2 Peter — Chapter 3

This second Epistle I now write to you, beloved, with which I stir up, and warn your pure minds, to call to remembrance the words, which were told before of the holy prophets, and also the commandment of us the Apostles of the Lord and Savior. This first understand, that there shall come in the last days, mockers, which will walk after their lusts, and say, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers died, all things continue alike from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly know not, that the heavens were of old, and the earth that was of the water and by the water, by the word of God. Therefore the world that then was, perished, overflowed with the water. But the heavens and earth, which are now, are kept by the same word in store, and reserved to fire against the day of Judgment, and of the destruction of ungodly men. Dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord, as a thousand years, and a thousand years, as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (as some men count slackness) but is patient toward us, and would have no man to perish, but would all men to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which the heavens shall pass away with a noise, and the elements shall melt with heat, and the earth with the works, that are therein, shall be burnt up. Seeing therefore that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conversation and godliness: looking for, and hastening to the coming of the day of God, by the which the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with heat? But we look for new heavens, and a new earth, according to his promise, wherein dwells righteousness. Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. And suppose that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him wrote to you, as one, that in all his epistles speaks of these things: among the which some things are hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable, pervert, as they do also other Scriptures to their own destruction. You therefore beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you be also plucked away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: to him be glory both now and for evermore. Amen.

This second Epistle I now write to you, beloved, with which I stir up and warn your pure minds, to call to remembrance the words, which were told before of the holy prophets, and also the commandment of us the Apostles of the Lord and Savior.

In this chapter we are admonished to be in a readiness and every minute of an hour to look for the last day. And first Saint Peter declares to them how that he has not written this Epistle to them purposely and with intent to lay down to them the foundation of faith (for that had he laid down very substantially, effectually and sufficiently before) but to excite and stir them up, and to admonish and put them in remembrance that they forget not those things which they had before heard and received, but rather that they should persevere in that sincerity of mind and understanding, which was requisite, fit, expedient and pertinent to true Christianity. For the office and duty of all true preachers is, not only to teach, but also continually to admonish and exhort. Because so long as we be clad with this flesh and blood, we have great need to have the word of God to dwell plentifully in us, and to reign and bear sovereign authority in us: whereby we may resist the motions, suggestions, delights and concupiscences of the flesh, and with faithful constancy valiantly subdue, resist, and strive against the lusts thereof.

This first understand, that there shall come in the last days, mockers, which will walk after their lusts, and say, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers died, all things continue alike from the beginning of the creation.

There be some yet at this day very wavering and fickle-minded, being carried away through certain reasons set down in a book, entitled and written of Antichrist, in which book is declared, that before the latter day men should fall into such gross and devilish error as to deny God, and to mock and deride all that they hear preached of Christ and of Doomsday. And this saying is true, from wherever it was borrowed. But it ought not so strictly to be taken, as though the whole world should fall into such a general apostasy, and so universally blaspheme God: but that the greater part and portion thereof should fall away. For we see it now plainly come to pass, and more and more daily will it burst out, that when and where the Gospel shall be published and openly preached among men, many wicked shall reveal themselves, and the inward hearts of many shall be openly detected, whose wickedness and impiety now secretly lurks, and is dissimulated. And the number nowadays is not small, that believe little or nothing of the latter day, neither think that ever it will come.

Of such mockers and scorners Saint Peter here forewarns us, telling us that there should be sundry who would think there were no other life after this, and therefore would pass their days lewdly, inordinately and according to the devices of their own sensual lusts. Indeed, at Rome and in Italy, this prophecy is long ago fulfilled: and they that come from there to us, bring with them this opinion: that what filthy and wicked life they lead there, the same do they teach us, and those countries where they chance to inhabit. But a little before the latter day, such manner of men must needs be, as Christ himself foretold (Matthew 24). As the days of Noah were, so likewise shall the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they did eat and drink, marry and give in marriage, even until the day that Noah entered into the Ark, and knew nothing till the flood came, and took them all away: so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. And a little after in the same chapter: Be ready, for in such a time as you think not, will the Son of Man come. Again (Luke 21): As a snare shall that day come upon all them, that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Again (Luke 17): As the lightning that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven: so shall the Son of Man be in his day. That is, it shall come marvelously suddenly and most unexpected, when as the world shall live in most senseless security, and the Word of God altogether derided, and contemptuously scorned.

