In chapter two Peter pointed out how deceptive false teachers are and made it clear that unless you are well grounded in the Word of God, you will not be able to detect them. He is telling us that we need to take responsibility of our own understanding and beliefs; we simply cannot take the ‘word’ of a friend, teacher, pastor, or even a long-dead theologian. There truly is no replacement to knowing and studying the Word of God for ourselves.
As Peter begins to conclude his second epistle he slightly alters his teaching style, it is almost as if he stops and turns to each reader individually, face to face and says, “listen up, this is very important!”
3:1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
Peter reminds us again that this letter is indeed his second letter (see 2 Peter 1:1). He once again wishes to stir us up and help us to remember (see 2 Peter 1:13). Looking back the subjects he wanted us to remember were the seven qualities of a committed Christian (virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love, see 2 Peter 1:5-9). Here again Peter is calling our attention to the urgent matter of the need to stay awake and not become complacent in our walk as Christians, to stir up our sincere (or pure mind, essentially thinking without our thoughts being polluted or influenced by sin, the devil, or the world), a mind ready to continually serve God.
3:2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
Peter tells us that we should remember the predictions of the holy prophets. The word translated here as ‘predictions’ is actually two Greek words, ‘proeirēmenōn’ (meaning “to say before”) and ‘rhēmatōn’ (“using words”) that were given through holy (not false) prophets (see also Luke 1:67-70; Acts 3:17-26), referring to Old Testament prophecy. These are not ‘predictions’ based on human knowledge, or the guessing by people, these are words given to people from God.
Peter once again calls our attention to the importance of prophecy. God has graciously provided proof of His Word, and that proof is the absolute and perfect fulfillment of His Word. No other religion or belief system can make that claim. That is why so much effort has been applied through the years to call God’s Word, the Bible, erroneous, wrong, or misleading. Peter is saying that when prophecy is properly understood it provides guidance and salvation, not confusion or chaos. In the second half of verse two, Peter offers another source of infallible truth, namely the commandments (or words) of Jesus (essentially the gospel message, see 2 Peter 2:21), as relayed through the apostles.
Peter warned us about false prophets and teachers, and now he is saying we should be prepared to hear them try to discredit our beliefs and attack us personally. They will attempt to make light of Scripture, calling it a farce, and poke fun at anyone who believes it. This may not sound like a big point for us, but for new Christians and those that are younger believers (elementary school age through college age), peer pressure and verbal embarrassment can be very persuasive and influential. That is one very important reason why Bible study and Biblical apologetics classes are important. A note to parents and grandparents, please take the time to teach your children the whole Bible, and be available to answer difficult questions about God, Jesus, Creation, and much more, throughout your life!
3:3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
After establishing the primary sources of truth (fulfillment of prophecy and hearing directly the words of Jesus), Peter wants this next item to not only be fully understood, he wants us to consider it vital information. He desires us to know, first of all, that scoffers (people who mock) will come in the last days (read 2 Timothy 3:1-9). I don’t think I need to ask if anyone has experienced anyone scoffing Jesus, the Bible, or any of God’s teachings, the last days have arrived. Regardless how you render or understand what the phrase “in the last days” (literally last time interval)[1] means to you, scoffers are here today! Not only have they arrived, it appears that the practice of mocking God, His Word, Christianity, and of course Christians, has permeated our society and has become an acceptable practice and sadly for some, a comedy act.
Peter is offering us a preview (or heads up) on something that will cause problems for the future church. In verse three he is giving us an insight on the motivation of their thinking, and in verse four he will not only tell us how they think, he will also show us how to counter their argument. But sadly the church has mostly ignored that warning!
First the motivation, Peter says that the scoffers will come with scoffing following their own sinful desires (can also be translated lustful desires). Peter used a similar phrase back in chapter two where he earlier pointed out this same trait in false teachers and prophets (see 2 Peter 2:10). This is important to know; no this is huge! This is an invaluable insight straight into the heart of an unbeliever. Hear me out, if God really exists, then His Word is true, if His Word is true then we should repent and do those things that God wants us to do. But if there is no God, then there is no need to be accountable to Him and we can do whatever we want following our own lustful desires. Their way of life is more important to them than God. Knowing someone’s motivation or barrier allows us to pray more precisely.
Next, regarding how someone thinks, we have to remember that doctrine (someone’s perceived understanding of the truth) is very important in any and all beliefs and belief systems. If someone can prove to you or make a case that the doctrine you believe in is wrong, or is in any way is in error, you may start to lose faith or change your belief. Once doubt creeps in to our thoughts it begins to slowly erode fundamental concepts and at some point we ultimately are forced to abandon those beliefs. The devil definitely knows this! Mockers will attempt to make fun of you, embarrass you, question your logic, and put you on the spot. Some may even call you names like “weak minded” or “wishful thinker.”
3:4a They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming?
Peter is clearly warning that in the last days mockers will arrive (see also 1 Peter 4:12-14; Jude 14-23). He says one way they are going to do this is by making fun of the concept of Jesus’ second coming by asking, (I’m sure in a sarcastic manner) “where is the promise of His coming?” Obviously He is coming back, how do we know? His Word clearly says so! (see Matthew 10:28; 24:29-31, 42; 25:31; Mark 8:38; John 21:23; Acts 1:10-11; 3:20-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:!3; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 16:15, to name a few!) So don’t let the mockers get under your skin. You might be tempted to ask, “What is God waiting for?” Perhaps Romans 11:25 can give us some idea, but always remember no one knows the day or hour (see Matthew 24:36) so perhaps it’s best to not even try.
Peter next illuminates one of the greatest controversies of our time, namely the battle (or perhaps more precisely a debate) known as ‘uniformitarianism’ versus ‘catastrophism’ or one of its related debates such as ‘science’ versus ‘Christianity’, ‘enlightenment’ versus ‘religion’, ‘creation’ versus ‘evolution’, ‘reason’ versus ‘faith’, etc.
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[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2250