The principal design of this chapter is to demonstrate, in opposition to the objections of scoffers, that the Lord Jesus will return again to this world; that the world will be destroyed by fire, and that there will be a new heaven and a new earth; and to show what effect this should have on the min... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS SECOND EPISTLE, BELOVED, I NOW WRITE UNTO YOU - This expression proves that he had written a former epistle, and that it was addressed to the same persons as this. Compare Introduction, Section 3. IN BOTH WHICH I STIR UP YOUR PURE MINDS ... - That is, the main object of both epistles is the sam... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT YE MAY BE MINDFUL OF THE WORDS - Of the doctrines, the truths; the prophetic statements. Jude Jude 1:18 says that it had been foretold by the apostles, that in the last days there would be scoffers. Peter refers to the instructions of the apostles and prophets in general, though evidently desig... [ Continue Reading ]
KNOWING THIS FIRST - As among the first and most important things to be attended to - as one of the predictions which demand your special regard. Jude Jude 1:18 says that the fact that there would be “mockers in the last time,” had been particularly foretold by thom. It is probable that Peter refers... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SAYING, WHERE IS THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING? - That is, either, Where is the “fulfillment” of that promise; or, Where are the “indications” or “signs” that he will come? They evidently meant to imply that the promise had utterly failed; that there was not the slightest evidence that it would be a... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS THEY WILLINGLY ARE IGNORANT OF - Λαιθάνει γὰρ αὐτοὺς τοῦτο θέλοντας Laithanei gar autous touto thelontas. There is some considerable variety in the translation of this passage. In our common version the Greek word (θέλοντας thelontas) is rendered as if it were an adverb, or as if it... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREBY - Δι ̓ ὧν Di' hōn. Through which, or by means of which. The pronoun here is in the plural number, and there has been much difference of opinion as to what it refers. Some suppose that it refers to the heavens mentioned in the preceding verse, and to the fact that the windows of heaven wer... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH WHICH ARE NOW - As they now exist. There is no difficulty here respecting what is meant by the word “earth,” but it is not so easy to determine precisely how much is included in the word “heavens.” It cannot be supposed to mean “heaven” as the place where God dwells; no... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT, BELOVED, BE NOT IGNORANT OF THIS ONE THING, THAT ONE DAY IS WITH THE LORD AS A THOUSAND YEARS - This 2 Peter 3:8 is the second consideration by which the apostle meets the objection of scoffers against the doctrine of the second coming of the Saviour. The objection was, that much time, and perh... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD IS NOT SLACK CONCERNING HIS PROMISE - That is, it should not be inferred because His promise seems to be long delayed that therefore it will fail. When people, after a considerable lapse of time, fail to fulfil their engagements, we infer that it is because they have changed their plans, or... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THE DAY OF THE LORD - The day of the Lord Jesus. That is, the day in which he will be manifested. It is called his day, because he will then be the grand and prominent object as the Judge of all. Compare Luke 17:27. WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT - Unexpectedly; suddenly. See the notes at 1... [ Continue Reading ]
SEEING THEN THAT ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE DISSOLVED - Since this is an undoubted truth. WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YE TO BE IN ALL HOLY CONVERSATION AND GODLINESS - In holy conduct and piety. That is, this fact ought to be allowed to exert a deep and abiding influence on us, to induce us to lead... [ Continue Reading ]
LOOKING FOR - Not knowing when this may occur, the mind should be in that state which constitutes “expectation;” that is, a belief that it will occur, and a condition of mind in which we would not be taken by surprise should it happen at any moment. See the notes at Titus 2:13. AND HASTING UNTO THE... [ Continue Reading ]
NEVERTHELESS WE, ACCORDING TO HIS PROMISE - The allusion here seems to be, beyond a doubt, to two passages in Isaiah, in which a promise of this kind is found. Isaiah 65:17; “for, behold, I create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Isaiah 66:22... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE, BELOVED, SEEING THAT YE LOOK FOR SUCH THINGS, BE DILIGENT - That is, in securing your salvation. The effect of such hopes and prospects should be to lead us to an earnest inquiry whether we are prepared to dwell in a holy world, and to make us diligent in performing the duties, and patien... [ Continue Reading ]
AND ACCOUNT - that “the long-suffering of our Lord” is “salvation.” Regard his delay in coming to judge the world, not as an evidence that he never will come, but as a proof of his desire that we should be saved. Many had drawn a different inference from the fact that the Saviour did not return, and... [ Continue Reading ]
AS ALSO IN ALL HIS EPISTLES - Not only in those which he addressed to the churches in Asia Minor, but in his epistles generally. It is to be presumed that they might have had an acquaintance with some of the other epistles of Paul, as well as those sent to the churches in their immediate vicinity.... [ Continue Reading ]
SEEING THAT YE KNOW THESE THINGS BEFORE - Being aware of this danger, and knowing that such results may follow. People should read the Bible with the feeling that it is possible that they may fall into error, and be deceived at last. This apprehension will do much to make them diligent, and candid,... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT GROW IN GRACE - Compare Colossians 1:10. Religion in general is often represented as “grace,” since every part of it is the result of grace, or of unmerited favor; and to “grow in grace” is to increase in that which constitutes true religion. Religion is as susceptible of cultivation and of grow... [ Continue Reading ]