2 Peter 3:10
Verse
Context
The Day of the Lord
9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 10But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
Sermons
David WilkersonDavid Wilkerson
Vance Havner
Keith DanielDavid Wilkerson
Arlen L. Chitwood
CompilationsSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The day of the Lord will come - See Mat 24:43, to which the apostle seems to allude. The heavens shall pass away with a great noise - As the heavens mean here, and in the passages above, the whole atmosphere, in which all the terrestrial vapours are lodged; and as water itself is composed of two gases, eighty-five parts in weight of oxygen, and fifteen of hydrogen, or two parts in volume of the latter, and one of the former; (for if these quantities be put together, and several electric sparks passed through them, a chemical union takes place, and water is the product; and, vice versa, if the galvanic spark be made to pass through water, a portion of the fluid is immediately decomposed into its two constituent gases, oxygen and hydrogen); and as the electric or ethereal fire is that which, in all likelihood, God will use in the general conflagration; the noise occasioned by the application of this fire to such an immense congeries of aqueous particles as float in the atmosphere, must be terrible in the extreme. Put a drop of water on an anvil, place over it a piece of iron red hot, strike the iron with a hammer on the part above the drop of water, and the report will be as loud as a musket; when, then, the whole strength of those opposite agents is brought together into a state of conflict, the noise, the thunderings, the innumerable explosions, (till every particle of water on the earth and in the atmosphere is, by the action of the fire, reduced into its component gaseous parts), will be frequent, loud, confounding, and terrific, beyond every comprehension but that of God himself. The elements shalt melt with fervent heat - When the fire has conquered and decomposed the water, the elements, στοιχεια, the hydrogen and oxygen airs or gases, (the former of which is most highly inflammable, and the latter an eminent supporter of all combustion), will occupy distinct regions of the atmosphere, the hydrogen by its very great levity ascending to the top, while the oxygen from its superior specific gravity will keep upon or near the surface of the earth; and thus, if different substances be once ignited, the fire, which is supported in this case, not only by the oxygen which is one of the constituents of atmospheric air, but also by a great additional quantity of oxygen obtained from the decomposition of all aqueous vapours, will rapidly seize on all other substances, on all terrestrial particles, and the whole frame of nature will be necessarily torn in pieces, and thus the earth and its works be burned up.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The certainty, suddenness, and concomitant effects, of the coming of the day of the Lord. FABER argues from this that the millennium, &c., must precede Christ's literal coming, not follow it. But "the day of the Lord" comprehends the whole series of events, beginning with the pre-millennial advent, and ending with the destruction of the wicked, and final conflagration, and general judgment (which last intervenes between the conflagration and the renovation of the earth). will--emphatical. But (in spite of the mockers, and notwithstanding the delay) come and be present the day of the Lord SHALL. as a thief--Peter remembers and repeats his Lord's image (Luk 12:39, Luk 12:41) used in the conversation in which he took a part; so also Paul (Th1 5:2) and John (Rev 3:3; Rev 16:15). the heavens--which the scoffers say' shall "continue" as they are (Pe2 3:4; Mat 24:35; Rev 21:1). with a great noise--with a rushing noise, like that of a whizzing arrow, or the crash of a devouring flame. elements--the component materials of the world [WAHL]. However, as "the works" in the earth are mentioned separately from "the earth," so it is likely by "elements," mentioned after "the heavens," are meant "the works therein," namely, the sun, moon, and stars (as THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH [p. 22, 148, 228]; and JUSTIN MARTYR [Apology, 2.44], use the word "elements"): these, as at creation, so in the destruction of the world, are mentioned [BENGEL]. But as "elements" is not so used in Scripture Greek, perhaps it refers to the component materials of "the heavens," including the heavenly bodies; it clearly belongs to the former clause, "the heavens," not to the following, "the earth," &c. melt--be dissolved, as in Pe2 3:11. the works . . . therein--of nature and of art.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,.... That is, the Lord will come in that day, which he has fixed, according to his promise, than which nothing is more certain; and he will come as a thief in the night: he will come "in the night", which may be literally understood; for as his first coming was in the night; see Luk 2:8; so perhaps his second coming may be in the night season; or figuratively, when it will be a time of great darkness; when there will be little faith in the earth, and both the wise and foolish virgins will be slumbering and sleeping; when it will be a season of great security, as it was in the days of Noah, and at the time of the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the phrase, "in the night": and the Alexandrian copy uses the emphatic article, "in the night": and he will come, "as a thief", in the dark, indiscernibly; it will not be known what hour he will come; he will come suddenly, at an unawares, when he is not expected, to the great surprise of men, and especially of the scoffers; when the following awful things will be done: in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise; not the third heaven, the seat of angels and glorified saints, and even of God himself; but the starry and airy heavens, which shall pass away, not as to their matter and substance, but as to some of their accidents and qualities, and the present use of them; and that with a great noise, like that of a violent storm, or tempest; though the Ethiopic version renders it, "without a noise"; and which is more agreeable to his coming as a thief, which is not with noise, but in as still a manner as possible; and some learned men observe, that the word signifies swiftly, as well as with a noise; and, accordingly, the Syriac version renders it "suddenly"; and the Arabic version "presently", immediately; that is, as soon as Christ shall come, immediately, at once, from his face shall the earth and heavens flee away, as John in a vision saw, Rev 20:11; and the elements shall melt with fervent heat: not what are commonly called the four elements, earth, air, tire, and water, the first principles of all things: the ancient philosophers distinguished between principles and elements; principles, they say (h), are neither generated, nor corrupted; "but the elements will be corrupted, or destroyed by the conflagration"; which exactly agrees with what the apostle here says: by the elements seem to be meant the host of heaven, being distinguished from the heavens, as the works of the earth are distinguished from the earth in the next clause; and design the firmament, or expanse, with the sun, moon, and stars in it, which will be purged and purified by this liquefaction by fire; the earth also will be purged and purified from everything that is noxious, hurtful, unnecessary, and disagreeable; though the matter and substance of it will continue: and the works that are therein shall be burnt up; all the works of nature, wicked men, cattle, trees, &c. and all the works of men, cities, towns, houses, furniture, utensils, instruments of arts of all sorts, will be burnt by a material fire, breaking out of the earth and descending from heaven, for which the present heavens and earth are reserved: this general conflagration was not only known to the Jews, but to the Heathens, to the poets, and Platonist and Stoic philosophers, who frequently (i) speak of it in plain terms. Some are of opinion that these words refer to the destruction of Jerusalem; and so the passing away of the heavens may design the removal of their church state and ordinances, Heb 12:26, and the melting of the elements the ceasing of the ceremonial law, called the elements of the world, Gal 4:3, and the burning of the earth the destruction of the land of Judea, expressed in such a manner in Deu 29:23, and particularly of the temple, and the curious works in that, which were all burnt up and destroyed by fire, though Titus endeavoured to prevent it, but could not (k): which sense may be included, inasmuch as there was a promise of Christ's coming to destroy the Jewish nation, and was expected; and which destruction was a prelude of the destruction of the world, and is sometimes expressed in such like language as that is; but then this must not take place, to the exclusion of the other sense: and whereas this sense makes the words to he taken partly in a figurative, and partly in a literal way; and seeing the heavens and the earth are in the context only literally taken, the former sense is to be preferred; and to which best agrees the following use to be made of these things. (h) Diog. Laert. l. 7. in Vita Zenonis. (i) Vid. Diog. Laert ib. & l. 9. in Vita Heraclit. & Hesych. de Philos. p. 36. Arrian. Epict. l. 3. c. 13. Phurut. de Natura Deorum, p. 39. Ovid. Metamorph, fab. 7. Min. Felix, p. 37. & Justin. Martyr. Apol. 2. p. 66. (k) Vid. Joseph. de Bello Jud. l. 3. c. 9, 10. & l. 7. c. 14, 16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 The very elements themselves might refer to the basic components of the physical universe or to the sun, moon, and stars. • will be found to deserve judgment: The Greek text here is difficult; the reading followed by the NLT probably means that creation will appear before God at the time of judgment, and he will find it to deserve his judgment.
2 Peter 3:10
The Day of the Lord
9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 10But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Last Days of America
By David Wilkerson6.9K1:20:20JER 11:18MAT 24:361TH 5:22PE 3:10REV 3:3REV 16:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of coming judgments. He believes that America is not favored by God and will be judged just like other countries. The preacher describes a vision of a train approaching, representing impending judgment, and expresses concern that many people are not listening or heeding the warning. He acknowledges that his message is heavy and may be longer than usual, but he feels compelled to share it based on his interpretation of the word of God and patterns of divine judgment seen in the Bible.
