2 Peter 3 explained: Why the Promised Day Waits

A second reminder (vv. 1-2)

Speaking as Peter, the writer calls this his second letter, probably meaning 1 Peter, and says both remind readers of the old prophets and of Jesus' teaching handed on by the apostles. Many modern scholars think a follower wrote it in Peter's name after his death, while many other Christians hold that Peter wrote it himself.

Where is his coming? (vv. 3-7)

Mockers who live by their own desires will ask where Jesus' promised return is, since nothing has changed since earlier generations died. Scholars are unsure whether those generations are Israel's forebears or the first Christians. The writer answers that the world has changed before: God's word brought it out of water, the flood of Noah's day destroyed it, and the same word now holds the present world for a judgment by fire.

Delay as patience (vv. 8-9)

Echoing Psalm 90, the writer says God does not measure time the way people do, so a long wait is not a broken promise. He calls the delay patience: God does not want anyone to be lost, and wants everyone to have the chance to turn around.

The day arrives unannounced (v. 10)

The day will come without warning, the way a thief does, and fire will dissolve the sky and the elements. The elements may mean the world's basic building blocks or the sun, moon and stars. The old manuscripts differ on the last line, so translations differ too: in some the earth and its works are laid bare before God, and in others they are burned up.

Living toward a new world (vv. 11-13)

Because all this is coming, the writer urges holy, godly lives while looking ahead to that day. Translations differ on whether verse 12 says believers can hurry the day along or simply long for it. The hope is not destruction itself but the new heavens and earth promised in Isaiah 65 and 66, a world where what is right is at home.

Paul and a closing word (vv. 14-18)

The writer urges readers to be found at peace with God. He says Paul's letters also teach that God's patience means rescue, though people twist their hard parts as they twist other Scripture. He ends by warning against being swept along by lawless teachers and urges readers to keep growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Key verse: 2 Peter 3:9

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the fire of verses 10 to 12 means this world will be wiped out and replaced, or burned clean and renewed, a question tied partly to the manuscript difference in verse 10.

Something to think about

When a promise seems long overdue, what helps you decide whether to keep waiting or to let it go?