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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER

CHAPTER THREE:
“PATIENTLY WAIT FOR NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH”

[“Devoted Patience”]
Key word: Patience

2 Peter 3:1-4 – What to Remember

2PE3:1 Beloved, this is already the second letter 118 I am writing to you, in which I am thoroughly arousing your sincere thoughts by a reminder 119

118

Second letter: Or, KJV: this second epistle. Clearly referring to 1 Peter. Verses 1-4 may be paraphrased, “My beloved ones, this is now my second letter I have written you. In both of these letters I am striving to awaken your minds by way of an honest reminder. Remember those teachings about the commandment of our Master and Savior spoken to you by the holy apostles and Christian prophets. For you are quite aware that during the Last Days there would appear ridiculers with their ridicule proceeding according to their own desires. These would ask, ‘Where is this so-called Arrival of the Messiah? Why nothing has changed since our forefathers died, not even from creation’s beginning!’” [NCMM Paraphrase]

119

Thoroughly arousing your sincere thoughts by a reminder: Or, KJV: in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of a reminder; WEY: revive in your sincere minds certain memories; BAS: I am attempting to keep your true minds awake; NEB: to rouse you to honest thought; TCN: to arouse your better feelings; BAR: stimulate you to do some straight thinking. Peter has already stated his purpose in 2 Peter 1:13. “Repetition is the mother of retention.” (Romans 15:15) The need has not changed in 2,000 years.

2PE3:2 to remember the teachings previously spoken to you 120 by the holy prophets and apostles about the commandment of the Master 121 and Savior.

120

Remember the teachings previously spoken to you: Or, KJV: mindful of the words; WEY: recall the words spoken beforehand. Though these “prophets” may include those ancient ones in the Hebrew Bible (Acts 3:24; 2 Peter 1:19) it seems also possible these are Christian prophets who were spokesman for the Jesus movement.

121

The holy prophets and apostles about the commandment of the Master: Or, ASV: through your apostles; MOF: given by your apostles. Research the word prophet in the Christian Bible. Acts 13:1, “There were prophets and teachers in the local congregation.” (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; Ephesians 4:12, 13) Note the same combination (apostles and prophets) in the context of end-time Saints. (Revelation 10:7; 11:18; 18:20; 22:9) Research the word apostle(s) in the Christian epistles. (See notes on 2 Peter 2:21)

2PE3:3 For you know this first 122 that during the end of the days 123 there will come scoffers making mockery in accordance with their own desires. 124

122	You know this first: Or, KJV: knowing this first; MOF: to begin with, you know; BAR: right at the beginning you must realize.

123

During the end of the days: The Greek is ESCHATON TON HEMERON. [last of the days] Compare 2 Timothy 3:1, ESCHATAIS HEMERAIS; Hebrews 1:2, ESCHATOU TON HEMERON; Acts 2:17, ESCHATAIS HEMERAIS. Or, KJV: in the last days. Many will make this something of a prophecy about a future moment. Research the phrase last days which occurs about 6 times in the Christian Bible. Note whether they refer to those contemporary times or some future period. Note also Jesus never uses the phrase “last days” nor does it ever occur in the Book of Revelation. (1 Timothy 4:1 is not “last days” but HYSTEROIS KAIRAIS = later seasons) Read Jude 18 and see that this inspired disciple applies Peter’s context to their time period in the first century. See the Biblical Article, Why We Cannot Preach These Are the “Last Days”?

124	There will come scoffers making mockery in accordance with their own desires: Or, KJV: scoffers walking after their own lusts; MOF: mockers will come with their mockeries; BAR: pour cynical scorn on the faith. It seems likely these mockers are contemporary with Peter.

2PE3:4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his Arrival? 125 For from the day the fathers fell asleep 126 everything is remaining as from the beginning of creation.” 127

125

Where is the promise of his Arrival: That is, “the promise of his Return.” The Greek is PAROUSIAS. [presence] Or, KJV: where is the promise of his coming; KNX: the promise that he would appear; WEY: where is his promised Return. Jesus had promised in John 14:1, 2 that he would Return after ascending to heaven. The angels do the same thing in Acts 1:9-11. (See notes on Matthew 24:3 and Matthew 24:29-31.) This is probably the greatest promise ever given: a dead human being will return as king in glorious power. Daniel 7:13 foretold someone like a human being would ascend to heaven. (John 6:62) Jesus did not teach that his Return was imminent. (Luke 19:11, 12; Matthew 25:19) He actually told his apostles they would not live to see his Revelation. (Luke 17:20-22) Paul tells the same to the Thessalonians. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) It is likely that these false teachers used this to destroy faith and infiltrate the Jesus movement. Even in modern theology the notion of a “non-fulfillment of the parousia” continues. (See Professor Martin Werner, The Formation of Christian Dogma.) For details research the words presence or parousia in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

126	From the day the fathers fell asleep: Or, TCN: ever since our fathers passed to their rest.

127

Everything is remaining as from the beginning of creation: The Greek is ARCHES KTISEOS and similar to Colossians 1:15 and Revelation 3:14. Or, KJV: the beginning of the creation; TCN: when the world was first created. This claim is not accurate for the God of the Bible has been working His purpose from Eden.

2 Peter 3:5-7 – Three World’s and Judgment

2PE3:5 These persons willingly hide this, 128 that there were old heavens and an earth 129 above the water and by water held together by the word of The God, 130 [Genesis 1:6, 7, 9, 10]

128

These persons willingly hide this: Or, KJV: for this they willingly are ignorant; RSV: deliberately ignore; NEB: they loose sight of the fact; NAS: it escapes their notice; TCN: willfully shut their eyes. Peter may have in mind the attitude of the pre-Flood people described by the Nazarene at Matthew 24:39. Today similar mockers ignore the facts Peter goes on to mention. Verses 5-7 may be paraphrase, “Now these mockers deliberately ignore this known fact: there used to be an ancient Sky and an ancient Land above the Seas and surrounded by Waters. These Waters were held in place by God’s own Logos. By means of these Waters and Seas that ancient world was ruined by a great Deluge. However, by this same Logos the current Sky and Land are being preserved until Judgment Day and the extinction of ungodly persons.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

129

There were old heavens and an earth: Or, KJV: the heavens were of old; TCN: long ago the heavens existed. The Greek words – like the Hebrew – for “heaven” and “earth” have a range of meanings: heaven = sky or atmosphere, stellar universe, dwelling of angels; earth = dry land, the peoples on the land, or the globe. If we judge by Genesis 1:8 the “heavens” here would seem to be the “expanse” or the atmosphere, thus the Sky where birds fly. Also, judging from Genesis 1:9, 10 the “earth” here is the dry land raised above sea level and by inference the people inhabiting it. (Job 38:9) Many scientists believe all dry land was once in one location in a super-continent called Pangea.

130

Above the water and by water held together by the word of The God: Or, KJV: the earth standing out of the water and in the water; ASV: an earth compacted out of water and amidst water, by the word of God; TCN: formed out of water and by the action of water, by the fiat of God; WEY: earth rising from and extended through water; BER: standing partly above and partly amidst water; BAS: standing partly above and partly amidst water. The Greek for “word” is LOGO and may refer to God’s commandment (fiat) or by the Logos of John 1:1. (Psalm 103:20; Psalm 107:25; Hebrews 1:3) Some believe these waters would include the great oceans or Sea (singular) of Genesis 1:9, 10 as well as a heavy water barrier floating high above the earth as a canopy. Such a thing would create an earth with a uniform temperature. (Genesis 1:6, 7; 7:11)

2PE3:6 by which [water] the world-order then was destroyed by a cataclysm. 131 [Genesis 7:11, 12]

131

By which [water] the world-order then was destroyed by a cataclysm: Or, KJV: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished; NEB: by water that first world was destroyed, the water of the deluge. KOSMOS is usually rendered “world.” The Greek word KATACLYSMOS means wash-down much, or flood, deluge. Though there is considerable disagreement on the timing of matters it is widely believed that some past cataclysm or catastrophe (possibly a comet sending a tidal wave around the earth) killed 90-95% of all life on earth, ending the Age of the Dinosaurs. (Genesis 7:11, 23; Isaiah 54:9; Matthew 24:39) For a discussion whether the Flood was local or global see Biblical Article, Was the Flood Local of Global? Note the degree of devastation at Psalm 104:6-9. Compare Genesis 8:21, 22; Genesis 9:11 where God promises never to cause such a devastation again. Ecclesiastes 1:4, “… the earth abides forever.”

2PE3:7 However, by this very same word the present heavens and earth 132 are stored up for fire by being reserved until the Day of Judgment 133 and the destruction of irreverent humans. 134

132

By this very same word the present heavens and earth: Or, KJV: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word. The question becomes, What heavens and earth? There are several views: the entire universe including the earthly globe and the stellar cosmos (but this seems inconsistent with the context as well as the rest of the Bible); demonic heavens and ungodly people living on earth; or, the literal Sky and Land in something similar to the Flood but not as far-reaching with only 8 survivors.

133

Stored up for fire by being reserved until the Day of Judgment: Or, KJV: kept in store, reserved unto fire; TCN: by the same fiat, have been reserved for fire, and are being kept; PME: by God’s command, being carefully kept; ASV: by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved. When Christ returns it is described: Jesus taught at his Return the Sky would be affected. (See notes at Matthew 24:29, 30; compare Joel 2:20) Paul teaches at 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, “… during the Unveiling of the Lord Jesus who will descend from the Sky with his mighty angels in a fiery flame when he delivers vengeance upon those who refuse to know The God as well as those who are disobedient to the Gospel of our Master Jesus. These will be justly paid with everlasting destruction.” (Compare Zephaniah 1:18; Zephaniah 3:8.) Research the word fire for thorough consideration on how the word is used. Though fire is used in many symbolic ways the fire here may accommodate both a literal and a symbolic one. See notes on Matthew 13:42 and Matthew 13:50. (Compare Isaiah 66:16 where fire equals a sword.) On the subject of day of judgment (or, judgment day) research these words in Nazarene Commentary 2000© for complete details. See the Biblical Article God and Judgment. We present one view here: upon the Return of Christ and the parousia-judgment (research this word) the Christian Church is raised to its judgment and thereafter the unrighteous and unloving are annihilated as though by fire. Sometime thereafter Satan’s rule (heaven) and his domain (the wicked and ungodly) are brought to an end. “The first heaven and the first earth departed.” (Revelation 21:1; compare notes on this verse in Nazarene Apocalypse 2000© in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.) A thousand years later something identical happens again. (Revelation 20:7-11) (1 Corinthians 3:13; James 5:3; note the affects of fire on the Sky and Earth and Seas in Revelation.)

134

The destruction of irreverent humans: Or, KJV: day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men; MOF: for the day when the impious are doomed and destroyed; TCN: destruction of the godless. Deuteronomy 7:10, “Yehowah will not hesitate toward the one who hates him; he will repay him to his face.” (Isaiah 26:21) Note when an angelic evangel is declared to the earth at the hour of judgment on that Great City there is time to repent and to, “Fear The God and glorify Him!” (Revelation 14:7)

2 Peter 3:8-10 – God’s Patience

2PE3:8 But let this one thing not be hidden from you, beloved, 135 that one day in YHWH’s view is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. 136 [Psalm 90:4]

135

But let this one thing not be hidden from you, beloved: Or, KJV: be not ignorant of this one thing; GDS: do not overlook this one fact; WEY: this one thing, beloved, you must not forget; MOF: you must not ignore. While the mockers may ignore certain Biblical facts Peter does not want the Christian community to overlook future destiny. Verses 8-10 may be paraphrased, “However, my beloved, let this single fact not be hidden from you: with God a single day is like a millennium, and a millennium like one single day. God is never slow (as some think of being slow) when it comes to His promises. Really He is very patient and tolerant of you humans. He really does not want any person to be annihilated. Rather He wishes there be room enough for all to demonstrate a change of mind. However, YHWH’s Day will come with unexpected suddenness like a thief. The Sky will move with a buzz, and the environmental factors will vanish in extreme heat.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

136

One day in YHWH’s view is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day: Or, KJV: that one day is with the Lord a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Compare the source at Psalm 90:4. Much has been made of this phrase giving it something of a literal imprint. It seems the phrase could just as well have been “ten thousand.” Peter seems to reverse what might appear to be a repetition.

