← Back to 2 Peter

2 Peter 3

18 verses

TL;DR

Peter warns Christians against scoffers, explains the imminent Day of the Lord, and urges living in patience, holiness, and hope for a new heaven and earth.

Summary

In this epistle Peter reminds believers to remember the prophetic words and apostolic commands, warning that scoffers will deny the promised return of Christ. He explains the creation and flood narratives, emphasizing that God has preserved the heavens and earth for judgment. Peter contrasts the swift, thief-like arrival of the Day of the Lord with God's patience, insisting that all people should be holy, diligent, and ready for repentance. He encourages believers to look forward to a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, and to be found spotless in God's presence. The letter concludes with a call to grow in grace and knowledge, citing Paul’s writings and urging vigilance against error.

Outline
  1. Reminding of prophetic warnings and scoffers’ doubts
  2. Description of God’s judgment and the promise of new heavens and earth
  3. Call to holy conduct, patience, and vigilance for the Day of the Lord
Themes
God’s patience and longsufferingJudgment and the renewal of creationChristian conduct and vigilance
Keywords
scoffersjudgmentnew heavensnew earthlongsufferingrepentancethief in the nightholy conversationgodlinesspatience
People
PeterPaul
Places
heavensearthwaternew heavensnew earthDay of the Lord
Things
new heavensnew earthfirejudgmentthief in the nightlongsufferingrepentanceholy conversationgodlinessgrace
Key Verses
  • 2 Peter 3:10: Describes the Day of the Lord as arriving like a thief, underscoring urgency and suddenness.
  • 2 Peter 3:13: Promises a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells, offering hope amid judgment.
  • 2 Peter 3:8: Highlights the paradox of time: one day as a thousand years, illustrating God’s perspective on time.
Questions
  • How does Peter’s depiction of the Day of the Lord influence your understanding of Christian patience?
  • In what ways does the promise of new heavens and a new earth shape ethical conduct for believers today?
  • What practical steps can you take to avoid the errors warned against by Peter and Paul?
Sentiment

mixed
The letter carries a stern warning about judgment but also offers hopeful promise of renewal.