Understanding 2 Peter 3:15

Verse: 2 Peter 3:15 - "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you."

General Overview

This verse, nestled within 2 Peter, relates closely to the themes of patience, salvation, and the acknowledgment of apostolic authority, particularly referencing Paul’s epistles. Peter emphasizes that the delay of the Lord's return is, in fact, an act of divine mercy, allowing more time for repentance and salvation.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry

  Henry elucidates how Peter urges believers to see the long-suffering of God as a source of salvation rather than a delay. This perspective is meant to encourage faithfulness and patience among the believers. He highlights that Paul’s writings, inspired by the same wisdom, align perfectly with this understanding, showing a unified message in the New Testament about God's plan for salvation.

• Albert Barnes

  Barnes discusses the importance of understanding the wisdom given to Paul, which signifies the divine nature of scripture. He notes that Peter refers to Paul as 'beloved' to establish harmony among apostles, suggesting a shared purpose. Barnes emphasizes that this is an invitation to the readers to trust the teachings of the apostles as they await Christ's return.

• Adam Clarke

  Clarke points out that Peter’s reference to God’s longsuffering serves to highlight God’s patience and desire for humanity’s salvation. He elaborates on the idea that God delays His judgment as an act of mercy, allowing sinners more time for repentance. Clarke links this to the wisdom of Paul, implying that Paul also wrote about grace and salvation extensively.

Biblical Themes

This verse encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the Bible:

• Long-suffering of God: God's patience is a recurring theme, illustrating His desire for all to come to repentance.
• Salvation: The emphasis on salvation highlights the core message of the Gospel throughout the New Testament.
• Apostolic authority: Peter's endorsement of Paul underscores the unity of Christian teaching and the divine inspiration of Scripture.
• Faith and patience: Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith while awaiting Christ's return.

Bible Cross-References

Several Bible verses relate directly to 2 Peter 3:15, providing a deeper understanding of its context:

• Romans 2:4: "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
• 1 Timothy 1:16: "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
• 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
• Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith."
• Hebrews 10:36: "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
• Colossians 1:23: "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister."
• 1 Peter 3:20: "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."

Application and Reflection

In reflecting on 2 Peter 3:15, believers are encouraged to:

• Recognize the patience of God and understand that His delay in judgment is an opportunity for more to come to repentance.
• Value the teachings of the apostles, particularly Paul, as vital to the understanding of God's plan for salvation.
• Embrace the theme of waiting with faithful endurance, trusting in God’s timing and His ultimate plan.

Conclusion

2 Peter 3:15 serves as a profound reminder of God's merciful character and the significance of apostolic writings in guiding believers in faith. Understanding this verse in conjunction with its cross-references enhances the insight into God's salvation plan and encourages a life that reflects patience and faithfulness as one awaits the fulfillment of His promises.