Second Peter 3:9 In Brief With Webcam

Ohara Lake, Field British Columbia from trekearth

Agassiz, British Columbia from trekearth

Autumn: October 3, 2012

Post Preface on webcam

 

Edited at later dates

I decided to once again use my trial version of Wondershare and edit a video. I therefore also have a transparent 'tat' on my head as does Chucky on the present 'Jones' post on Satire And Theology.

Preface Authorship

David F. Payne notes that the majority of scholarship does not hold to the Apostle Peter as the author of Second Peter. Payne (1986: 1564).  The stylistic and linguistic objections are primary reasons. Payne (1986: 1564). William Barclay in his 1976 commentary also noted that there are stylistic differences. Barclay (1976: 286). He reasoned another author wrote the book in the name of the Apostle Peter for the sake of humility. Barclay (1976: 289).  Barclay listed differences in subject material between the two texts as a reason to not believe they were written by the same author, but this seems rather subjective.

Why does Part Two of a text necessarily need to duplicate material from Part One as evidence of same authorship?

Payne points out that as of 1986, when the commentary was written, linguistic studies done with computers have shown similarities between First and Second Peter.

As well, as I have mentioned other times on this blog, scribes did write for Apostles at times and that could account for literary and stylistic differences. Payne acknowledges that John Calvin thought Peter was responsible for Second Peter although not technically the writer. Payne (1986: 1565).

Second Peter 3:9

Second Peter 3:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

William Barclay takes the perspective that when the text is stating that God does not want any to perish, like Paul in Romans in certain verses (Barclay lists 11: 32) it is in the context of God shutting persons out to unbelief. Barclay (1976: 343).

However, in the context of Second Peter 3:9 to whom is the writer writing to?

In the NASB it states 'patient toward you' not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. The English Standard Version states 'but is patient toward you', not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance'. In context the writer is speaking to Christians as in 'you'. Second Peter Chapter 2 was discussing in context false prophets and teachers but in Chapter 3 the writer, as he is writing to 'you', is clearly addressing Christians. The Chapter begins with a reminder of the words spoken of holy prophets (verse 2) and the commandments of the Lord and Saviour spoken by your apostles (verse 2). Mockers are then introduced in verse 3 and their own lusts, but by verse 9 the context is the writer speaking to Christians and that they be ready for the Second Advent of verse 10 as the Lord will arrive like a thief. Verse 10 then goes on to describe in what is likely somewhat figurative language, how the heavens will pass away and this ties into the New Heaven and New Earth of Revelation Chapters 21-22. Verse 11 states that since present things are destroyed that persons should be holy and godly.

Strong's Concordance ‘You’ #2248

Original Greek word ἡμᾶς

Meaning: our, us, we. The meaning is also documented for 2 Peter 3:9. The word being changed slightly in this usage. Strong (1890)(1986: 45). ὑμᾶς

Strong's Concordance ‘Perish’ #622

‘Perish’ Original Word: ἀπόλλυμι

Meaning: to destroy fully, to perish, to lose, literal or figurative , die. Documented in context of Second Peter. Strong (1890)(1986: 16). The word being altered slightly in this usage.  ἀπολέσθαι

In context therefore, it is possible that Second Peter Chapter 3:9 is not directed to non-believers in regard to salvation but is directed to Christians in regard to repentance. It may be stating basically that the Lord is patient with you (Christians), not wishing for any of you to (perish/die) in a state of non-repentance.

BARCLAY, WILLIAM (1976) The Letters of James and Peter, Philadelphia, The Westminster Press.

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

PAYNE. DAVID F.(1986) ‘2 Peter’, in F.F. Bruce, (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/Zondervan.

STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Burlington, Welch Publishing Company.