2 Peter 3:15
Verse
Context
Final Exhortations
14Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.15Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. 16He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Sermons
A.W. Tozer
David Cooper
Zac Poonen
Stephen KaungWorth Ellis
John Gill
Andrew MillerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And account that the long-suffering of our Lord - Conclude that God's long-suffering with the world is a proof that he designs men to be saved; even as our beloved brother Paul. "This epistle being written to those to whom the first epistle was sent, the persons to whom the Apostle Paul wrote concerning the long-suffering of God were the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Accordingly, we know he wrote to the Ephesians, (Eph 2:3-5), to the Colossians, (Col 1:21), and to Timothy, (Ti1 2:3, Ti1 2:4), things which imply that God's bearing with sinners is intended for their salvation. The persons to whom Peter's epistles were sent were, for the most part, Paul's converts." - Macknight. According to the wisdom given unto him - That is, according to the measure of the Divine inspiration, by which he was qualified for the Divine work, and by which he was so capable of entering into the deep things of God. It is worthy of remark that Paul's epistles are ranked among the Scriptures; a term applied to those writings which are divinely inspired, and to those only.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
account . . . the long-suffering . . . is salvation--is designed for the salvation of those yet to be gathered into the Church: whereas those scoffers "count it (to be the result of) slackness" on the Lord's part (Pe2 3:9). our beloved brother Paul--a beautiful instance of love and humility. Peter praises the very Epistles which contain his condemnation. according to the wisdom given unto him--adopting Paul's own language, Co1 3:10, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me as a wise master-builder." Supernatural and inspired wisdom "GIVEN" him, not acquired in human schools of learning. hath written--Greek aorist, "wrote," as a thing wholly past: Paul was by this time either dead, or had ceased to minister to them. to you--Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, the same region as Peter addresses. Compare "in peace," Pe2 3:14, a practical exhibition of which Peter now gives in showing how perfectly agreeing Paul (who wrote the Epistle to the Galatians) and he are, notwithstanding the event recorded (Gal 2:11-14). Col 3:4 refers to Christ's second coming. The Epistle to the Hebrews, too (addressed not only to the Palestinian, but also secondarily to the Hebrew Christians everywhere), may be referred to, as Peter primarily (though not exclusively) addresses in both Epistles the Hebrew Christians of the dispersion (see on Pe1 1:1). Heb 9:27-28; Heb 10:25, Heb 10:37, "speak of these things" (Pe2 3:16) which Peter has been handling, namely, the coming of the day of the Lord, delayed through His "long-suffering," yet near and sudden.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord,.... Not his longsuffering towards the wicked, and his forbearance with them, for that is not the means of, nor the way to, nor does it issue in, their salvation, but in their sorer punishment and greater damnation, see Rom 2:4; but towards the elect, as in Pe2 3:9; whom he bears much and long with before conversion, while in their sins, and in a state of unregeneracy, and waits to be gracious to them, as he is in their calling, and to make known and apply his great salvation to them; and as with particular persons, so with the whole body of them, till they are all gathered in, and even with the world for their sakes; and particularly the Lord's longsuffering here intends the deferring of his coming, or his seeming slackness in the performance of his promise: the reason of which is, salvation: the salvation of all his chosen ones, and in that it issues; he waits, he stays, that none of them might perish, but that they might be all brought to faith and repentance, and so be saved: wherefore the apostle would have the saints consider it in this light, and not imagine and conclude, with the scoffing infidels, that he is slack and dilatory, and will not come, but that his view in it is the salvation of all his people, which by this means is brought about: in confirmation of which, and other things he had delivered, he produces the testimony of the Apostle Paul; even as our beloved brother Paul also; he calls him a "brother", both on account of his being a believer in Christ, one that belonged to the same family with him, and was of the household of faith, born of the same Father, and related to the same Redeemer, the firstborn among many brethren, and likewise on account of his being a fellow apostle; for though he was not one of the twelve apostles, but his call and mission were later than theirs, yet Peter does not disdain to put him among them, and upon an equal foot with them, nor was he a whit behind the chief of them: he styles him a "beloved" brother; expressing his affection for him, which the relation between them called for, and which he bore to him, notwithstanding his public opposition to him, and sharp reproof of him, Gal 2:11, and perhaps loved him the more for it; see Psa 141:5; and he makes mention of him, and that under these characters, partly to show their agreement and consent in doctrine; and partly to recommend him to the Jews, to whom he writes, who had, upon report of his doctrine and ministry, entertained an ill, at least a mean opinion, of him; as also to set us an example to speak well of one another, both as ministers and private believers: according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; meaning not all his epistles, as being written for the general good of all the saints, as well as for those particular churches or men to whom they were sent; for what Peter speaks of is what was particularly written to them, and is distinguished in Pe2 3:16 from the rest of Paul's epistles; nor does he intend the epistle of Paul to the Romans, for the longsuffering of God spoken of in that, as in Rom 2:4, is his longsuffering to the wicked, which issues in their destruction, and not his longsuffering to his elect, which is salvation, as here; but he seems manifestly to have in view the epistle to the Hebrews, for Peter wrote both his first and second epistles to Jews; wherefore, since none of Paul's epistles but that were written particularly to them, it should seem that that is designed, and serves to confirm his being the author of it; in which he writes to the Hebrews concerning the coming of Christ, and of the deferring of it a little while, and of the need they had of patience to wait for it, Heb 10:36; and in it also are some things difficult to be understood concerning Melchizedek, the old and new covenant, the removing of the Aaronic priesthood, and the abrogation of the whole ceremonial law, &c. things not easily received by that nation; and the whole is written with great wisdom, respecting the person and office of Christ, the nature of his priesthood, and the glory of the Gospel dispensation; and in a most admirable manner is the whole Mosaic economy laid open and explained: he was indeed a wise master builder, and whatever he wrote was "according to wisdom"; not fleshly wisdom, the wisdom of this world, nor with enticing words of men's wisdom, but according to the divine wisdom, under the influence of the spirit of wisdom and revelation; for he had not this of himself naturally, nor did he learn it at Gamaliel's feet, but it was what was "given to him"; it came from above, from God, who gives it liberally; and as he himself always owned it to be a free grace gift of God bestowed on him, and that all his light and knowledge were by the revelation of Christ, so Peter ascribes it to the same, that God might have all the glory, and all boasting in man be stopped.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:15 our beloved brother Paul: The New Testament tells us little about the relationship between Peter and Paul. Because of the dispute in Antioch (Gal 2:11-14), it is sometimes thought that the two were hostile to one another, but the New Testament paints a different picture. Peter and Paul essentially agreed about the Good News for the Gentiles (Acts 11:2-18; 15:7-11). Silas and Mark were associates of both Paul and Peter (see 1 Pet 5:12-13). According to tradition, both apostles were martyred in Rome during the same persecution by Nero in the mid-60s AD.
2 Peter 3:15
Final Exhortations
14Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.15Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. 16He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Titus - Part 19): The Grace of God I
By A.W. Tozer4.7K25:37Titus2PE 1:82PE 3:152PE 3:181JN 2:241JN 2:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inability of the human race to rise to the teachings of great teachers and religions due to the inherent bad nature of human beings. However, the grace of God brings salvation and also provides the moral impulse within the heart to enable righteous living. The preacher highlights the significance of the word "pardon" and how it represents both a desire for forgiveness and a condemnation of wrongdoing. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of living a moral and virtuous life, growing constantly in righteousness and brotherly kindness, as taught by the grace of God.
The Grace of Jesus in Delaying Judgment
By David Cooper1.2K1:07:20Judgment2PE 3:92PE 3:152PE 3:17In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes that God is not slack in fulfilling his promises, but rather patient and long-suffering towards humanity. He desires that all people come to repentance and be saved. However, the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, and the heavens and earth will be destroyed. Brother Denny warns believers to be aware of the deception of the wicked and to remain steadfast in their faith, growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Allow God to Break You
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:02:06MAT 11:29LUK 16:15LUK 22:32ROM 8:162CO 4:72CO 4:162PE 3:15
This sermon emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and progress in our spiritual lives, highlighting the need for humility, brokenness, and a willingness to be small in our own eyes. It draws lessons from the life of Peter, showcasing how God can use brokenness to bring about transformation and fruitfulness. The message encourages believers to avoid justifying themselves, getting offended, and to be quick to apologize, ultimately seeking to see Jesus more clearly through a life of humility and surrender.
God as the Constructor of the Church
By Stephen Kaung8971:14:06PSA 127:1MAT 6:33MAT 16:18EPH 5:27HEB 11:102PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who stumbled upon a book in his brother's shop and discovered it was the book of Psalms. This encounter led the man to start reading the Bible and he was convicted of his sins. The speaker emphasizes that God tests us to reveal our true nature and bring us to a place of surrender. He also highlights the importance of being transformed by God's grace in order to be used as material for building the church. The sermon concludes with a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus and how his sacrifice provides forgiveness of sins and new life for believers.
Diety of Christ 02 the Only Begotten
By Worth Ellis74443:26MRK 13:31JHN 4:34JHN 6:38JHN 8:26JHN 8:281PE 3:152PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting and believing the truth found in the Word of God without trying to explain it. He encourages the audience to trust in the transcendental and transcendent nature of God's truth. The preacher also highlights the deity of Jesus Christ, stating that he is the one who died for our sins and is God in human form. He references Bible verses such as 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Peter 3:15 to support his points and urges the audience to be ready to defend their faith with meekness and fear.
2 Peter 3:9
By John Gill0Longsuffering and SalvationGod's PromisesEZK 18:32MAT 24:36JHN 3:16ACT 5:31ROM 2:41TI 2:4HEB 10:372PE 3:92PE 3:15REV 6:9John Gill emphasizes that the Lord is not slow in fulfilling His promises, particularly regarding the second coming of Christ. He explains that the perceived delay is due to God's longsuffering, allowing time for the elect to come to faith and repentance. Gill clarifies that God's patience is not for everyone but specifically for His chosen ones, ensuring that none of them perish. He reassures believers that God's promises are certain and that His timing is perfect, ultimately leading to the salvation of His people. The sermon encourages trust in God's plan and His desire for all to come to repentance.
The Midnight Cry
By Andrew Miller0JHN 6:37EPH 1:62PE 3:15REV 3:18REV 5:12REV 22:16Andrew Miller preaches about the long-suffering and patient grace of the Lord Jesus as depicted in the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for His second coming. The door of mercy is open, and the Lord is waiting in grace to receive and pardon all who come to Him, actively seeking and saving the lost. The parable serves as a solemn warning to the careless and a comforting message to those eagerly awaiting His return, highlighting the urgency of responding to the call of salvation before it's too late.
The Lord's Coming, as It Will Affect the Assembly
By H.J. Vine0ACT 1:11EPH 1:13PHP 1:231TH 4:152TH 3:52PE 3:15REV 3:10REV 19:7REV 21:2H.J. Vine preaches on the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air. The joy of the Lord in having His redeemed ones with Him will be beyond measure, fulfilling His sufferings on the cross. Despite uncertainties and fears, believers are encouraged to trust in Christ's perfect love that casts out all fear and eagerly await His coming to take them to be with Him forever.
Baptism Essential to Salvation
By W.H. Hopson0MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 2:38ROM 6:3GAL 3:27COL 2:122TI 3:16HEB 7:12JAS 2:172PE 3:15W.H. Hopson preaches about the essentiality of faith, repentance, and baptism for salvation, emphasizing the need for full compliance with the conditions of pardon outlined in the New Testament. He highlights the importance of understanding the law of pardon as the only amnesty proclamation for sinners, stressing that salvation is dependent on faith, repentance, and baptism as equally essential requirements. Hopson addresses objections to baptism as a non-essential element, refuting the notion that prayer alone can replace baptism in the process of remission of sins. He urges believers to adhere to the clear commandments of Jesus without altering or diminishing the Word of God, emphasizing the significance of baptism as a positive institution ordained for the forgiveness of sins.
Undivided Consecration
By Andrew Murray0MAT 10:15ROM 2:42CO 6:22PE 3:92PE 3:151JN 4:17The preacher discusses the concept of being blameless, emphasizing the importance of believers being spotless and faultless before God, striving for a pure character and reputation. This blamelessness is crucial for believers to maintain as they await the return of Christ, requiring them to deal with sin, pursue holiness, and allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly in them. The sermon highlights the need for believers to discipline themselves for godliness and live in purity, anticipating the eternal purity and glory they are destined for.
The Grace to Be Wrong
By Jack Hayford0PRO 11:14ACT 15:281CO 7:6EPH 4:2PHP 2:32PE 3:15Jack Hayford emphasizes the importance of believers having grace towards one another, allowing room for imperfections and the willingness to be wrong in perspective while being right in purpose. He shares instances where this grace was needed in ministry consultations, interviews, and counseling sessions. Hayford highlights the early Church's approach of seeking wisdom and consensus before making decisions, showing a non-authoritarian and humble attitude. He encourages a teachable spirit, acknowledging the value of receiving wisdom from others and being open to modifying personal inclinations within the community of believers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And account that the long-suffering of our Lord - Conclude that God's long-suffering with the world is a proof that he designs men to be saved; even as our beloved brother Paul. "This epistle being written to those to whom the first epistle was sent, the persons to whom the Apostle Paul wrote concerning the long-suffering of God were the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Accordingly, we know he wrote to the Ephesians, (Eph 2:3-5), to the Colossians, (Col 1:21), and to Timothy, (Ti1 2:3, Ti1 2:4), things which imply that God's bearing with sinners is intended for their salvation. The persons to whom Peter's epistles were sent were, for the most part, Paul's converts." - Macknight. According to the wisdom given unto him - That is, according to the measure of the Divine inspiration, by which he was qualified for the Divine work, and by which he was so capable of entering into the deep things of God. It is worthy of remark that Paul's epistles are ranked among the Scriptures; a term applied to those writings which are divinely inspired, and to those only.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
account . . . the long-suffering . . . is salvation--is designed for the salvation of those yet to be gathered into the Church: whereas those scoffers "count it (to be the result of) slackness" on the Lord's part (Pe2 3:9). our beloved brother Paul--a beautiful instance of love and humility. Peter praises the very Epistles which contain his condemnation. according to the wisdom given unto him--adopting Paul's own language, Co1 3:10, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me as a wise master-builder." Supernatural and inspired wisdom "GIVEN" him, not acquired in human schools of learning. hath written--Greek aorist, "wrote," as a thing wholly past: Paul was by this time either dead, or had ceased to minister to them. to you--Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, the same region as Peter addresses. Compare "in peace," Pe2 3:14, a practical exhibition of which Peter now gives in showing how perfectly agreeing Paul (who wrote the Epistle to the Galatians) and he are, notwithstanding the event recorded (Gal 2:11-14). Col 3:4 refers to Christ's second coming. The Epistle to the Hebrews, too (addressed not only to the Palestinian, but also secondarily to the Hebrew Christians everywhere), may be referred to, as Peter primarily (though not exclusively) addresses in both Epistles the Hebrew Christians of the dispersion (see on Pe1 1:1). Heb 9:27-28; Heb 10:25, Heb 10:37, "speak of these things" (Pe2 3:16) which Peter has been handling, namely, the coming of the day of the Lord, delayed through His "long-suffering," yet near and sudden.