2 Pierre - Caput 3

2 Pierre 3.1 hanc ecce vobis carissimi secundam scribo epistulam in quibus excito vestram in commonitione sinceram mentem 2 Pierre 3.2 ut memores sitis eorum quae praedixi verborum a sanctis prophetis et apostolorum vestrorum praeceptorum Domini et salvatoris 2 Pierre 3.3 hoc primum scientes quod venient in novissimis diebus in deceptione inlusores iuxta proprias concupiscentias ambulantes 2 Pierre 3.4 dicentes ubi est promissio aut adventus eius ex quo enim patres dormierunt omnia sic perseverant ab initio creaturae 2 Pierre 3.5 latet enim eos hoc volentes quod caeli erant prius et terra de aqua et per aquam consistens Dei verbo 2 Pierre 3.6 per quae ille tunc mundus aqua inundatus periit 2 Pierre 3.7 caeli autem qui nunc sunt et terra eodem verbo repositi sunt igni servati in diem iudicii et perditionis impiorum hominum 2 Pierre 3.8 unum vero hoc non lateat vos carissimi quia unus dies apud Dominum sicut mille anni et mille anni sicut dies unus 2 Pierre 3.9 non tardat Dominus promissi sed patienter agit propter vos nolens aliquos perire sed omnes ad paenitentiam reverti 2 Pierre 3.10 adveniet autem dies Domini ut fur in qua caeli magno impetu transient elementa vero calore solventur 2 Pierre 3.11 cum haec igitur omnia dissolvenda sint quales oportet esse vos in sanctis conversationibus et pietatibus 2 Pierre 3.12 expectantes et properantes in adventum Dei diei per quam caeli ardentes solventur et elementa ignis ardore tabescent 2 Pierre 3.13 novos vero caelos et novam terram et promissa ipsius expectamus in quibus iustitia habitat 2 Pierre 3.14 propter quod carissimi haec expectantes satis agite inmaculati et inviolati ei inveniri in pace 2 Pierre 3.15 et Domini nostri longanimitatem salutem arbitramini sicut et carissimus frater noster Paulus secundum datam sibi sapientiam scripsit vobis 2 Pierre 3.16 sicut et in omnibus epistulis loquens in eis de his in quibus sunt quaedam difficilia intellectu quae indocti et instabiles depravant sicut et ceteras scripturas ad suam ipsorum perditionem 2 Pierre 3.17 vos igitur fratres praescientes custodite ne insipientium errore transducti excidatis a propria firmitate 2 Pierre 3.18 crescite vero in gratia et in cognitione Domini nostri et salvatoris Iesu Christi ipsi gloria et nunc et in die aeternitatis amen

2 Pierre : Caput 3

The Certainty of Christ's Return

In chapter 3 of the second letter of Peter, the apostle powerfully addresses the certainty of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faced with the uncertainties and mockery of skeptics, he invites us to live in the light of this divine promise. This solemn text reaffirms God's power and patience, while warning us against the doubts that can assail our faith.

Destruction and the New Creation

Peter describes the final destruction of this present world, as well as the creation of the new heavens and a new earth. This eschatological vision reminds us of the greatness of God's promise, which offers us renewed hope and a bright future. Thus, the chapter exhorts us to cultivate holiness, to be vigilant, and to grow in the knowledge of our Lord.

Reflection on Scripture

To deepen our understanding of the eschatological themes addressed by Peter, let us meditate on five biblical passages that shed light on this promise of Christ's return:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

“Brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we beg you not to be shaken or disturbed so quickly, either by prophecy, or by word, or by a letter purporting to be from us, as if the day of the Lord had already come. » This passage addresses concerns similar to those Peter raises in 2 Peter 3:4, regarding the perceived delay in Christ's coming.

Psalms 90:4

"For a thousand years your eyes are like yesterday, like a watch in the night. » Peter quotes this verse in 2 Peter 3:8 to illustrate God's perspective on time and how God views eternity.

Isaiah 65:17

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall be remembered no more, neither shall they be remembered anymore. » This prophecy of Isaiah is echoed by Peter in 2 Peter 3:13, emphasizing the hope of a new heaven and a new earth, where suffering and the past will be no more.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

“For you know that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. » Peter uses this metaphor in 2 Peter 3:10 to describe the suddenness and unpredictability of the coming of the day of the Lord, urging us to remain alert.

Romans 2:4

“Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? » This passage resonates with Peter's explanation in 2 Peter 3:9, where he emphasizes God's patience, delaying judgment to give everyone the opportunity to repent.

Conclusion

In light of these passages, we are called to live in hope and remain steadfast in our faith, awaiting the glorious return of our Lord. May this promise inspire us to lead lives of holiness and vigilance, relying on God's infinite goodness.