Cold Love at Midnight
By David Wilkerson5.5K1:05:47End TimesMAT 6:332PE 3:102PE 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of believers and warns that in the end times, many Christians will lose their love for God. He expresses his deep concern and desire for believers to return to God's love. The preacher also mentions the increasing wickedness in the world, particularly through television, and urges believers to be vigilant and hold on to their faith. He concludes by encouraging believers to look forward to the return of Jesus and to be ready for the rapture.
Discernment - Part 3
By Vance Havner4.3K34:24Discernment1CH 12:32ZEC 14:4MAT 16:3LUK 3:2LUK 12:56ROM 13:112PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times. He highlights the example of the children of Issachar in the Old Testament who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. The preacher also mentions the need to know the seasons and awaken from spiritual sleep. He concludes by stating that we are living in a strange hour and that denying the signs of the times is, in fact, another sign.
The Vanity of Life
By Keith Daniel3.2K1:24:02Brevity Of LifePSA 119:105ECC 12:1MAT 6:332TH 1:8HEB 9:27JAS 1:222PE 3:10The sermon in the video focuses on the book of Ecclesiastes, which confronts the vanity of life and the gravity of death. The preacher emphasizes that there is nothing certain about life except for the certainty of death. He highlights four main points from Ecclesiastes: the vanity of life and the gravity of death, the agony of life and the ecstasy of death, the brevity of life and the certainty of death, and the blasphemy of life and the calamity of death. The preacher emphasizes the brevity of life and the need to acknowledge the certainty of death in order to plan and live differently.
The Great Final Preparation
By David Wilkerson3.1K1:02:512PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude and love towards God. He emphasizes the need for believers to fully surrender to God and live devoted lives in these last days. The preacher then discusses the Day of Final Preparation, highlighting the intense activity happening in heaven, hell, and on earth. He warns that many believers are becoming complacent and resistant to change, urging them to let go of their own ways and embrace God's plan. The sermon concludes with a call to heed these warnings and prepare for the coming judgments.
Don't Look Back
By Arlen L. Chitwood2.4K44:54WorldlinessGEN 19:17MAT 6:33MAT 12:30LUK 17:32LUK 21:34HEB 11:102PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not dwelling in the plain, using the story of Lot's wife as an example. He contrasts Lot, who didn't make it far in his journey, with Abraham, who dwelled in the high country. The preacher warns against tying our hopes and visions to the present world system, as it will ultimately be destroyed. He urges listeners to keep their focus on that which will endure and gain an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ.
Revival Fire - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.3K46:17CompilationISA 55:1JOL 2:28MAT 24:21LUK 3:41TH 5:22PE 3:10REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a group of people who experienced a divine encounter with God. They were on their way back from Brownsville when God's presence fell upon them in the van, leading them to pull over at a gas station. The people were so overwhelmed by the Spirit that they laid on the ground in reverence. The speaker emphasizes the need for the church to be prepared for the approaching day when God's power will bring about a significant change in world history. The sermon encourages believers to regain their passion for God and warns that all fears will be overcome by the terror of that day.
Fren-05 Message for Ywam
By Art Katz2.0K1:06:45Prophetic MessagePSA 118:22ISA 53:1MAT 24:14ACT 11:26ROM 10:151PE 2:92PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cataclysmic event of the earth being burned and consumed, as described in the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of conducting oneself with piety and good behavior in light of this impending event. The sermon also references Matthew 24, where Jesus is asked about the sign of his coming, and highlights the significance of the gospel being preached to all nations before the end comes. The speaker then discusses the role of para-church organizations in filling a void and the importance of the church being a true witness and sending body.
Eternal Hell (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.7K39:47Hell1KI 18:21MAT 12:30MRK 9:43MRK 16:16ACT 4:12HEB 10:312PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story of a man who escaped from a concentration camp and came to their community with a warning. The man described seeing fire and tried to warn the people, but they reacted with fear and violence, punching a woman who also saw the fire. The preacher emphasizes the importance of establishing a relationship with God in this life to avoid eternal damnation. He urges the listeners to abandon their human notions and embrace the truth of a living God. The sermon highlights the need for a warning to be spread across the earth, comparing it to the role of Elijah in the Bible.
Titus 1 vs. 3
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K33:27Christian LifeMAT 24:3TIT 2:11TIT 2:132PE 3:101JN 2:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. The preacher emphasizes the warning given by Jesus to not be deceived by false teachings. He highlights the prevalence of deception in the world today and gives an example of a famous man in a church who deceived people for financial gain. The preacher also mentions the opposition between the world system and the system of Christ, emphasizing the need for believers to not love the world.
(Second Coming of Christ) 01 the King Is Coming
By Aeron Morgan1.5K45:01Second Coming1TH 1:31TH 4:161TH 5:22TH 2:142PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the hope of the coming of Christ as presented in the book of 1 Thessalonians. The early Christians are commended for their patience and assurance in this hope. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ is coming again to consummate our blessed hope, and encourages believers to be on fire for Jesus and to actively share the gospel. The sermon concludes with a story of a blind woman who experienced a life-changing encounter with God through Jesus Christ.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 10
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K37:29ChristGEN 3:15DAN 12:4MAT 24:141CO 15:25PHP 3:102PE 3:10REV 22:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs of the near approach of the Lord's coming. One sign is the increase of knowledge in the world, with deep secrets being revealed and becoming common knowledge. This intensification of knowledge is seen as an indication that the end is near. Another sign is the intensification of evil and godlessness, with the speaker expressing concern over the state of youth and the increase in crime. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the grace of God and the gathering of believers from different nations and peoples.
The Flood
By Bill Randles1.4K48:41FloodGEN 7:16PSA 69:14PSA 69:21LUK 13:232PE 3:42PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the world, despite its glitter and glamour, is under judgment and wrath. He warns against getting too excited about worldly things, such as elections, as they are temporary and doomed. The preacher references the story of Noah and the ark, highlighting the importance of striving to enter through the narrow gate and being obedient to God. He also draws parallels between the days of Noah and the last days, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of the story and its implications.
The Coming of Jesus
By David Wilkerson1.4K37:14MAT 24:42MRK 13:32LUK 21:361CO 16:131TH 5:21TH 5:61PE 5:82PE 3:10REV 3:3REV 16:15
This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to be prepared and expectant for His coming. It highlights the need for spiritual awakening, readiness, and a deep connection with the Holy Spirit to discern the signs of the times and stay faithful amidst societal challenges and distractions.
From Suffering to Glory
By Erlo Stegen1.3K1:05:02SufferingMAT 6:33ACT 14:19ROM 8:182PE 3:10REV 21:4REV 21:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Noah and the flood. He emphasizes how God showed mercy to Noah and his family by sparing them from the destruction. The preacher also highlights the importance of the words we speak, stating that every word is recorded and we will be held accountable for them. He warns about the corruption and lies in the world today and mentions the concept of temporary suffering compared to the eternal glory that awaits believers. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the love of God revealed through Jesus Christ and the need for repentance and conversion.
Rev. Richard Baxter - Puritan Preacher & Pastor (Famous Saints #4)
By Stephen Hamilton1.2K37:25Richard BaxterPSA 51:17MAT 6:33LUK 18:13JHN 3:16ROM 3:23HEB 1:32PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of the church and the need for repentance. He describes a chaotic scene in which an old woman begs for forgiveness and promises to never return to the church if she is kept safe. Amidst the confusion, Richard Baxter remains calm and delivers a powerful message about the impending judgment of God. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and saving souls from the fires of hell. Baxter's dedication to preaching the mercy of God is highlighted, and his impact on the Puritan movement is acknowledged. The sermon concludes with a reference to Luke 18:13, emphasizing the need for humility and repentance.
Words of Wisdom - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K23:04WisdomMAT 4:19MAT 6:33MAT 16:241PE 2:211PE 4:102PE 3:10REV 13:8In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of John Beers, a banker who was converted after reading one of the speaker's books. Beers felt convicted to leave his profession, sell his house, and take his family to serve the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of committing one's life to God and being involved in reaching the lost world. He encourages listeners to have a heart for missions and to live a lifestyle that hastens the coming of the Lord. The speaker also highlights the significance of becoming more like Christ and being agents of redemption for the world.
