2 Peter 3:1-13 ESV
(1) This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
(2) that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
(3) knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
(4) They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
(5) For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
(6) and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
(7) But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
(8) But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
(9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
(10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
(11) Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
(12) waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
(13) But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Very quickly by verse 2, Peter brings to their remembrance the words of the prophets and those of the Lord as delivered through the apostles, placing them all on equal authority. He then moves into a description of society in general as the world approaches the last day. In verse 4 we find our answer, our discourse is concerned with events sounding the "coming" (παρουσία) of the Lord. This is the same word Paul used speaking of the same event.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 ESV
(15) For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming (παρουσία) of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
In verses 5 and 6, Peter makes reference to the flood and God's judgment upon the world as a comparison for the coming event he is fixing to describe. In verse 10 Peter begins to move into his description of that day. He says that day will come as a "thief" (κλέπτης). This is in agreement with Paul in his instruction to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 ESV
(2) For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief (κλέπτης) in the night.
Verse 10 goes on the explain this event will be accompanied by a great noise, which is also consistent with Paul's instructions.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV
(16) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Peter then describes the heavens and earth being dissolved and their works exposed. This is also in agreement with Paul's instruction concerning sudden destruction and works being judged.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 ESV
(5) This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—
(6) since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
(7) and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
(8) in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
(9) They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
(10) when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
In verses 11,12, and 13 Peter describes the state of God's people during this time and how that impact should be reflected in our lives. He speaks of how we should be looking forward to that day, as it will usher in a time of new creation and righteousness. This is also conducive to Paul and his instruction to let these things be a constant encouragement among us, for we will be with the Lord forevermore.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV
(16) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
(17) Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
(18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Peter makes allusions to the coming of Christ in his 1st letter, let's see how those comments fit into our discourse.
1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV
(6) In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
(7) so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation (ἀποκάλυψις) of Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 ESV
(7) and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed (ἀποκάλυψις) from heaven with his mighty angels
Peter seems to be saying the same thing as Paul, the troubles and trials we face in this life will be relieved and rewarded when Christ comes with his mighty angels to judge the world. They both seem to be pointing to one grand climatic event consummating in Christ's return. As Peter continues his discourse in his first letter, he broadens this idea in more detail.
1 Peter 4:7-19 ESV
(7) The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
(8) Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
(9) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
(10) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
(11) whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
(12) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
(13) But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (ἀποκάλυψις)
(14) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
(15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
(16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
(17) For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
(18) And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
(19) Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Peter's discourse supports Paul's assessment of the nature of the body of Christ as we are nearing that day in Thessalonians and the nature of the world and the judgment it will bring in Romans 2.
Romans 2:5-11 ESV
(5) But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.
(6) He will render to each one according to his works:
(7) to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
(8) but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
(9) There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,
(10) but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
(11) For God shows no partiality.
In Romans, Paul is again speaking of that day, in which he reveals God's judgment upon all who have stored up wrath with their impenitent hearts and mentions those who through patience in well doing will be rewarded on that day with eternal life. Paul speaking to the Corinthians concerning the resurrection supports Peter's assessment of the end times. Speaking of Christ coming (παρουσία) we see those in Christ receiving their glorified state and then comes the end of the age with God destroying every rule and authority with a new kingdom being delivered up to God.
1 Corinthians 15:22-24 ESV
(22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
(23) But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming (παρουσία) those who belong to Christ.
(24) Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
Paul would continue in the Corinthian discourse and speak again concerning believers who were still alive on that day.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 ESV
(50) I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
(51) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
(52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
(53) For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
(54) When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
It is clear that Paul and Peter agree and support each other in their view of the end-time events, but what about the other writers of the New Testament? We find the writer of Hebrews in chapter 12 makes reference to events coming at the end of the age. He speaks of a day when one kingdom will be removed and another kingdom will remain.
Hebrews 12:26-29 ESV
(26) At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”
(27) This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.
(28) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,
(29) for our God is a consuming fire.
The phrase, "Yet once more" implies only one more event to come. This seems to support the writer's beginning discourse where he states:
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV
(1) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
(2) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Here the writer seems to solidify the idea that these are the "last days," and this is the last age before the consummation.
James 5:7-12 ESV
(7) Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming (παρουσία) of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
(8) You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming (παρουσία) of the Lord is at hand.
(9) Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
(10) As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
(11) Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
(12) But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
1 John 2:28 ESV
(28) And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears (φανερόω) we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
1 John 3:2 ESV
(2) Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears (φανερόω) we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
Last, we can observe a few things Jude says about that day in his letter warning about false teachers. In verse 17 he reminds them to remember things the apostles had said, so we will do exactly that as we consider these verses. In verse 18 he supports Peter concerning scoffers, so we can understand they are speaking of the same people and the condition of society approaching the last day. Then in verses 24 and 25, we see a people that are kept and presented blameless before the presence of his glory, which would be conducive to his coming and his people experiencing great joy. All of this supports the idea of a people looking to and hasting the coming of the Lord, a people that is not caught unprepared and unaware.
Jude 1:1-25 ESV
(1) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
(2) May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
(3) Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
(4) For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
(5) Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
(6) And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day
(7) just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
(8) Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.
(9) But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
(10) But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.
(11) Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.
(12) These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;
(13) wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.
(14) It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones,
(15) to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
(16) These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
(17) But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(18) They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
(19) It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
(20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
(21) keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
(22) And have mercy on those who doubt;
(23) save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
(24) Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
(25) to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 ESV
(3) Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
(4) who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Next week, we will examine the Matthew 24 account of the end times using the same textual eschatological approach to see if it is consistent with what we have discovered in the epistles.
David
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 ESV
