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.”

Context:Before diving into the verse itself, it’s important to understand the context of 2 Peter. The apostle Peter wrote this letter to address the growing issue of false teachers and their teachings in the early Christian church. He wanted to encourage the believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to be aware of false doctrines.

The Longsuffering of our Lord:Peter starts the verse by emphasizing the attribute of God’s longsuffering or patience. It refers to God’s willingness to delay judgment and His desire for people to come to repentance. Peter reminds the readers that God’s patience leads to salvation. This echoes the sentiment expressed in 1 Timothy 2:4, where it says that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Our Beloved Brother Paul:Peter specifically mentions the apostle Paul as a beloved brother and refers to his writings. This shows Peter’s recognition of Paul’s authority and inspiration in his letters. It also highlights the unity among the apostles and the consistent message they shared despite their unique roles in spreading the Gospel.

The Wisdom Given to Paul:Peter acknowledges that the wisdom Paul received was given to him by God. Throughout his ministry, Paul demonstrated deep insight into the mysteries of God, particularly concerning the Gospel and the plan of salvation. Peter’s reference to Paul’s wisdom highlights the divine inspiration behind Paul’s teachings and writings.

Written to You:Peter states that Paul’s letters were written to the same audience to whom Peter is writing. This implies that the recipients of Peter’s letter were familiar with Paul’s teachings and writings. Paul’s letters were circulated among the early Christian communities, and Peter affirms their authority and relevance.

Application:This verse encourages believers to recognize the patience and longsuffering of the Lord. It reminds us that God’s patience is not an endorsement of sinful behaviour but an opportunity for repentance and salvation. It also emphasises the importance of unity within the body of Christ and acknowledges the authority of the apostles’ teachings.

In conclusion, 2 Peter 3:15 highlights the attribute of God’s patience, acknowledges the authority of Paul’s teachings, and emphasises the unity within the early Christian community. It reminds believers of the opportunity for salvation and encourages them to stand firm in the face of false teachings.