of a day to a thousand years is similar to the comparison in Psalm 90:4, where a thousand years are like a day in God's sight. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 3:9 → Romans 2:4 | The patience of God is similar to the patience of God in Romans 2:4, where God's kindness is meant to lead people to repentance. |
| 7 | 2 Peter 3:10 → 1 Thessalonians 5:2 | The day of the Lord coming like a thief is similar to the day of the Lord coming like a thief in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, where the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. |
| 8 | 2 Peter 3:13 → Isaiah 65:17 | The promise of a new heaven and a new earth is similar to the promise in Isaiah 65:17, where God will create a new heaven and a new earth. |
| 9 | 2 Peter 3:14 → 1 John 3:3 | The encouragement to be found spotless and blameless is similar to the encouragement in 1 John 3:3 to purify ourselves, just as Christ is pure. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 3:18 → Ephesians 4:13 | The encouragement to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is similar to the encouragement in Ephesians 4:13 to grow up in every way into Christ, who is the head. |
Sermons on 2 Peter 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
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That Dreadful Day No One Wants to Talk About by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the current state of the world, emphasizing the vast disparities and suffering that exist. He challenges the notion that God wants believers |
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A Christian’s Response to Calamities by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians ha |
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The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin |
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The End Times by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses different philosophies of history that people often adopt when interpreting world events. The first view mentioned is the cyclic view, which s |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Mercy of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the compassion and mercy of God. He starts by highlighting how God's compassion is not just a feeling, but an active response to the needs o |
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Last Day False Prophets by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher warns against false teachers who exploit people with made-up stories and greed. He references biblical examples of God's judgment on sin, such as the p |
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Cold Love at Midnight by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of believers and warns that in the end times, many Christians will lose their love for God. He expresses his deep |
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Not in Word Only by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a man climbing a mountain to illustrate the journey of seeking and experiencing the glory of God. The preacher emphasizes the need for |
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That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson by David Wilkerson | This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of comin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Peter 3
In 2 Peter 3, the apostle Peter encourages believers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior, and to look forward to the day of God. He warns against the scoffers who doubt the second coming and explains the delay of the second coming, saying that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. The chapter emphasizes the importance of living holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God, and encourages believers to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The commentary by Matthew Henry highlights the importance of being mindful of the truth and not being deceived by false teachings, and encourages believers to look forward to the day of God with joy and anticipation, and to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of it. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The importance of remembering the words of the prophets
The author reminds the readers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:1-2). This emphasizes the importance of Scripture in the life of believers.
The contrast between the scoffers and the believers
The chapter contrasts the scoffers who doubt the second coming with the believers who look forward to it (2 Peter 3:3-7, 10-14).
The emphasis on living holy and godly lives
The author encourages believers to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the day of God (2 Peter 3:10-14). This emphasizes the importance of practical holiness in the life of believers.