What does 2 Peter 3:15 mean?
"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;" - 2 Peter 3:15
“2 Peter 3:15 (KJV) - 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”
This verse from the second epistle of Peter is a testament to the unity and consistency of the message of salvation found throughout the New Testament. The apostle Peter is writing to the early Christian church, cautioning them against false teachers and reminding them of the imminent return of Jesus Christ. In this particular verse, Peter references the writings of the apostle Paul, affirming the validity and authority of Paul’s teachings, and by extension, the entire New Testament.
The verse begins with the phrase “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.” Here, Peter is urging his readers to understand and recognize the patience and mercy of the Lord. The longsuffering of God refers to His enduring patience and forbearance towards humanity, allowing time for repentance and reconciliation. This patience is not to be taken lightly, as it ultimately leads to salvation. This concept of God's patience leading to salvation is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the grace and mercy of God as a means for humanity to find redemption.
The verse then continues with the declaration “even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.” Peter affirms the authority of Paul’s writings, acknowledging him as a beloved brother in Christ. This statement carries significant weight, as it demonstrates the unity and agreement between Peter and Paul, two prominent figures in the early Christian church. Additionally, it reinforces the idea that Paul’s wisdom and teachings were divinely inspired.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. At the time of Peter’s writing, there were false teachers and deceptive doctrines circulating within the church. Peter’s epistle serves as a warning against such falsehoods and a call to remain steadfast in the true teachings of Christ. By referencing Paul and endorsing his writings, Peter is reinforcing the importance of holding fast to the apostolic teachings and the authority of the New Testament.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the interconnectedness of the New Testament writings and the harmony of the apostles’ teachings. It emphasizes the consistency of the message of salvation and the foundational truths of the Christian faith. This unity in doctrine and purpose is crucial in combating false teachings and preserving the purity of the gospel message.
Symbolically, the verse symbolizes the bond of unity and mutual respect between the apostles, as well as the spiritual unity of the body of Christ. It exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and affirmation within the early church, serving as a model for believers to work together in advancing the kingdom of God. Additionally, it symbolizes the trustworthiness and reliability of the New Testament as a whole, emphasizing the divine inspiration and authority of its teachings.
In conclusion, 2 Peter 3:15, in the King James Version, serves as a reminder of the unity and consistency of the New Testament message of salvation. It underscores the longsuffering of God as a means of salvation, acknowledges the authority of Paul’s writings, warns against false teachings, and symbolizes the unity and harmony within the early Christian church. This verse continues to offer encouragement and exhortation to believers today, urging them to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel and to recognize the enduring patience and mercy of the Lord.
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2 Peter 3:15 - "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;"
"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;" - 2 Peter 3:15
2 Peter 3:6 - "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:"
2 Peter 3:3 - "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"
1 Peter 2:3 - "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."
2 Peter 3:10 – "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar."
1 Peter 3:2 - "While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear."
1 Peter 2:15 - "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:"
2 Peter 2:15 - "Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;"
2 Peter 3:13 - "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
1 Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
2 Peter 1:15 - "Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance."
2 Peter 3:11 being holy and being godly. Reflections of our father in heaven
2 Peter 3:2 - "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:"
"Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:" - 2 Peter 3:6
2 Peter 3:1 - "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:"
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" - 1 Peter 3:15
2 Peter 3:14 - "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
2 Peter 3:5 - "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:"
2 Peter 1:5 - "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;"
2 Peter 3:11 - "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,"
2 Peter 3:8 - "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."
2 Peter 3:18 - "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."
"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." - 2 Peter 3:8
"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." - 2 Peter 3:8
2 Peter 3:12 - "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?"
1 Peter 2:2-3 - "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."
"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." - 1 Peter 2:3
2 Peter 3:4 - "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."
Matthew 15:15 - "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable."