What does 2 Peter 3:11 mean?

"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 3:11

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 3:11 (KJV) states, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness."

This verse is part of a letter written by the apostle Peter to the believers in Asia Minor. In this letter, Peter addresses the issue of false teachers who deny the second coming of Christ and the final judgment. He urges the believers to remember the words of the prophets and the commandment of the apostles, and to be mindful of the coming judgment and the destruction of the world by fire.

The verse in question serves as a call to action for the believers to live holy and godly lives in light of the reality of the coming judgment. It points to the imminent dissolution of all material things, and poses a rhetorical question as to what kind of people the believers should be in the face of such a reality.

One key theme in this verse is the impermanence of the material world. Peter is reminding the believers that everything they see around them will one day be dissolved. This theme of the transitory nature of the world is a common one in the New Testament, and it serves as a reminder that material possessions and comforts should not be the focus of a believer's life. Instead, the believer should be focused on living a life of holiness and godliness in anticipation of the coming judgment.

This verse also speaks to the concept of personal responsibility. The question posed by Peter - "what manner of persons ought ye to be" - suggests that each believer has a role to play in shaping their own character and conduct. It emphasizes the importance of individual choices and actions in determining one's relationship with God and readiness for the judgment. It is a call to personal accountability in the face of the impending destruction of the world.

The phrase "holy conversation and godliness" also serves as a key theme in this verse. It speaks to the idea that the believer's conduct and character should be marked by holiness and a reverence for God. The term "holy conversation" refers not only to verbal communication, but also to the believer's way of life. This encompasses moral purity, honesty, and integrity, as well as a commitment to living in accordance with God's will. "Godliness" further emphasizes the idea of living in a way that is pleasing to God, and reflecting the divine nature in one's thoughts, words, and actions.

In terms of context, it is important to understand that Peter was writing to a group of believers who were facing persecution and opposition from both outside and inside the church. The false teachings of the scoffers and the imminent destruction of the world by fire would have caused concern and anxiety among the believers. In this context, Peter's exhortation to live holy and godly lives takes on added significance. It would have provided comfort and encouragement to the believers, as well as a reminder of the ultimate purpose and meaning of their faith in the face of adversity.

Symbolism is also present in this verse. The dissolution of the world by fire is a symbolic representation of the final judgment, in which all things will be laid bare before God. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the purifying and transformative nature of judgment, as well as a reminder of the need for believers to be prepared for that day. The call to holy conversation and godliness can be seen as symbolic of the believer's journey towards spiritual maturity and conformity to the image of Christ.

In conclusion, 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV) is a powerful and challenging call to believers to live holy and godly lives in light of the imminent destruction of the world and the coming judgment. It emphasizes the impermanence of the material world, the personal responsibility of believers, and the importance of living in a way that is pleasing to God. It also provides comfort and encouragement to believers facing persecution and opposition, and serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of their faith. This verse continues to resonate as a timeless and relevant exhortation for believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling.

2 Peter 3:11 Artwork

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 3:6 - "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:"

1 Peter 3:11 - "Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it."

1 Peter 2:3 - "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

2 Peter 3:13 - "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."

Acts 11:2 - "And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,"

1 Peter 3:2 - "While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear."

2 Peter 3:3 - "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"

2 Peter 3:10 – "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar."

2 Peter 2:11 - "Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord."

Galatians 2:11 - "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed."

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:"

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:"

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."

Acts 3:11 - "And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering."

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."

2 Peter 1:11 - "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

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:"

Mark 3:16 - "And Simon he surnamed Peter;"

Galatians 2:11-13 - "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."

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;"

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 3:4 - "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."

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 2:11 - "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"

2 Peter 3:17 - "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."

Acts 3:3 - "Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms."

2 Peter 3:8-9 - "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. 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."

Acts 3:3 - "Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms."