When was 2 peter written ?
Taken literally, it would have been written between 65–68 AD because Peter was martyred around 68 AD by Nero and also because Peter references his approaching death in 2 Peter 1:14 ("since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me").
3 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
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.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 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.
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.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
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;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
The date 2 Peter was written is very important to understanding its meaning and properly interpreting the eschaton.
1. Jesus and his apostles spent their ministry teaching listeners that he would come back "in this generation", "before all of them died" "the kingdom of heaven is at hand", "the axe is already laid at the root of the tree", "you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the son of man comes", "the son of man is ABOUT to come in his fathers glory", this generation will not pass away until ALL THESE THINGS ARE FULLFILLED. " ect . ect.
The scoffers of the first century were well aware of Jesus' words and the timing in which Jesus said the things would occur. In the bible a generation is identified as a period of approximatly 40 years (remember Israel in the desert?) . 2 Peter was written some 35-37 years after Jesus' ascencion and because Jesus had not returned at that point, the scoffers were busy running about persecuting the church and telling people not to believe the things that Jesus and his apostles had taught because that generation was coming to an end and Jesus was no where to be found.
If you study 2 Peter closely you will find that it is rich in old testament prophecy. Peter knew that when the scoffers showed up, the time of Jesus' return was imminent. Peter made the argument that God is NOT SLOW IN KEEPING HIS PROMISE (of his return within that generation) but rather is patient and not wanting anyone including the scoffers to perish at his coming. Peter also alerted us to the fact that the world was once destroyed by water (and yet the world is still here) but this time God was going to destroy it by fire (and the world would still be here). God was going to create a new heavens and new earth where rightousness dwells (ie, clothed in fine linens, spotless, without blemish * think how our salvation is described elsewhere in scripture). God was about to destroy the old heavens and earth (old Jerusalem and its temple) that sacraficial system where no man could be clean and found without spot wrinkle or blemish and consummate the new covenant with his bride/ church.
This part of 2 Peter should be read with careful study.
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
​​Peter is referencing the apostle Pauls letters which he wrote. What did Peter specifically mean when he said that what paul wrote regarding "these things" ? What things ? Well it is clear that he is talking about the last days. Peter said what Paul wrote about the last days are "hard to understand". Peter also said that "unlearned people distort the things about the last days" as they do the "other scriptures".
I'd have to strongly disagree on your assessment of what Peter meant about Paul's writings. It wasn't the last days that were hard to understand, it was the idea of gospel being for gentiles as much as it was for jews. But I know we won't change each others minds...lol
Originally Posted by grandbassslayer
I'd have to strongly disagree on your assessment of what Peter meant about Paul's writings. It wasn't the last days that were hard to understand, it was the idea of gospel being for gentiles as much as it was for jews. But I know we won't change each others minds...lol
gbs, you disagree with scripture not with me. The context of the chapter I quoted was about about the Lords return and his destruction of the heavens and the earth as was done in the OT and ushering in the new heavens and the new earth.. There is no mention in the text about gentile/jew salvation . The things people do to the text of scripture to hold onto their pet doctrines is endless :)
lol
typical from those who have no exgeticle response .
Exegesis (/ˌɛksɪˈdʒiːsɪs/; from the Greek ἐξήγησις from ἐξηγεῖσθαι, "to lead out") is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, particularly a religious text.
LOL :)
Do you think your approach is helpful? I have Christian friends that differ with me on secondary issues, but we learn to handle it with tact. My lack of a response is not a non-response, its clear this issue is like politics.
Yes I think my approach is very helpful I literally offer scripture after scripture when making a defense of the Gospel. I have freinds as well and we dialouge with one another instead of LOL ing each other.
Discussion helps all to hear and ponder on the different views and allows them to make informed decisions on how to properly divide the word of God.
You have chimmed in on my threads recently making personal attacks on my integrity/intent ect without once debunking any of my threads other than saying "we dissagree". Yes we disagree, why keep coming to my threads when you constantly get your feelings hurt ? It sounds as though my threads make you uncomfortable because you cannot defend what you beleive.
The 20 part series entitled "understanding the last days" I started this morning will help all understand eschatology. I challenge you to actually read and study what is contained in the series. I think all will find it fruitful.
Last edited by godsdozer; 09-27-2020 at 10:57 AM.
When did I personally attack you? An "lol" is not at you, its at the conversation. I can cut/paste verses, quote experts etc. that feel 180 different than you, neither group has bad motives IMO, and neither is gonna change their mind. That is why I said things like this are the "politics of the Church". I will defend the gospel, but have learned to quit making 2nd tier issues 1st tier issues.
Lots of wisdom here. We can agree to disagree on things and still be brothers in a Christ. But like you said, many make secondary issues gospel issues.
jds, digthemup..................................do you understand what Gospel means ? do you understand where in the OT, the definition of gospel comes from ? Do you understand that the "last days" goes hand in hand with the Song of Moses (OT) ? Do you understand what the new Jerusalem means ?, do you understand what the river of life is ? do you understand who the children of God are ? Do you understand what the new heavens' and new earth means ?
If you do, please respond ?
If you both believe believe Revelation 19, 21 and 22 speak about "heaven" ............................................can you both explain why "outside the city are the whores, liars, whoremongers, wrong doers , idolaters,, those who practice magical arts ect ." they are encouraged to come in to heaven according to your eschatology (the spirit and the bride say come ) ? why are they still being invited to partake in river of life ? Do you believe people get a second chance (purgatory) after physical death to enter heaven like Catholics do, if not, why ? please explain what the river of life is ? Do you know about the river in the Garden of Eden ? Do you know about God walking with mankind in the cool of day (Genesis ) . Do you know about mankind being banned from the Garden of Eden ? was the Garden about tomato's , carrots, grapes ect ?
ALL three of you said it is a secondary issue...................................please explain to all how partaking in the river of life is a secondary issue ?
eschatology matters..........................................I have said this since I began posting here on BBC.
Last edited by godsdozer; 09-29-2020 at 12:56 AM.
Trust me we all know you've been saying it matters. One does not need argue eschatology to share the message of reconciliation. Have a great day all!
I understand what you are saying and yes, I’d agree that all Biblical things are important, but an understanding of all Biblical things aren’t necessary for salvation. The Gospel is the Good News that God has provided a way of restoration for His creation through His Son Jesus. Faith in Christ and repentance Of sin usher us into a right relationship with God therefore. Where God’s sovereignty and mans free will collide in this issue isn’t primary, only that faith and repentance are present. I appreciate your insight and wisdom, but a correct understanding of eschatology isn’t a primary issue when talking about salvation. It is important and worthy of study, but if you and I disagree on something when dealing with it, I’m ok with as long as we both agree on faith in Jesus.
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