This therefore shall be a sign and a token of the near approaching of the latter day, when as men shall loosely live, according to their own willful lusts and pleasures: and when as they shall presumptuously ask, Where is now the promise of his coming? The world has continued thus long, and every thing is in the same case as it hitherto has been, what strange thing shall there now happen? Saint Peter therefore forewarns us, that we be not lightly carried away with these wicked speeches, but rather know that they be undoubted signs and tokens, that this day will come, and that very shortly.

For this they willingly know not, that the heavens were of old, and the earth that was of the water and by the water, by the Word of God. Therefore the world that then was, perished, overflowed with the water.

They are such perverse and froward persons (says he) that they disdain and grudge to bestow any time or labor in learning the truth: in so much that with a fleering disdain, they resist, and can not be brought so much as even to read the Scriptures. Yes, they are so willful and obstinate, that they will not seem either to think or know, how that the same thing came to pass also in the old world, when Noah built the Ark. Namely, how that the earth being separated from the water, was in the beginning made by the Word of God, and how again the same earth was wholly overflowed and drowned with water: and how that men lived then so secure and careless, that they looked for no harm to come to them, neither thought of any destruction at hand. And yet suddenly the flood covered them all. Of all which, these perverse and froward persons, are willingly and willfully ignorant. The plain meaning of his words is, as if he should say: If God then destroyed the world with water, and by a terrible example declared, that he was able to drown it universally: how much more will he destroy it now, having so much and so often in plain and sundry words, and in so many several places threatened and promised the same?

Heaven and Earth had their beginning and creation by the Word of God, they were not from everlasting. And the waters that rested above in the clouds, were by a firmament separated from the waters, which were in seas and rivers upon the earth below. So that the earth which was overwhelmed and surrounded with the deep, was by the Word of God parted from the waters, and became dry land: standing and being hemmed in by the waters. And that which Moses at large describes, is by Saint Peter here but lightly touched. By the same Word of God whereby they were made and created, are all things therein preserved and governed. For it is not their nature so to stand, or to remain in such situation: and therefore if God by his unspeakable power did not uphold, preserve, and govern them, all things would quickly come to a wreck and ruin, and be soon drenched, covered, and wholly overflowed with water. But mighty is the Word, which God spoke, when he said: Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear: that is, let the waters depart aside and give place, that the dry land may be seen, and that men may dwell thereon — for otherwise, (as I said before) by nature the water would overflow and cover the whole earth. Which, that it so comes not to pass, is as strange a miracle as any is, among all the works of God. Now says Saint Peter: These willful flouters and stiffnecked deriders, are so perverse and inconsiderate, that they maliciously think scorn to show this honor to the Holy Ghost, to read the Scriptures, and therein to see how God keeps, preserves, and governs the world within the water — whereby they might well perceive and see, that all things are in the hands of God: and therefore since he has once already destroyed the world by bringing upon it the general deluge, so also when it pleases him can he do to us. For the example thereof ought so greatly to move each one of us, that as he then performed that, which before he threatened, so we should now none otherwise think, but that he will surely abide by his words, and do that which he has spoken concerning us.

But the heavens and earth, which are now, are kept by the same Word in store, and reserved to fire, against the day of judgment, and of the destruction of ungodly men.

In the old time when God drowned the whole world in the general flood, the waters in most abundance gushed out of the clouds above, spouted out of the bowels of the earth below, and on every side such streams increased, that nothing was now to be seen but waters: the earth according to her nature, being all drowned, and covered under the waters. But God promised that he would never from that point on destroy the world with waters any more: making a covenant and giving his rainbow in the clouds, for a sign thereof (Genesis 9). Therefore he will next consume and destroy it with fire: so that there shall then nothing appear but fire, as before there was nothing seen but water. Of this also Saint Paul says (2 Thessalonians 1): When the Lord Jesus shall show himself from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that do not know God, and which do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Again (1 Corinthians 3): Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by the fire. Therefore, when that last day shall (like a sudden flash of lightning) come upon us, all things in this heaven and this earth, shall in the twinkling of an eye be consumed to cinders, and suddenly changed with fire, even as in the time of Noah, all things were changed with the water: and that God will not fail in this his threatening and commination: of which we ought to take his former dealing for an infallible token, the which he has left to us for a sign.

Dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord, as a thousand years, and a thousand years, as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (as some men count slackness) but is patient toward us, and would have no man to perish, but would all men to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which the heavens shall pass away with noise, and the elements shall melt with heat, and the earth with the works that are therein, shall be burned up.

In these words Saint Peter meets with those cavilers (of whom he spoke before) which say, that the Apostles have foretold many vain and foolish tales of the latter day, and that all things stand still in the same course and order as they did before, notwithstanding so long a space of time, since they foretold and prophesied thereof. And this place he borrowed out of the prayer of Moses in the 90th Psalm. A thousand years (says he) in your sight are as yesterday when it is past. This is after two sorts to be understood and taken: one, as it has respect and relation to God, the other as it respects men and the world. Again, this life is to be considered after one sort, the life to come after another. This life cannot be the life to come, because into that none can pass, but by death: that is, till he cease from the functions of this mortal life. This present life consists and is preserved by eating, drinking, sleeping, digesting, etc., all which consist and are done within the limitation of hours, days, and years. But when you will thoroughly consider the life to come, you must quite forget and put out of your thought and remembrance, all the course of this present life, and never think, to make any comparison between this life and it: for all things in it, are as one day, one hour, one minute, one moment.

Seeing therefore, that there is no enumeration of time with God, it follows that a thousand years with him, are as one day: and therefore the first man Adam is as near to God, as he that shall be last born, the day next before the general day of judgment. For God respects not time, according as the same is in length, but rather (as it were) aslope: as if a man should behold and look upon a very long tree, lying overthwart or aslope before him: for so should he with one glance of his eye, behold both the ends thereof at once: which he could not do, if he should stand at the one end, and behold it lengthwise. Now, we mortal creatures cannot by our own reason, behold and consider the time, but according to the length, by numbering and adding year to year, from Adam till the last day. But with God, all things are lapped up as it were in one bundle, and seen at one glance: what we think to [reconstructed: be] long, the same with him is short, and contrariwise. A man when he dies, lies buried in the earth, and his body is consumed into dust, neither does he know anything: but when he shall arise again in the last day, he shall think he has slept as it were scarcely an hour — then shall he see and behold a great multitude that lived after him, of whom he knew nothing at all. Saint Peter's meaning therefore is this: The Lord is not slack to perform his promise, as these mockers and scorners do think that he is, but is patient and long-suffering: therefore be ready against the last day, which will come sooner than you look for: and will suddenly overtake the wicked worldlings, as Saint Paul says (1 Thessalonians 5): When they shall say, peace and safety, then shall come upon them sudden destruction, as the travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. That day shall come with such a noise, and shall so suddenly (as it were a terrible tempest) fall upon the world, that all things shall be consumed in a moment.

Seeing therefore that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conversation and godliness, looking for, and hastening to the coming of that day of God?

Seeing that you know, that all these things shall pass away, both heaven, earth and all things therein: consider and weigh with yourselves with what holiness of life and godliness of conversation you ought to stand ready against that day. For Saint Peter so describes this day, as that it is even now at hand: against the which, we should not only be in a readiness, but also most joyfully and gladly expect and look for the coming thereof. Indeed, he would have us with most willing minds to go to meet the Lord in that day, as in which, we hope at length to be clearly rid and delivered from the tyranny of sin, death and hell.

By the which the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with heat. But we look for new heavens and a new earth, according to his promise, wherein dwells righteousness.

The Lord by his prophets in sundry places has promised that he will create new Heavens and a new Earth, as Isaiah 65: "Behold, I will create new Heavens and a new Earth, and the former shall not be remembered nor come into your mind." Again: Isaiah 30: "The light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun shall be sevenfold, and like the light of seven days." And Christ says in Matthew 13 that the just shall shine as the Sun, in the kingdom of their father. But how and after what fashion all this shall come to pass, we cannot tell, saving that it is faithfully promised by him who cannot deceive, that there shall be new Heavens and a new Earth, in which shall dwell no sin and uncleanness, but righteousness and they that are the children of God, as Paul also witnesses in Romans 8. There shall be nothing but joy and perpetual solace, to wit, the kingdom of God and all felicity.

Here he that would be inquisitive to know, whether the elect and blessed shall at that time be in the Heavens or on the Earth: truly this place sounds that they shall remain and dwell on the Earth, so that all, both Heavens and Earth shall be as one Paradise, wherein God himself will dwell. For he not only dwells in the Heavens, but everywhere: and therefore where he is, there shall the elect also be.

Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Forasmuch (says he) as you have escaped so great mischiefs and dangers, and shall come to such and so great joys, this ought not a little to move you, to contemn and despise all the things of the world, and with patient minds to suffer whatever adversity shall be allotted to you: and this is it, that he says, you ought diligently to endeavor yourselves to live without spot and blame, and after this force in peace to expect and look for that day.

And suppose that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation,

In that, he so long spares you and defers his judgment, and does not immediately judge you, think you it your great gain and avail. He has cause enough to be angry with you, and even immediately to take present revenge upon you, but such is his mercy and clemency, that he spares you and pardons all your transgressions.

Even as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you: as one that in all his Epistles speaks of these things: among which, some things are hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable, wrest, as they do also other Scriptures to their own destruction.

Saint Peter here gives express testimony and allowance of the sound doctrine contained in Saint Paul's Epistles: which proves that this Epistle was written long after the Epistles of Paul. And this is one of those places, whereby a man may take occasion to think, that this Epistle was not written by Saint Peter: as also another sentence a little before in this present Chapter expressed, does insinuate, and purport: where he says, that God would have no man to perish, but would all men to come to repentance. For it seems to savor of a lower spirit, and to carry a meaner grace, than to one inspired with an Apostolic spirit is usual. Yet is it not altogether incredible, nor amiss to think, this Epistle to be written by Peter. For seeing that in this Epistle his purpose and meaning was, not to write of faith, but of love and charity: he purposely abases himself in his style, as the nature of charity always is to do, to the intent thereby to humble himself to his neighbor: as on the other part, faith always mounts and lifts up itself toward God.

And this [illegible] he well saw would come to pass, that many light and unstable spirits would wrest and wring, invert and pervert Saint Paul's words in sundry places: for that, in his Epistles there are some texts hard to be understood — as where he says, that no man is justified by works, but by faith only (Romans 3); again, that the law was given to know sin (Romans 4 and 7); and moreover, where sin abounded, there grace abounded much more (Romans 5); and such like places. For as soon as they hear this, they straightaway break out into these or the like speeches: If it be thus, we will live idly and merrily, [reconstructed: we will do no good work at all], and yet shall we (nevertheless) be saved and justified: and after this sort even nowadays do they raise on us and shamefully help us, saying: that we in our Sermons condemn and dispraise good works. But we may not think it any marvel or strange thing, seeing they have not spared to wrest and misconstrue Saint Paul's words.

You therefore beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware, lest you be also plucked away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: to him be glory both now and for evermore. Amen.

Seeing therefore you perfectly know all these things before declared, and are certainly given to understand that many false teachers shall be chopped and foisted in among you to seduce the world, and many perverse mockers shall willfully mistake and wrest the Scriptures, not being willing to understand them aright, it greatly stands upon you, to take good heed to yourselves, and most carefully to beware of them, lest with their false and erroneous doctrine they carry you away from the right faith: but look rather that you daily increase in godliness and knowledge, that from day to day through continual preaching and exercise of the word of God, you may be more and more confirmed and strengthened.

And here we are to behold and note, the great care that the Apostle had over them which had now received the faith: which caused him to write to them these two Epistles, wherein is largely and plentifully laid down, all and whatever is expedient and necessary for a Christian man to know, indeed concerning those things also which are to come. God grant to us his grace, that we may both rightly understand and also effectually keep and observe the same, to the glory of his holy and blessed name, and to the comfort and consolation of our own souls and consciences. Amen.