2 Peter 3:4
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2 Peter 3:4 (KJV)
Context
The apostle Peter wrote this letter to address false teachers and encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In this passage, he warns that scoffers will arise in the last days, walking after their own lusts (2 Peter 3:3). Their central taunt is the question recorded in this verse: “Where is the promise of his coming?” This is not a sincere inquiry but an expression of scorn and derision. The scoffers refuse to name the Lord directly, showing contempt for the promise of His return.
Meaning
The scoffers’ argument rests on an observation of apparent continuity: since the fathers fell asleep—a euphemism for death, referring to earlier generations of believers who died without seeing the fulfillment of the promise—all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. They use this perceived uniformity of nature to deny any future divine intervention, implying that the promise of Christ’s coming has failed. Their error lies in assuming that the present continuity of creation rules out future intervention. Peter’s subsequent verses (2 Peter 3:5-7) will directly challenge this by pointing to the creation and the flood as evidence of God’s past and future intervention in the world. The scoffers’ argument is based on a willful ignorance of these facts.
Biblical connections
The promise of Jesus’ second coming is a central theme in Christian theology. Jesus Himself promised to return (John 14:3), and the early church eagerly awaited His coming. The promise gives hope and assurance to believers, reminding them that there is a future where God will set all things right and establish His eternal kingdom. Peter addresses the skepticism by reminding believers that God’s perspective of time is different from ours. He says, “But, 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” (2 Peter 3:8). This statement emphasizes that God exists beyond the confines of time. What may seem like a delay or a long wait to us is not so in God’s perspective. He is patient and is not bound by human limitations.
Peter assures believers that just because God’s judgment has not yet come, it doesn’t mean that it won’t. He says, “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” (2 Peter 3:9). God’s apparent delay is due to His patience and desire for people to repent and turn to Him. However, the day of judgment will come, and it will be unexpected, like a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10).
Application
In light of the promise of Jesus’ return and the future judgment, Peter encourages believers to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:11-14). We are called to eagerly anticipate the coming day of God, where righteousness will dwell, and to be found blameless when Christ returns. This passage emphasizes the need for readiness and spiritual vigilance in our lives, as we live in anticipation of the future.
The verse reminds us of the importance of holding on to the promise of Jesus’ return, even when doubts and skepticism arise. We should not be discouraged by the passing of time or the apparent lack of visible signs. Instead, we are called to remain faithful, knowing that God’s perspective of time is different from ours. Let us live each day in anticipation of Christ’s return, striving to live godly lives and sharing the hope of the Gospel with others.
