2 Peter 3:9

Commentary on 2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,
but is patient toward you, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

This verse lies at the heart of Peter’s argument in chapter 3, where he addresses the apparent delay of Christ’s return.

1. Context of 2 Peter 3

Peter’s second epistle was written to believers who were troubled by scoffers denying Christ’s imminent return. These mockers argued that “all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4 NKJV), suggesting that Jesus would never return. In response, Peter emphasises three truths:

• God’s sovereign timeline differs from ours (v. 8).
• The Lord will fulfil His promise of return (v. 9a).
• The delay manifests divine patience, not indifference (v. 9b).

This sets up 2 Peter 3:9 as a pastoral assurance to the “beloved” elect, reminding them both of God’s faithfulness and of their call to holiness in view of the “day of the Lord” (v. 10).

2. Exegesis of 2 Peter 3:9

2.1 “Not slack concerning His promise”

The terms “slack” in the NKJV translates the Greek ammonōs (ἀμῶς), meaning “not slow” in God’s fulfilment of His promise. Human impatience can misconstrue divine patience as delay, but Peter insists that God’s timetable is perfect.

2.2 “Patient toward you”

The verb makrothumeō (μακροθυμεῖ) conveys long-suffering for the sake of the recipients—here, the elect believers addressed throughout the epistle as “you” and “beloved.”

2.3 “Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”

Peter limits “any” and “all” to the believing audience (the elect), not to every individual without exception. In context, God’s patience aims to bring the full number of the elect to genuine repentance before the Parousia (second coming), not to suggest universal salvation apart from faith in Christ.

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3. Theological Teaching

1. God’s Sovereign Mercy
   • The apparent “slowness” of Christ’s return is an expression of God’s mercy toward His covenant people, granting time for their spiritual growth and repentance.
2. Assurance to Believers
   • Elect believers can trust that Christ’s return will certainly occur, not because God is forgetful, but because He is gracious and purposeful in His timing.
3. Call to Repentance and Holiness
   • The delay should not lead to complacency. Instead, it motivates ongoing repentance, godliness and evangelistical zeal, knowing that the Lord’s patience provides the window for more to be saved.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

• Maintain patient endurance when Christ’s return seems delayed, trusting God’s perfect timetable.
• Cultivate personal repentance daily, recognising that God’s patience is directed toward your transformation.
• Engage in evangelism and discipleship, motivated by the knowledge that God desires all of His elect to come to faith.
• Live with eschatological urgency, remembering that the “day of the Lord” will come suddenly, like a thief (2 Peter 3:10 NKJV).

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