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord,.... Not his longsuffering towards the wicked, and his forbearance with them, for that is not the means of, nor the way to, nor does it issue in, their salvation, but in their sorer punishment and greater damnation, see Rom 2:4; but towards the elect, as in Pe2 3:9; whom he bears much and long with before conversion, while in their sins, and in a state of unregeneracy, and waits to be gracious to them, as he is in their calling, and to make known and apply his great salvation to them; and as with particular persons, so with the whole body of them, till they are all gathered in, and even with the world for their sakes; and particularly the Lord's longsuffering here intends the deferring of his coming, or his seeming slackness in the performance of his promise: the reason of which is, salvation: the salvation of all his chosen ones, and in that it issues; he waits, he stays, that none of them might perish, but that they might be all brought to faith and repentance, and so be saved: wherefore the apostle would have the saints consider it in this light, and not imagine and conclude, with the scoffing infidels, that he is slack and dilatory, and will not come, but that his view in it is the salvation of all his people, which by this means is brought about: in confirmation of which, and other things he had delivered, he produces the testimony of the Apostle Paul; even as our beloved brother Paul also; he calls him a "brother", both on account of his being a believer in Christ, one that belonged to the same family with him, and was of the household of faith, born of the same Father, and related to the same Redeemer, the firstborn among many brethren, and likewise on account of his being a fellow apostle; for though he was not one of the twelve apostles, but his call and mission were later than theirs, yet Peter does not disdain to put him among them, and upon an equal foot with them, nor was he a whit behind the chief of them: he styles him a "beloved" brother; expressing his affection for him, which the relation between them called for, and which he bore to him, notwithstanding his public opposition to him, and sharp reproof of him, Gal 2:11, and perhaps loved him the more for it; see Psa 141:5; and he makes mention of him, and that under these characters, partly to show their agreement and consent in doctrine; and partly to recommend him to the Jews, to whom he writes, who had, upon report of his doctrine and ministry, entertained an ill, at least a mean opinion, of him; as also to set us an example to speak well of one another, both as ministers and private believers: according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; meaning not all his epistles, as being written for the general good of all the saints, as well as for those particular churches or men to whom they were sent; for what Peter speaks of is what was particularly written to them, and is distinguished in Pe2 3:16 from the rest of Paul's epistles; nor does he intend the epistle of Paul to the Romans, for the longsuffering of God spoken of in that, as in Rom 2:4, is his longsuffering to the wicked, which issues in their destruction, and not his longsuffering to his elect, which is salvation, as here; but he seems manifestly to have in view the epistle to the Hebrews, for Peter wrote both his first and second epistles to Jews; wherefore, since none of Paul's epistles but that were written particularly to them, it should seem that that is designed, and serves to confirm his being the author of it; in which he writes to the Hebrews concerning the coming of Christ, and of the deferring of it a little while, and of the need they had of patience to wait for it, Heb 10:36; and in it also are some things difficult to be understood concerning Melchizedek, the old and new covenant, the removing of the Aaronic priesthood, and the abrogation of the whole ceremonial law, &c. things not easily received by that nation; and the whole is written with great wisdom, respecting the person and office of Christ, the nature of his priesthood, and the glory of the Gospel dispensation; and in a most admirable manner is the whole Mosaic economy laid open and explained: he was indeed a wise master builder, and whatever he wrote was "according to wisdom"; not fleshly wisdom, the wisdom of this world, nor with enticing words of men's wisdom, but according to the divine wisdom, under the influence of the spirit of wisdom and revelation; for he had not this of himself naturally, nor did he learn it at Gamaliel's feet, but it was what was "given to him"; it came from above, from God, who gives it liberally; and as he himself always owned it to be a free grace gift of God bestowed on him, and that all his light and knowledge were by the revelation of Christ, so Peter ascribes it to the same, that God might have all the glory, and all boasting in man be stopped.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:15 our beloved brother Paul: The New Testament tells us little about the relationship between Peter and Paul. Because of the dispute in Antioch (Gal 2:11-14), it is sometimes thought that the two were hostile to one another, but the New Testament paints a different picture. Peter and Paul essentially agreed about the Good News for the Gentiles (Acts 11:2-18; 15:7-11). Silas and Mark were associates of both Paul and Peter (see 1 Pet 5:12-13). According to tradition, both apostles were martyred in Rome during the same persecution by Nero in the mid-60s AD.