How does 2 Peter 3:3 connect with warnings in Jude 1:18? Shared Warning: Scoffers in the Last Days “Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” “‘In the last time there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.’” Direct Connections Between the Two Verses • Same time frame: “in the last days / last time” • Same characters: “scoffers” • Same behavior: “following their own evil/ungodly desires” • Same purpose: a heads-up so believers remain alert Jude’s wording is so close to Peter’s that many scholars see Jude either quoting 2 Peter or drawing from the same apostolic teaching. Either way, the Holy Spirit is repeating the warning for emphasis. Shared Context in Each Letter • False teachers secretly introduce destructive heresies (2:1). • Many follow their depraved conduct (2:2). • Scoffers question the promise of Christ’s coming (3:4). • Certain men slip in unnoticed, perverting grace into sensuality (v. 4). • They reject authority and blaspheme (v. 8). • Their end is destruction (v. 13). Both writers lay out a pattern: infiltration, deception, moral license, and eventual judgment. Why the Repetition Matters • God confirms truth “by the mouth of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1). • Repetition underscores urgency; scoffers are not hypothetical—they will appear. • The prediction validates Scripture’s accuracy when we see it fulfilled. • Believers are equipped to recognize and resist mockery of biblical truth. Other Passages Echoing the Warning • 1 Timothy 4:1—“In later times some will abandon the faith …” • 2 Timothy 3:1–5—“In the last days perilous times will come … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” • Acts 20:29–30—Paul foresees “savage wolves” rising up. • Matthew 24:11—Jesus: “Many false prophets will arise and deceive many.” Scripture is consistent: the closer we get to Christ’s return, the louder the scoffing. Living Alert Today • Expect mockery of biblical morality and the Second Coming; don’t be rattled. • Hold fast to apostolic teaching (2 Peter 3:2; Jude 1:17). • Grow in holiness while waiting (2 Peter 3:11–14). • Build yourself up in the faith (Jude 1:20–21), knowing prophecy is unfolding exactly as God said. |
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