2PE3:9 YHWH is not being slow regarding the promise – as some might consider slowness 137 – but He is tolerant with you. 138 He does not wish any person to be destroyed but that room be made for everyone who changes their mind. 139

137

YHWH is not being slow regarding the promise – as some might consider slowness: Or, KJV: the Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness; LAM: not negligent; KNX: not being dilatory; MON: does not loiter over; TCN: is not slow to fulfill his promise; AMP: according to some people’s conception of slowness.

138	But He is tolerant with you: Or, KJV: is longsuffering to us-ward; WEY: he bears patiently with you. (Romans 2:4; Romans 9:22, 23) Sometimes self-righteous persons want the end to come now while forgetting God is being patient with them.

139

He does not wish any person to be destroyed but that room be made for everyone who changes their mind: Or, KJV: not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance; RSV: but that all should reach repentance. God desires every single soul to change their mind toward Him and come to salvation.

2PE3:10 But YHWH’s day will arrive like a thief, 140 [1 Thessalonians 5:1] on which the heavens will pass on with a hissing noise. 141 Then the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved 142 and earth and the works in it will be exposed. 143

140

YHWH’s day will arrive like a thief: Or, NEB: it will come unexpected as a thief. (See notes on Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Revelation 16:15) The thief’s coming to rob is characterized by two things: a) it is unexpected; and, b) it is sudden. Judging from 2 Peter 3:12 the Day of the YHWH is the parousia. This understanding is also upheld by the Nazarene’s own use of the example of a thief in connection with his own Return.

141

The heavens will pass on with a hissing noise: Or, KJV: great noise; NEB: great rushing sound; WEY: a roar; MOF: cracking roar. The Greek RHOIZEDON is unique here and while most render it as some kind of loud noise the UBS Interlinear has “with great suddenness.” The phenomena which are described in the following phrases must occur upon the Return of Christ. Both the ancient prophets and Jesus Christ linked celestial phenomenon with the Arrival of Messiah. Compare Isaiah 13:10, 13 as the source for Matthew 24:29. (Luke 21:25, 26) Consider Haggai 2:6, 21 – a text fulfilled in Zerubbabel (who may be a type of Messiah) – and how Paul applies it in Hebrews 12:26-28 in the context of the Saints receiving the Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 15:50) This text reads: “At God’s voice [note 1 Thessalonians 4:16] the ground (around Mount Sinai) quaked. However, now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once again I shall set in commotion [Greek = SEISO] not just the ground but also the heavens.’ [Haggai 2:6 LXX = SEISO] Now the phrase, ‘Yet once again,’ makes it evident the transference of the things shaken as things of (physical) creation so that those things unshaken may remain.” (Revelation 21:1)

142

The elements being intensely hot will be dissolved: Or, KJV: the elements shall melt with fervent heat; ALF: the heavenly bodies shall be scorched up and dissolved; MOF: the stars will be set ablaze; NEB: the elements will disintegrate in flames. The Greek for “elements” is STOIKHEIA and infers “celestial bodies” as seen through the Sky. This could be a parallel for “heavens” in the previous phrase. It seems possible that the “elements” here involve “heaven” whether this is the atmosphere or celestial bodies seen through the Sky. However, STOIKHEIA may be used of any elementary thing. (Galatians 4:3, 9; Colossians 2:8, 20; Hebrews 6:1) Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 2, page 452, “… means earth, water, and air… the last being understood as ‘the heavens’.” The Sky is composed of water and air. Luke 21:26 has DYNAMEIS TON OURANON SALETHESONTAI and may be a conflate of Isaiah 34:4 LXX (DYNAMEIS TON OURANON) and Haggai 2:6 LXX (SEIS-THESETAI). In these two prophets the contexts deal with Edom and Zerubbabel and were not fulfilled in a literal sense but a figurative one. Compare also notes on Ephesians 2:2 where it is inferred that Satan is the ruler of the atmosphere.

143	Earth and the works in it will be exposed: Or, KJV: the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up; RHM: discovered; TCN: disclosed; NEB: laid bare. (Isaiah 13:13) It is the ungodly living on the planet who will be exposed or revealed by their judgment.

2 Peter 3:11-13 – Waiting in Holiness

2PE3:11 Thus, if all this is to be dissolved 144 what kind of people is it necessary to be in saintly deportment and reverence, 145

144

Thus, if all this is to be dissolved: Or, KJV: seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved; TCN: are in the process of dissolution; WE: are on the verge of. See notes on dissolved at 2 Peter 3:10. Verses 11-13 may be paraphrased, “Consequently, since all these things are to be dissolved what type of persons must you become? Holy in conduct, reverent in behavior, patiently waiting for and hastening the coming of the Day of God. On that day the Sky will explode in flame and vanish. The environmental factors will liquefy. However, in harmony with God’s promise we patiently wait for a new heavens and a new earth inhabited by only the righteous.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

145

What kind of people is it necessary to be in saintly deportment and reverence: Or, KJV: what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness; GDS: what holy and pious lives you ought to lead; NEB: devout and dedicated live you should live; BAR: think in what consecrated godliness of conduct you ought to live. The coming doom should affect one’s life-style. See notes on the Greek EUSEBEIAS at 2 Peter 1:3. On the holy life of the Christian Saint compare 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 Peter 1:15.

2PE3:12 awaiting and quickening the Arrival of day of The God, 146 [Zechariah 1:14] on which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved 147 and extremely hot elements will melt; 148

146

Awaiting and quickening the Arrival of day of The God: The Greek PAROUSIA occurs here. Or, KJV: looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God; ASV: looking for and earnestly desiring; WEY: expecting and helping to hasten; NEB: look eagerly for; BAR: live in constant expectation of. Compare the language of Zephaniah 1:14 and Habakkuk 2:3, 4. This is the only case where PAROUSIA is used of God. It is possible the phrase “arrival of the day of God” is an allusion to Daniel 7:22, “until the Ancient of Days came” [Greek = ELTHEN = compare Matthew 24:46; Matthew 25:27 (ELTHON), Mark 13:36 (ELTHON) = a synonym for “presence”; the Aramaic is attah which is drawn from “presence”] and He gave judgment to the Saints.” This last phrase is identical in Greek to that in Revelation 20:4. Compare Revelation 6:17 where two are arriving on the Day of Wrath.

147	On which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved: Or, KJV: heavens being on fire shall be dissolved; RSV: heavens will be kindled; WMS: heavens to blaze. See notes on 2 Peter 3:10.

148	Extremely hot elements will melt: Or, KJV: the elements shall melt with fervent heat; PME: the elements disintegrate in fearful heat. On elements see 2 Peter 3:10.

2PE3:13 but in accordance with His promise we are awaiting new heavens and new earth 149 in which righteousness is to dwell. 150 [Isaiah 65:17]

149

In accordance with His promise we are awaiting new heavens and new earth: The phrase is drawn from Isaiah 65:17 and Isaiah 66:22. According to Isaiah 51:16 similar language regarding a “heavens” and an “earth” are used in the context of the restoration of Israel. Peter’s inspired application of Isaiah places these “new heavens and new earth” in the context and the parousia and the Day of Wrath. Though some view these as a completely new cosmos and planet, Peter’s discussion above seems to rule this out. Up to this point the “heavens” has been the Sky or atmosphere (where Satan rules = Ephesians 2:2) and the “earth” the dwelling of the ungodly and irreverent. As the great Deluge changed the construct of the heavens and cleansed the earth of wickedness, so the parousia, or Arrival of Messiah in glory with his angels, “gathers together again everything in the heavens and the earth.” (See notes on Ephesians 1:10 in Nazarene Commentary 2000.) Thus when the Seventh Trumpet blasts both the heavens and the earth will come under a new rule replacing the former KOSMOKRATORAS and bring Satan’s earth-wide order to ruin. (See notes on Ephesians 6:12; compare Revelation 11:15-18)