Fren-05 Questions Et Rponses (Questions and Answers)
By Art Katz1.0K1:02:58Question AnswerISA 53:1MAT 24:14ACT 13:11TH 5:21TI 6:132PE 3:102PE 3:12In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of how to approach being part of an evangelical assembly that rejects the principles discussed in the conference. He emphasizes the importance of being conscious of the end times and the anticipation of the day of the Lord. The speaker believes that the gospel of the kingdom has not yet been fully proclaimed and calls for a demonstration of the gospel through holy conversations and godliness. He challenges the notion that peace is achieved through international negotiations or military power, stating that the condition of the church is what determines the length of days.
Jeremiahs Nuclear Nightmare
By David Wilkerson8841:00:53JeremiahJER 23:14JER 23:232PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of sudden destruction as mentioned in various biblical passages. He emphasizes that all the prophets spoke about this impending destruction, describing it as a shaking of the earth and a calamity that would come suddenly and without remedy. The preacher focuses on Jeremiah 4, where the prophet condemns the deep-seated hypocrisy and lack of true repentance among the people. The preacher passionately urges the congregation to wake up and heed God's message, warning that the time for playing and ignoring the truth is over.
Today – Therefore
By Basilea Schlink86604:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33MAT 24:36LUK 21:251CO 15:521TH 4:162PE 3:10REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the times we are living in, where destruction threatens the world. They argue that we can no longer live a comfortable Christian life, but must fully surrender ourselves to Jesus and be obedient to God's commandments. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 15, which speaks about the last trumpet and the Lord's return in glory. The speaker urges listeners to prepare for this day and be among those who will be called out of the destruction of this age.
Death, and After This, the Judgment
By Rolfe Barnard81854:24ECC 12:7MAT 6:332CO 2:151TH 5:3HEB 9:272PE 3:10REV 20:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the certainty of death and the judgment that follows. He mentions significant events in recent history, such as the televised funeral services of President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. These events serve as reminders of the inevitability of death and the need for salvation. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus died because all men must die and face judgment. He urges the audience to turn to Christ for salvation and asks those who have a reasonable hope in Christ to affirm their faith.
Overview of the New Jerusalem: Motivation for Righteousness, Part 1
By Mike Bickle2555:20Motivation for RighteousnessEschatology2PE 3:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding the New Jerusalem and the Millennial Kingdom as a motivation for righteousness. He explains that the Bible contains extensive prophecies about the second coming of Jesus and His reign on earth, which are crucial for believers to grasp in order to cultivate a life of holiness. Bickle highlights that the knowledge of these truths can provide peace and steadfastness amidst the chaos of the world, urging believers to look forward to the promises of God. He stresses the importance of being prepared and worthy for the coming events, as the church's readiness can hasten the day of the Lord. Ultimately, Bickle encourages a deep engagement with these eschatological truths to foster a vibrant faith and a commitment to righteousness.
The True Meaning of the Promised Land
By David Wilkerson1FaithEternal PromiseGEN 17:8JHN 8:56JHN 14:2ROM 8:17GAL 3:29EPH 1:13HEB 11:92PE 3:10REV 21:1David Wilkerson explains that the Promised Land given to Abraham was not merely a physical territory but a symbol of a greater spiritual reality. He emphasizes that Abraham understood this land as a representation of the coming Messiah and a longing for a heavenly city built by God. The true meaning of the Promised Land is found in Jesus Christ, who offers total peace and rest to believers. Wilkerson highlights that through faith, we can claim our everlasting possession in Christ, who is both our inheritance and our hope. Ultimately, the sermon reveals that the promise extends beyond earthly boundaries to eternal life with God.
Hymn: The Holy Remnant
By D.S. Warner0ISA 4:32PE 3:10REV 3:5REV 3:21D.S. Warner preaches about the holy remnant gathered to the King of Peace, emphasizing the importance of finding full atonement and abundance of grace in Zion. He urges the congregation to heed the voice from heaven calling them out of confusion and to flee from ruin, not taking any part in the world's chaos. Warner highlights the necessity for the remnant to be dressed in white raiment, symbolizing sanctification through the Savior's sacrifice. He concludes by reminding the believers of their inheritance in the kingdom under the Shining Sun, encouraging them to stand firm on the verge of eternity, ready for judgment.
