II Peter 3
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
This second epistle - In order to guard them against the seductions of false teachers, he calls to their remembrance the doctrine of the ancient prophets, and the commands or instructions of the apostles, all founded on the same basis. He possibly refers to the prophecies of Enoch, as mentioned by Jude, Jde 1:14, Jde 1:15; of David, Psa 1:1, etc.; and of Daniel, Dan 12:2, relative to the coming of our Lord to judgment: and he brings in the instructions of the apostles of Christ, by which they were directed how to prepare to meet their God.
Open source ↗SURENESS OF CHRIST'S COMING, AND ITS ACCOMPANIMENTS, DECLARED IN OPPOSITION TO SCOFFERS ABOUT TO ARISE. GOD'S LONG SUFFERING A MOTIVE TO REPENTANCE, AS PAUL'S EPISTLES SET FORTH; CONCLUDING EXHORTATION TO GROWTH IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST. (2Pe. 3:1-18) now--"This now a second Epistle I write." Therefore he had lately written the former Epistle. The seven Catholic Epistles were written by James, John, and Jude, shortly before their deaths; previously, while having the prospect of being still for some time alive, they felt it less necessary to write [BENGEL]. unto you--The Second Epistle, though more general in its address, yet included especially the same persons as the First Epistle was particularly addressed to. pure--literally, "pure when examined by sunlight"; "sincere." Adulterated with no error. Opposite to "having the understanding darkened." ALFORD explains, The mind, will, and affection, in relation to the outer world, being turned to God [the Sun of the soul], and not obscured by fleshly and selfish regards. by way of--Greek, "in," "in putting you in remembrance" (Pe2 1:12-13). Ye already know (Pe2 3:3); it is only needed that I remind you (Jde 1:5).
Open source ↗This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you,.... This is a transition to another part of the epistle; for the apostle having largely described false teachers, the secret enemies of the Christian religion under a profession of it, passes on to take notice of the more open adversaries and profane scoffers of it; and from their ridicule of the doctrine of Christ's second coming, he proceeds to treat of that, and of the destruction of the world, and the future happiness of the saints: he calls this epistle his "second epistle", because he had written another before to the same persons; and that the author of this epistle was an apostle, is evident from Pe2 3:2; and which, compared with Pe2 1:18 shows him to be the Apostle Peter, whose name it bears, and who was an eyewitness to the transfiguration of Christ on the mount, Mat 17:1, he addresses these saints here, as also in Pe2 3:8, under the character of "beloved"; because they were the beloved of God, being chosen by him according to his foreknowledge, and regenerated by him, according to his abundant mercy; and were openly his people, and had obtained mercy from him, and like precious faith with the apostles; and were also the beloved of Christ, being redeemed by him, not with gold and silver, but with his precious blood; for whom he suffered, and who were partakers of his sufferings, and the benefits arising from them, and who had all things given them by him, pertaining to life and godliness, and exceeding great and precious promises; and were likewise beloved by the apostle, though strangers, and not merely as Jews, or because they were his countrymen, but because they were the elect of God, the redeemed of Christ, and who were sanctified by the Spirit, and had the same kind of faith he himself had. The Syriac a…
Open source ↗That the apostle might the better reach his end in writing this epistle, which is to make them steady and constant in a fiducial and practical remembrance of the doctrine of the gospel, he, 1. Expresses his special affection and tenderness for them, by calling them beloved, hereby evidencing that he added to godliness brotherly-kindness, as he had (Pe2 1:17) exhorted them to do. Ministers must be examples of love and affection, as well as life and conversation. 2. He evinces a sincere love to them, and hearty concern for them, by writing the same thing to them, though in other words. It being safe for them, it shall not be grievous to him to write upon the same subject, and pursue the same design, by those methods which are most likely to succeed. 3. The better to recommend the matter, he tells them that what he would have them to remember are, (1.) The words spoken by the holy prophets, who were divinely inspired, both enlightened and sanctified by the Holy Ghost; and, seeing these persons' minds were purified by the sanctifying operation of the same Spirit, they were the better disposed to receive and retain what came from God by the holy prophets. (2.) The commandments of the apostles of the Lord and Saviour; and therefore the disciples and servants of Christ ought to regard what those who are sent by him have declared unto them to be the will of their Lord. What God has spoken by the prophets of the Old Testament, and Christ has commanded by the apostles of the New, cannot but demand and deserve to be frequently remembered; and those who meditate on these things will feel the quickening virtues thereof. It is by these things the pure minds of Christians are to be stirred up, that they may be active and lively in the work of holiness, and zealous and unwearied in the…
Open source ↗3:1-13 Peter shifts from denunciation of false teachers to exhortation of believers. The false teachers’ skepticism about Christ’s return required clear teaching. Christians need to hold onto the apostolic message about the day of judgment and live godly lives in anticipation of that day. 3:1 This is my second letter to you: The previous letter was probably 1 Peter.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this δεύτερος (deúteros, G1208) — (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb) ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ἤδη (ḗdē, G2235) — even now ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that διεγείρω (diegeírō, G1326) — to wake fully; i.e. arouse (literally or figuratively) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you εἰλικρινής (eilikrinḗs, G1506) — judged by sunlight, i.e. tested as genuine (figuratively) διάνοια (diánoia, G1271) — deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its… ὑπόμνησις (hypómnēsis, G5280) — a reminding or (reflexively) recollection
Open source ↗μνάομαι (mnáomai, G3415) — to bear in mind, i.e. recollect; by implication, to reward or punish ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) — an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or… προερέω (proeréō, G4280) — used as alternate of G4277 (προέπω); to say already, predict ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… σωτήρ (sōtḗr, G4990) — a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ
Open source ↗γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing πρῶτον (prōton, G4412) — firstly (in time, place, order, or importance) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἔσχατος (éschatos, G2078) — farthest, final (of place or time) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἐμπαίκτης (empaíktēs, G1703) — a derider, i.e. (by implication) a false teacher πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ποῦ (poû, G4226) — as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἐπαγγελία (epangelía, G1860) — an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… παρουσία (parousía, G3952) — a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) κοιμάω (koimáō, G2837) — to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… λανθάνω (lanthánō, G2990) — to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἔκπαλαι (ékpalai, G1597) — long ago, for a long while καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… συνιστάω (synistáō, G4921) — to set together, i.e. (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to…
Open source ↗διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) κατακλύζω (kataklýzō, G2626) — to dash (wash) down, i.e. (by implication) to deluge ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are θησαυρίζω (thēsaurízō, G2343) — to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively) τηρέω (tēréō, G5083) — perhaps akin to G2334 (θεωρέω)); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the… πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… κρίσις (krísis, G2920) — decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved λανθάνω (lanthánō, G2990) — to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because μία (mía, G3391) — one or first ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) χίλιοι (chílioi, G5507) — a thousand
Open source ↗κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… βραδύνω (bradýnō, G1019) — to delay οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐπαγγελία (epangelía, G1860) — an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai, G2233) — to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider βραδύτης (bradýtēs, G1022) — tardiness ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) μακροθυμέω (makrothyméō, G3114) — to be long-spirited, i.e. (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… βούλομαι (boúlomai, G1014) — to "will," i.e. (reflexively) be willing
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἥκω (hḗkō, G2240) — to arrive, i.e. be present (literally or figuratively) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) κλέπτης (kléptēs, G2812) — a stealer (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, G3928) — to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish… ῥοιζηδόν (rhoizēdón, G4500) — whizzingly, i.e. with a crash στοιχεῖον (stoicheîon, G4747) — something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental,… λύω (lýō, G3089) — to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things) λύω (lýō, G3089) — to "loosen" (literally or figuratively) ποταπός (potapós, G4217) — interrogatively, whatever, i.e. of what possible sort δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὑπάρχω (hypárchō, G5225) — to begin under (quietly), i.e. come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) ἀναστροφή (anastrophḗ, G391) — behavior καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εὐσέβεια (eusébeia, G2150) — piety; specially, the gospel scheme
Open source ↗προσδοκάω (prosdokáō, G4328) — to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… σπεύδω (speúdō, G4692) — to "speed" ("study"), i.e. urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await… παρουσία (parousía, G3952) — a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… πυρόω (pyróō, G4448) — to kindle, i.e. (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication),… λύω (lýō, G3089) — to "loosen" (literally or figuratively) στοιχεῖον (stoicheîon, G4747) — something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental,… τήκω (tḗkō, G5080) — to liquefy καυσόω (kausóō, G2741) — to set on fire
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. προσδοκάω (prosdokáō, G4328) — to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐπάγγελμα (epángelma, G1862) — a self-committal (by assurance of conferring some good) καινός (kainós, G2537) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification
Open source ↗διό (dió, G1352) — through which thing, i.e. consequently ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved προσδοκάω (prosdokáō, G4328) — to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things σπουδάζω (spoudázō, G4704) — to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity ἄσπιλος (áspilos, G784) — unblemished (physically or morally) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀμώμητος (amṓmētos, G298) — unblamable
Open source ↗Cross-references
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For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,