150

In which righteousness is to dwell: Or, TCN: where righteousness shall have its home; WMS: in which uprightness will have its permanent home; BAR: justice will have its home. The “heavens” and the “earth” will become righteous with Satan gone (Revelation 20:3) and the new world order of the wild Sea Beast wiped out. (See notes on Revelation chapter 13.) Under Messiah’s rule the tendency of earth’s inhabitants will be righteous one. (Isaiah 26:9, 10; Isaiah 65:17-25)

2 Peter 3:14-16 – Example of Lord’s Patience

2PE3:14 And so, beloved, in awaiting these things hurry to become spotless and unblemished, 151 found with Him in peace, 152

151

In awaiting these things hurry to become spotless and unblemished: The Greek for “spotless” is ASPILOI. Or, KJV: see that ye look for such things; TCN: in expectation of these things; KJV: be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless; TCN: make every effort to be found in him spotless, blameless, and at peace; NEB: above reproach in his sight; BAR: make every effort. Clearly, there is a sense of impatience expecting this parousia very soon. Those who are so impatient do well to be quick about demonstrating a Christian character and life-style that is unsullied by the world. In other words: they ought to be happy that Day does not now come because they are not yet ready. Verses 14-16 may be paraphrased, “Therefore, because of the above, my beloved, while you await these things be quick to become untarnished and unblemished so you will be discovered to be at peace with Him. Consider the Sovereign LORD’s tolerance as saving you. Now in harmony with what our brother Paul wrote to you – according to the divine wisdom given him – he speaks of the same things in his letters. Now in his letters there are those matters difficult to comprehend. The uneducated and shaky are misinterpreting these to their own ruin.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

152	Found with Him in peace: There may have been some division on the subject of the Return (parousia) of the Master. Peter may stress “peace” here in the sense of unity; and in that process harmony with the Master. (Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 1:10) Two thousand years later the subject is still divisive.

2PE3:15 and consider the patient tolerance of our Sovereign LORD as salvation, 153 also in accordance with what our brother Paul wrote you in harmony with the wisdom given to him, 154

153

Consider the patient tolerance of our Sovereign LORD as salvation: Or, KJV: the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; GDS: look upon our Lord’s patience as salvation; WEY: regard the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. Peter uses the title “Lord” 15 times in 2 Peter. 8 times this is clearly Jesus (2 Peter 1:2, 8, 11, 14, 16; 2:20; 3:2, 18); while 7 refer to God. (2 Peter 2:9, 11; 3:8, 9, 10, 12, 15) Some times which “Lord” is not clear. In this case we may assume the “Lord” is God whose patience is mentioned in 2 Peter 3:8, 9. Compare the KJV at Psalm 110:1 and Revelation 11:15 with Deuteronomy 10:17.

154

What our brother Paul wrote you in harmony with the wisdom given to him: Paul’s letters have circulated widely and Peter’s readers are aware of them. We may assume Peter’s readership is the same as in 1 Peter 1:1, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. We are aware of the letter to the Galatians (a region). Paul wrote other letters we do not possess. (Colossians 4:16) It appears Paul’s letters were copied and circulated widely to the small isolated home churches. No doubt these became topics for reading and discussion in meetings. For details on two of Paul’s letters see the works Commentary On Romans, Commentary On Ephesians.

2PE3:16 as also in all his epistles, he speaks of these things, 155 in which epistles are some things hard to understand, 156 which the unlearned and unsteady are distorting 157 as they do also the rest of the Scriptures to their own destruction. 158

155

All his epistles, he speaks of these things: Or, BER: and as well in all the letters in which he mentions these subjects; NEB: wherever he speaks of this subject. The subject is the parousia and we find this in 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:15-17; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8; 1 Corinthians 15:23, 50-52. We may assume Peter’s readership is aware of these three epistles. Verses 17, 18 may be paraphrased, “As a result, my beloved, since you all possess this prior understanding, be on guard that you are never misguided by the inaccuracies and misinterpretations of those who defy God’s Law. You could possibly stumble from your own firm footing. Rather, continue to grow in Grace and knowledge of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory now as well as far into the Day of Eternity. Amen!” [NCMM Paraphrase] It appears that Peter had read Paul’s letters and do reference them in allusions.