The Rise of Posttribulational Interpretation
By John F. Walvoord0DAN 9:27MAT 24:21ROM 11:251CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 4:162TI 3:162PE 3:10REV 20:1John F. Walvoord discusses the development of systematic theology in the history of the church, focusing on the controversies and major divisions that have shaped theological understanding. He highlights the early theological controversies related to the Scriptures, the doctrine of the Trinity, the Protestant Reformation's impact on soteriology and ecclesiology, and the ongoing debate surrounding eschatology. Walvoord delves into the different interpretations of eschatology throughout history, from premillennialism to postmillennialism, and the varying views on the millennium and the second coming of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The day of the Lord will come - See Mat 24:43, to which the apostle seems to allude. The heavens shall pass away with a great noise - As the heavens mean here, and in the passages above, the whole atmosphere, in which all the terrestrial vapours are lodged; and as water itself is composed of two gases, eighty-five parts in weight of oxygen, and fifteen of hydrogen, or two parts in volume of the latter, and one of the former; (for if these quantities be put together, and several electric sparks passed through them, a chemical union takes place, and water is the product; and, vice versa, if the galvanic spark be made to pass through water, a portion of the fluid is immediately decomposed into its two constituent gases, oxygen and hydrogen); and as the electric or ethereal fire is that which, in all likelihood, God will use in the general conflagration; the noise occasioned by the application of this fire to such an immense congeries of aqueous particles as float in the atmosphere, must be terrible in the extreme. Put a drop of water on an anvil, place over it a piece of iron red hot, strike the iron with a hammer on the part above the drop of water, and the report will be as loud as a musket; when, then, the whole strength of those opposite agents is brought together into a state of conflict, the noise, the thunderings, the innumerable explosions, (till every particle of water on the earth and in the atmosphere is, by the action of the fire, reduced into its component gaseous parts), will be frequent, loud, confounding, and terrific, beyond every comprehension but that of God himself. The elements shalt melt with fervent heat - When the fire has conquered and decomposed the water, the elements, στοιχεια, the hydrogen and oxygen airs or gases, (the former of which is most highly inflammable, and the latter an eminent supporter of all combustion), will occupy distinct regions of the atmosphere, the hydrogen by its very great levity ascending to the top, while the oxygen from its superior specific gravity will keep upon or near the surface of the earth; and thus, if different substances be once ignited, the fire, which is supported in this case, not only by the oxygen which is one of the constituents of atmospheric air, but also by a great additional quantity of oxygen obtained from the decomposition of all aqueous vapours, will rapidly seize on all other substances, on all terrestrial particles, and the whole frame of nature will be necessarily torn in pieces, and thus the earth and its works be burned up.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The certainty, suddenness, and concomitant effects, of the coming of the day of the Lord. FABER argues from this that the millennium, &c., must precede Christ's literal coming, not follow it. But "the day of the Lord" comprehends the whole series of events, beginning with the pre-millennial advent, and ending with the destruction of the wicked, and final conflagration, and general judgment (which last intervenes between the conflagration and the renovation of the earth). will--emphatical. But (in spite of the mockers, and notwithstanding the delay) come and be present the day of the Lord SHALL. as a thief--Peter remembers and repeats his Lord's image (Luk 12:39, Luk 12:41) used in the conversation in which he took a part; so also Paul (Th1 5:2) and John (Rev 3:3; Rev 16:15). the heavens--which the scoffers say' shall "continue" as they are (Pe2 3:4; Mat 24:35; Rev 21:1). with a great noise--with a rushing noise, like that of a whizzing arrow, or the crash of a devouring flame. elements--the component materials of the world [WAHL]. However, as "the works" in the earth are mentioned separately from "the earth," so it is likely by "elements," mentioned after "the heavens," are meant "the works therein," namely, the sun, moon, and stars (as THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH [p. 22, 148, 228]; and JUSTIN MARTYR [Apology, 2.44], use the word "elements"): these, as at creation, so in the destruction of the world, are mentioned [BENGEL]. But as "elements" is not so used in Scripture Greek, perhaps it refers to the component materials of "the heavens," including the heavenly bodies; it clearly belongs to the former clause, "the heavens," not to the following, "the earth," &c. melt--be dissolved, as in Pe2 3:11. the works . . . therein--of nature and of art.