Introduction
In 2 Peter 3, the apostle Peter warns about scoffers who will come in the last days, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. This passage has sparked debate among Bible scholars – was Peter describing events that would soon unfold in the first century, or was he prophesying about a future that extends to our present day? Let’s examine the text closely to understand why 2 Peter 3 is better understood as describing our present age rather than being fulfilled in AD 70.
The Context of 2 Peter 3
Peter wrote his second epistle to warn believers about false teachers and to encourage them to grow in their faith. In chapter 3, he addresses skeptics who doubt Christ’s second coming. He writes:
“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.'” (2 Peter 3:3-4)
Peter refutes their arguments and affirms that the Day of the Lord will certainly come, even if it seems delayed from a human perspective.
Arguments for a First Century Fulfillment
Some interpreters argue that Peter’s warnings were fulfilled in the lead-up to Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. They point to:
- Peter’s use of “last days” language
- His statement that “the end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7)
- The imminent judgment on Jerusalem that Jesus foretold
However, there are several problems with limiting Peter’s prophecy to the first century.
Why 2 Peter 3 Describes Our Present Age
1. The Nature of the Scoffers’ Arguments
The mockers Peter describes are not just doubting a localized judgment on Jerusalem. They are questioning the very promise of Christ’s return and the end of the age. Their argument is based on the seeming permanence of the natural order:
“For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:4)
This type of uniformitarian thinking – that the future will always be like the past – is much more characteristic of our modern secular age than of first century Judaism.
2. Peter’s Cosmic Perspective
Peter refutes the scoffers by pointing to God’s past intervention in the flood and His future judgment of the entire cosmos:
“But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:7)
This goes far beyond the localized judgment of Jerusalem in AD 70. Peter is talking about the ultimate dissolution of the present creation and the establishment of “new heavens and a new earth” (v. 13).
3. The “Day of the Lord” Language
Peter uses “Day of the Lord” terminology that has broader eschatological significance in Scripture. While this phrase can refer to more imminent judgments, it ultimately points to the final day when Christ returns to judge the world and establish His kingdom.
4. Peter’s Time Perspective
Peter reminds his readers that “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (v. 8). This suggests he has a much longer timeframe in view than just the four decades between his writing and Jerusalem’s fall.
5. Ongoing Relevance of the Warning
If Peter’s warning was fulfilled in AD 70, it would have little ongoing relevance for later believers. Yet the church has continued to face skepticism about Christ’s return for two millennia. Peter’s words remain powerfully applicable in our day.
The Scoffers Among Us Today
When we look at our present world, we see striking parallels to Peter’s description:
- Widespread skepticism about biblical prophecy and Christ’s return
- Naturalistic worldviews that deny God’s supernatural intervention
- Mockery of those who believe in a future judgment
- Moral decay justified by a denial of future accountability
These realities suggest we are indeed living in the “last days” that Peter foresaw.
How Should We Respond?
Peter’s exhortation to believers remains crucial for us today:
- Remember God’s Word: Don’t be shaken by skeptics, but hold fast to what God has revealed (v. 2).
- Recognize God’s Patience: The seeming delay in Christ’s return is an opportunity for more people to come to repentance (v. 9).
- Live Holy Lives: In light of the coming judgment, we should live godly lives that please the Lord (v. 11).
- Look Forward with Hope: We await the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells (v. 13).
- Be on Guard: Don’t be carried away by false teaching, but grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (vv. 17-18).
Conclusion
While aspects of Peter’s warning had relevance for first-century believers, the full scope of 2 Peter 3 extends to our present day and beyond. The apostle gives us a prophetic glimpse into the skepticism and moral decay that would characterize the last days before Christ’s return.
Rather than being discouraged by scoffers, we can be confident that God’s promises will be fulfilled. As we await that day, let’s heed Peter’s call to holy living and faithful witness in a doubting world.