156

Some things hard to understand: Or, KJV: things hard to be understood; NEB: they contain some obscure passages; BAR: there are some passages which are not too easy to understand. Paul gives one reason for this difficulty at Hebrews 5:11, “About whom we have many words hard to interpret since you have become sluggish in your hearing.” It seems fair to say that some of these “hard” things included 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. Two thousand years later many still find these hard to understand and there is no complete agreement on these matters. With this thought in mind it seems fair to conclude that Revelation had not yet been written, for surely this extremely “hard to understand” work would go unmentioned.

157

The unlearned and unsteady are distorting: Or, KJV: wrest; TCN: weak people; PME: which, unhappily, ill informed and unbalanced people distort; BAR: twist to suit themselves. We are not told what these distortions are. We may draw some conclusions from 1 Corinthians 15:12, 35 and 2 Timothy 2:18. Possibly one distortion was that the parousia was imminent and thus the counsel on patience. These misinterpretations involved Paul’s letters where he commented on the subject of the parousia. Paul makes it clear the parousia is not imminent and will not come until an apostasy fully materializes. However, to this day some would argue against this understanding. In Christian theology the subject of the “delay of the parousia” is still current in seminaries.

158

As they do also the rest of the Scriptures to their own destruction: Or, KNX: to their own undoing TCN: to their own ruin. Misinterpretation of the Scriptures may prove dangerous. We may assume that by “Scripture” Peter means something similar to Luke 24:44 and 2 Timothy 3:15, 16 – the traditional Hebrew canon and those inspired epistles already circulating. Peter clearly refers to Paul’s epistles as “Scriptures.” See the Biblical Article, How to Approach the Bible, and, Finding “Inspired Interpretations”.

2 Peter 3:17-18 – Grow in Grace and Knowledge

2PE3:17 And so, beloved, all of you, having this foreknowledge 159 continue to guard yourselves so that you are not all misled together 160 by the error of the lawless 161 and possibly fall from your own stability, 162

159	And so, beloved, all of you, having this foreknowledge: [prognoses, prognostication] The Greek is PRO-GINOSKONTES. Or, KJV: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before; WEY: being warned beforehand.

160	Continue to guard yourselves so that you are not all misled together: Or, KJV: beware lest ye be led away; RHM: be on your guard. On the subject of being misled see Matthew 24:11, 24; Luke 21:8; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15.

161

By the error of the lawless: The Greek is ATHESMON PLANE. Or, KJV: error of the wicked. The Greek is most apropos and may be an allusion to 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 (ANOMOS… PLANES). Compare the “lawless” and notes at Matthew 7:21-23; 13:41, and Matthew 24:11, 12 (PLANESOUSIN… ANOMIAN), and Matthew 24:24 (PLANASTHAI EI DYNATON = if possible mislead). Note all these texts deal with the parousia.

162	Possibly fall from your own stability: Or, KJV: fall from your own stedfastness; RSV: lose your own stability; PME: your proper foothold; NEB: your own safe foothold. There could be an allusion here to Matthew 24:11, 12; 24:24 (PLANASTHAI EI DYNATON = if possible mislead).

2PE3:18 but continue to grow in unmerited favor and an elevated acquaintance with 163 our Master and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory today and throughout all future periods of time. 164 [[Amen!]] 165

163

Continue to grow in unmerited favor and an elevated acquaintance with: Or, TAY: become better acquainted with. It is interesting that it is necessary to “grow in grace” or continue within the unmerited favor of the Lord. Despite the difficulties with “those things hard to understand” in Paul’s letters one is encouraged to continue to grow in knowledge of the Nazarene who also taught about the parousia.

164	To him be the glory today and throughout all future periods of time: That is, “into the day of Aeon.” Or, KJV: glory both now and for ever; KNX: for all eternity; WEY: to the day of eternity. Regarding the Greek AIONOS see notes on eon or aeon in Nazarene Commentary 2000.

165	[[Amen!]]: Some manuscripts add the “Amen.”