What is the meaning of 2 Peter 3:15? Consider also Peter urges readers to pause and “consider,” echoing his earlier reminder to “recall the words spoken previously by the holy prophets” (2 Peter 3:2). This is an intentional act of reflection, not a passing thought. • The command invites believers to engage their minds, much like Philippians 4:8 calls us to “dwell on” what is true. • Reflection anchors faith in revealed truth rather than emotion or speculation (Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:7). • By saying “also,” Peter links this new point to everything he has just taught about scoffers and the certainty of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3–13). that our Lord’s patience brings salvation “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). • God’s delay in judgment is deliberate mercy, mirrored in Romans 2:4 where His kindness is meant to lead to repentance. • Paul testified personally: “For this reason I was shown mercy, so that in me… Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:16). • Every additional day before Christ’s return is an opportunity for more people to believe (Isaiah 30:18; Ezekiel 33:11). • Salvation here is not abstract; it is rescue from coming judgment, secured by Christ’s atoning work (John 3:16–17; Hebrews 9:28). just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you Peter warmly affirms Paul’s letters, showing unity among the apostles. • Paul addressed the same audience regions—Galatia, Asia, Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1; Galatians 1:2)—with parallel teaching on God’s patience (Romans 9:22–24). • This endorsement counters false teachers who pitted apostolic voices against one another (1 Corinthians 1:12–13). • The family language (“beloved brother”) highlights affection and mutual respect (Philemon 1:1; Colossians 4:7–9). • Peter thus points his readers to reread Paul for reinforcement, doubling the witness (Deuteronomy 19:15). with the wisdom God gave him Paul’s insight is divine, not merely intellectual. • He himself said, “The gospel I preached is not from man… I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11–12). • True wisdom is “taught by the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:13); the same Spirit moved prophets and apostles (2 Peter 1:21). • Acknowledging God-given wisdom safeguards the church from dismissing hard passages (2 Peter 3:16) and reinforces the inspiration of all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). • Depending on that wisdom keeps believers from leaning on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6; James 1:5). summary Peter invites believers to think deeply about God’s purposeful delay. The Lord’s patience is an open door for salvation, a truth confirmed both in Peter’s own teaching and in Paul’s Spirit-given writings. Far from signaling indifference, the wait before Christ’s return showcases divine mercy, giving every listener fresh incentive to trust the Savior today. |
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