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,.... That is, the Lord will come in that day, which he has fixed, according to his promise, than which nothing is more certain; and he will come as a thief in the night: he will come "in the night", which may be literally understood; for as his first coming was in the night; see Luk 2:8; so perhaps his second coming may be in the night season; or figuratively, when it will be a time of great darkness; when there will be little faith in the earth, and both the wise and foolish virgins will be slumbering and sleeping; when it will be a season of great security, as it was in the days of Noah, and at the time of the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the phrase, "in the night": and the Alexandrian copy uses the emphatic article, "in the night": and he will come, "as a thief", in the dark, indiscernibly; it will not be known what hour he will come; he will come suddenly, at an unawares, when he is not expected, to the great surprise of men, and especially of the scoffers; when the following awful things will be done: in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise; not the third heaven, the seat of angels and glorified saints, and even of God himself; but the starry and airy heavens, which shall pass away, not as to their matter and substance, but as to some of their accidents and qualities, and the present use of them; and that with a great noise, like that of a violent storm, or tempest; though the Ethiopic version renders it, "without a noise"; and which is more agreeable to his coming as a thief, which is not with noise, but in as still a manner as possible; and some learned men observe, that the word signifies swiftly, as well as with a noise; and, accordingly, the Syriac version renders it "suddenly"; and the Arabic version "presently", immediately; that is, as soon as Christ shall come, immediately, at once, from his face shall the earth and heavens flee away, as John in a vision saw, Rev 20:11; and the elements shall melt with fervent heat: not what are commonly called the four elements, earth, air, tire, and water, the first principles of all things: the ancient philosophers distinguished between principles and elements; principles, they say (h), are neither generated, nor corrupted; "but the elements will be corrupted, or destroyed by the conflagration"; which exactly agrees with what the apostle here says: by the elements seem to be meant the host of heaven, being distinguished from the heavens, as the works of the earth are distinguished from the earth in the next clause; and design the firmament, or expanse, with the sun, moon, and stars in it, which will be purged and purified by this liquefaction by fire; the earth also will be purged and purified from everything that is noxious, hurtful, unnecessary, and disagreeable; though the matter and substance of it will continue: and the works that are therein shall be burnt up; all the works of nature, wicked men, cattle, trees, &c. and all the works of men, cities, towns, houses, furniture, utensils, instruments of arts of all sorts, will be burnt by a material fire, breaking out of the earth and descending from heaven, for which the present heavens and earth are reserved: this general conflagration was not only known to the Jews, but to the Heathens, to the poets, and Platonist and Stoic philosophers, who frequently (i) speak of it in plain terms. Some are of opinion that these words refer to the destruction of Jerusalem; and so the passing away of the heavens may design the removal of their church state and ordinances, Heb 12:26, and the melting of the elements the ceasing of the ceremonial law, called the elements of the world, Gal 4:3, and the burning of the earth the destruction of the land of Judea, expressed in such a manner in Deu 29:23, and particularly of the temple, and the curious works in that, which were all burnt up and destroyed by fire, though Titus endeavoured to prevent it, but could not (k): which sense may be included, inasmuch as there was a promise of Christ's coming to destroy the Jewish nation, and was expected; and which destruction was a prelude of the destruction of the world, and is sometimes expressed in such like language as that is; but then this must not take place, to the exclusion of the other sense: and whereas this sense makes the words to he taken partly in a figurative, and partly in a literal way; and seeing the heavens and the earth are in the context only literally taken, the former sense is to be preferred; and to which best agrees the following use to be made of these things. (h) Diog. Laert. l. 7. in Vita Zenonis. (i) Vid. Diog. Laert ib. & l. 9. in Vita Heraclit. & Hesych. de Philos. p. 36. Arrian. Epict. l. 3. c. 13. Phurut. de Natura Deorum, p. 39. Ovid. Metamorph, fab. 7. Min. Felix, p. 37. & Justin. Martyr. Apol. 2. p. 66. (k) Vid. Joseph. de Bello Jud. l. 3. c. 9, 10. & l. 7. c. 14, 16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 The very elements themselves might refer to the basic components of the physical universe or to the sun, moon, and stars. • will be found to deserve judgment: The Greek text here is difficult; the reading followed by the NLT probably means that creation will appear before God at the time of judgment, and he will find it to deserve his judgment.