2 Peter 3:9

Commentary on 2 Peter 3:9

1. The Text

2 Peter 3:9 (King James Version):
“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. Literary and Biblical Context

Second Peter is written by the Apostle Peter near the end of his life. Chapter 3[i] addresses false teachers who mock the promise of Jesus Christ’s return. Peter responds by grounding believers in the certainty of God’s word, the reality of divine judgment, and the patience of God toward sinners.

2 Peter 3:3–4 (KJV):
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
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.”

Peter’s concern is pastoral: he wants believers to remain steadfast, holy, and hopeful as they wait for the Lord.

3. Exegetical Commentary on 2 Peter 3:9

3.1 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise”

Peter insists that God is not slow, negligent, or forgetful. The “promise” refers to the return of Jesus Christ and the final judgment.

2 Peter 3:10 (KJV):
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”

God’s timing is not human timing. His apparent delay is purposeful, not careless.

3.2 “As some men count slackness”

Human beings often interpret delay as failure. The scoffers in the chapter assume that because Christ has not yet returned, He never will. Peter corrects this by reminding believers that God’s ways are not measured by human impatience.

3.3 “But is longsuffering to us-ward”

God’s delay is an expression of His patience. “Longsuffering” describes God’s gracious restraint in withholding judgment.

This echoes God’s character revealed throughout Scripture:

Exodus 34:6 (KJV):
“The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”

God’s patience is not weakness; it is mercy.

3.4 “Not willing that any should perish”

This phrase must be read in context. Peter is writing to believers (“us-ward”), yet he also speaks of God’s general disposition toward humanity. God does not delight in judgment.

Ezekiel 33:11 (KJV):
“I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live…”

Christian theology distinguishes between God’s decretive will (what He ordains) and His preceptive will (what He commands and delights in). Peter is speaking of God’s revealed desire that sinners repent rather than perish.

3.5 “But that all should come to repentance”

Repentance is the doorway into salvation. God’s patience has a purpose: to give space for repentance.

Romans 2:4 (KJV):
“…the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

The delay of Christ’s return is not an opportunity for complacency but a call to repentance and faith.

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4. Theological Themes

4.1 The Certainty of Christ’s Return

The whole chapter emphasises that Jesus Christ will return, and judgment will come. God’s promise is sure.

4.2 The Patience of God

God’s patience is an expression of His mercy. He withholds judgment to allow repentance.

4.3 Human Responsibility

Repentance is commanded. God’s patience does not remove human accountability.

4.4 Divine Sovereignty and Human Response

Christian theology holds that God sovereignly saves, yet He genuinely calls all people to repentance. Peter’s words affirm both truths without contradiction.

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5. Application to Modern Christian Living

5.1 Live with Hope, Not Cynicism

In a world that mocks Christian belief, Peter calls believers to trust God’s promises. Christ will return. History is not random.

5.2 Respond to God’s Patience with Repentance

God’s patience is not permission to drift spiritually. It is an invitation to turn from sin.

5.3 Share the Gospel with Urgency

If God delays judgment to allow repentance, then Christians should use this time to proclaim the gospel.

5.4 Pursue Holy Living

Later in the chapter, Peter asks:

2 Peter 3:11 (KJV):
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…”

The certainty of Christ’s return should shape our conduct.

5.5 Rest in God’s Sovereignty

Believers can trust that God’s timing is perfect. His patience is purposeful. His promises are sure.

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6. Meditation Guide

Use these steps for personal reflection or group study.

6.1 Read the Passage Slowly

Read 2 Peter 3:1–13 aloud, noting the contrast between human impatience and divine patience.
“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.”

6.2 Reflect on God’s Patience

Ask:

• Where have I misunderstood God’s timing?
• How has God shown patience toward me personally?

6.3 Confess and Repent

Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas needing repentance.
Remember: God’s patience is an expression of His love.

6.4 Pray for Others

Pray for those who do not yet know Christ.
God’s patience is an opportunity for their salvation.

6.5 Commit to Holy Living

Reflect on how the certainty of Christ’s return should shape your daily choices.

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[i] 2 Peter 3

King James Version

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,

12 Looking 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.