FocusRemember God's word
Connection to the wholePeter answers denial of the promise by recalling creation and judgment through God's word rather than accepting appearances as the final measure.
interpretation 2 Peter 3:4
KJVAnd saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Read it in context
The scoffers' argument
Start reading at 2 Peter 3:1 (2 Peter 3:1 to 2 Peter 3:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter answers denial of the promise by recalling creation and judgment through God's word rather than accepting appearances as the final measure.
- 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
- 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
- 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
- 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
- 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
- 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
- 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Simon Peter is the named author and the traditional identification. The letter's authorship was disputed in antiquity and remains debated; the self-identification should not be confused with unanimous historical agreement. Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Peter 1:1–3:18): The writer, identifying himself as Simon Peter, addresses believers who have received like precious faith, warning about false teachers and scoffers and urging growth and readiness. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Those who have obtained like precious faith, whom the writer also addresses as recipients of a previous letter. The greeting gives no city or province. Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 3:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The scoffers' argument. Read 2 Peter 3:1 through 2 Peter 3:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Peter answers denial of the promise by recalling creation and judgment through God's word rather than accepting appearances as the final measure. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writer speaks of his approaching death and recalls a former letter and the transfiguration. No calendar date is supplied. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The recipients' specific location is not stated in the opening, and the writing location is not explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The scoffers' argument (2 Peter 3:1 to 2 Peter 3:7). Start reading at 2 Peter 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter bears witness to Jesus' majesty and addresses His promised coming. It joins knowledge of Him with growth, holiness, and warnings against falling from steadfastness. See 2 Peter 1:16, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:17, 2 Peter 3:18. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Grow in the qualities the letter names, resist destructive teaching, and live in view of the promised coming. Retain its warnings rather than treating earlier knowledge as a guarantee of perseverance. interpretation
Cited: 2 Peter 3:1, 2 Peter 3:7, 2 Peter 1:16, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:17, 2 Peter 3:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Simon Peter and refers to a former letter and to the transfiguration.
2 Peter 1:12 Peter 1:162 Peter 3:1
Early traditionTradition names Peter, though this letter was accepted more slowly than the first.
What is debatedThis is the most disputed New Testament letter on authorship grounds, ancient and modern.
Related passages
- where Gen 19:14 Eccl 1:9 Eccl 8:11 Isa 5:18-19 Jer 5:12-13 Jer 17:15 Ezek 12:22-27 Mal 2:17
- from the beginning Mark 13:19 Rev 3:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Peter 3
The writer identifies himself as Simon Peter and addresses those who have obtained like precious faith. He urges growth, warns about false teachers, and answers scoffing about the Lord's coming without authorizing neglect or date-setting.
2 Peter 1:1 2 Peter 1:5 2 Peter 3:11
The Lord's patience and day
2 Peter 3:8–13FocusRepentance and holy expectation
Connection to the wholeThe explanation of patience preserves the call to repentance, and the coming judgment becomes a reason for holy conduct and hope.
interpretation Be diligent and grow
2 Peter 3:14–18FocusSteadfastness against distortion
Connection to the wholeThe final appeal includes caution concerning twisted Scripture and urges believers to guard against falling from steadfastness and to grow in grace and knowledge.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Peter
The writer identifies himself as Simon Peter and addresses those who have obtained like precious faith. He urges growth, warns about false teachers, and answers scoffing about the Lord's coming without authorizing neglect or date-setting.
2 Peter 1:1 2 Peter 1:5 2 Peter 3:11
Grow and remember
2 Peter 1:1–21FocusGod's provision and reliable testimony
Connection to the wholePeter joins divine provision with diligent growth and grounds his reminder in apostolic witness and the prophetic word.
interpretation False teachers exposed
2 Peter 2:1–22FocusDestructive teaching and corrupt conduct
Connection to the wholeExamples of judgment and rescue frame warnings about teachers whose promises of liberty conceal bondage and corruption.
interpretation FocusPatience, judgment, and growth
Connection to the wholePeter answers scoffers by recalling God's word and patience, then calls believers to holy living and continued growth.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.