Second Epistle of Peter
PAUL AND HIS EPISTLES
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
The first part of this verse is somewhat of a repetition of verse 9. The reason for the seeming delay in the coming of these events is not slackness on the part of the Lord, but manifests His longsuffering and is meant for the salvation of the sinner. In the latter part, he brings in a nice touch concerning Paul. He calls him "our beloved brother" and says that the letter he wrote to these Asia Minor Christians was written by wisdom given unto him by the Lord.
"the longsuffering of our Lord"
We considered the Lord's longsuffering with verse 9. Amazingly, He does nothing to sinners who oppose Him and insult Him day after day. Men would not dare abuse the names of their neighbors the way they do the name of our Lord. On all sides today we have unmentionable impurity, uncleanness, fornication and rampant adultery. All sin is a direct thrust at the throne of God, but He allows it to go on without a word. It would be easy for Him to quickly mete out judgment, but His sword stays in its scabbard.
"salvation"
The mockers had said because He had not come, He would never come and would never punish them for their sins. The Christian knows this is not so and that the cause for this seeming delay in His coming is simply because He desires to see sinners saved. His longsuffering should be an indication to all that the Lord is willing to save. Why are not wicked men suddenly cut down in their sins? The Lord desires to yet show them mercy and to save their souls. Men living terrible lives for many years have been saved. Saul of Tarsus hated the name of Christ and persecuted Christians, but the Lord saved him. Paul tells of this longsuffering on his behalf in 1 Timothy 1:16, "That in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering."
Christians have trials and troubles in this world and consequently often long for the coming of the Lord. The Lord does not come at once because there are still more to be saved; the church is not yet complete. He is not unconcerned about our difficulties, but He is concerned about the souls of sinners. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:3, 4).
"our beloved brother Paul"
Peter speaks of Paul in such an affectionate way. He calls him "our beloved brother." There seems to have been no enmity or jealousy among the early Christian workers. At one time, Peter was at fault because for fear of prominent Jews he refused to eat with Gentiles. For this Paul withstood him (Gal. 2:11, 12). If Peter held any feelings because of this, he certainly got over it and here shows affection and high regard for Paul. Reproof should not embitter a true child of God, but cause him to leave his folly. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Prov. 27:6). Peter might have taken further offense because Paul mentioned the failing in his letter to the Galatians, and the Galatians were included among those to whom Peter is now writing (1 Pet. 1:1). In spite of this there is no evidence of malice in Peter's epistles.
"brother Paul"
Peter titles Paul simply as "brother Paul." This lovely title speaks of nearness and affection. Christians are linked in close relationship one to the other by the blood of Christ. Kindly notice what he does not call Paul. He gives him no flattering titles, but calls him simply "brother."
"the wisdom given unto him"
In the writing of his epistles, Paul had wisdom given him of the Lord. The Lord is the source of all true wisdom. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God" (James 1:5).
Although Paul was well-taught in the schools of men, Peter does not say Paul got his wisdom from Gamaliel, but suggests that it was a super-natural gift of God. Paul also says that his wisdom came from the Lord. "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation..." (1 Cor. 3:10).
Solomon was a very wise man; his wisdom came from the Lord (1 Kin. 3:28). Bezaleel also received his wisdom from the Lord in connection with the building of the tabernacle
(Ex. 31:3). Joseph received wisdom from God or he would not have been able to stand before Pharaoh (Acts 7:10). Daniel received wisdom in order to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (Dan. 2:20, 21). The Lord Jesus promised to give wisdom to His disciples (Luke 21:15). If we are to be wise, we too must get it from the Lord and His Holy Word. We should study the Holy Word of God diligently and then ask Him to give us wisdom in the understanding of it, and the ministering of it to others.
"written unto you"
Paul had written to the same Christians in Asia Minor to whom Peter was now writing. Peter especially mentions Galatia (1 Pet. 1:1) and Paul's epistle to the Galatians was sent to the Christians there. Paul also sent letters to the Ephesians and Colossians, and both Ephesus and Colosse are cities in the Asia section of what is now Asia Minor. Asia is also included in the countries to whom Peter is writing (1 Pet. 1:1). The epistle to the Hebrews may also have been sent up to these countries. It is possible that both of Peter's epistles were written later than Paul's. Paul may have already been executed at the time Peter wrote. In our verse, Peter seems to indicate that Paul's epistles were already written, and that he and the Asia Minor Christians were well acquainted with them. No doubt Paul's epistles were widely spread during the time of the early church.
Both in this verse and the next, Peter is suggesting that he and Paul wrote in absolute agreement and regarding the same things. Peter evidently believed Paul's letters were of inspired authority. Although some seemed to deny Paul's apostleship and belittle his teachings, Peter certainly did not. He puts him on a level with himself and the other apostles. While both Peter and Paul wrote some distinctive things, for the most part their writings are about the same things.
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:16 (KJV)
In this verse, Peter continues to commend Paul's epistles putting them on the same level with all other Scriptures. He first says that Paul's epistles contain the same teachings as his own. He admits that there are some things in them which are difficult to understand, not because of any obscurity on Paul's part, but because of the grandeur of some of the themes and the frailty of many readers. He points out that some unlearned and unstable wrest or twist some of these difficult portions in such a way as to bring destruction upon themselves.
"all his epistles"
The expression "all his epistles" leads us to believe that many, perhaps all, of Paul's epistles were already written and that Peter and many of his readers were well acquainted with them. They may have already been the common property of many of the churches. While they were first of all letters written to certain churches or private individuals, history tells us that soon they were considered inspired of God and distributed to many Christians. They must have been in the hands of some who professed to be teachers of God's Word or they could not have been accused or wresting or twisting them.
"speaking in them of these things"
When Peter says, "speaking in them of these things" he infers that he wrote in his two epistles could also be found in Paul's epistles. From our consideration of Peter’s first epistle, it seems that he is trying to show that what Paul had taught them was true. As in Peter’s First Epistle, most of what we have in Second Peter can also be found in Paul's epistles. For instance, both insist on godly Christian living a fruit of salvation (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 3:8). Both teach inspiration of all Scripture (2 Pet. 1:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:15, 16). Both speak of false prophets and teachers (2 Pet. 2; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). They both also speak of Christ coming again (2 Pet. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Pet. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:2) and dissolution of all things in this scene (2 Pet. 3:7-12; Heb. 1:10-12). These represent only a small part of what they have in common.
"some things hard to be understood"
Again, it is not because Paul was an obscure writer that some things in his epistles are hard to understand. Rather, that his subjects are so sublime and profound that they are difficult for the human mind to fully grasp. His teachings deal with some things which the natural mind cannot understand. Even the carnal minded Christian finds some of Paul’s writings difficult. In order to understand some of his writings even the spiritual minded Christian needs enlightening from the spirit of God.
Some portions of Scripture have depths which will never be fully plumbed by human beings. No one can ever know it all; there will always be more to learn. Mortals can never fully understand the ways of the infinite God. Writing of Melchisedec, Paul says to the Hebrews, "of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing" (5:11). We too, are often "dull of hearing." Some of Paul's letters are not pleasing to the flesh; consequently there is not much desire on the part of some to understand them.
There are a number of things in Paul's epistles which appear contradictory to the natural mind. For instance, some do not know that a man's standing in Christ is different from his actual state. In Christ, the Christian stands "clean every whit" with all his sins put away, but his state may be far from perfect. Sometimes Paul is writing of our standing and sometimes of our state. It takes spiritual discernment to understand the distinctions. The subjects of law and grace have confused some, also the Gospel and election, the flesh and spirit, faith and works, the old and new nature. Eternal life and apostasy have been difficulty for some, while prophetic things have been confusing to others. Paul uses the word "law" in seven different ways in the book of Romans. Some things which he wrote passes knowledge. To understand all he wrote would be to understand the ways of the Almighty God.
There is much around us of which we know very little. For instance, what do we really know about life, whether it be plant, or animal, or human? Do we understand everything single thing about electricity, magnetism, chemical action, the human body, nature, science, the earth, the moon, our solar system or the scores of other solar systems? Virtually nothing is fully and completely comprehended by us, so why should we consider it strange when some things in the Bible are beyond our comprehension? We may not be able to fully understand, but we can believe and obey.
Not only are parts of Paul's epistles difficult, so are some of Peter's. In fact, there are difficult portions throughout the Holy Scriptures. Think of the miracles of our Lord Jesus and the many miraculous things in the Old Testament. Perhaps the most difficult is the book of Revelation. These difficulties should not deter us, but rather stir us on to an ever greater knowledge of the Word of God. We should delight to climb the steeps and fathom the depths. How wonderful and exciting to be reading along and suddenly find a new gem in the Word of God.
Some might conclude from our remarks that Paul's epistles are very difficult. This is not so. Only "some things are hard to be understood." For instance, the way of salvation in Holy Scripture is very plain. Also, the manner of life which the Lord expects His people to walk is not difficult to comprehend. Some cast aside the whole Bible because of its difficulties. Someone may ask a Christian, "What do you do with the parts of the Bible you cannot understand?" The answer might be, "Just what is done with the bones of a fish being eaten; lay them aside and enjoy the meat." It is true that occasionally someone chokes on the bones when eating fish. But do we always have to know all ingredients of every single dish before partaking of our meal? Let us not spiritually starve because we do not understand every single part of the Holy Bible.
"unlearned"
The word "unlearned" is translated "ignorant" in the Revised Version. Just because a Christian may be wise in the ways of the world does not qualify him as a fit Bible teacher or leader of God's people. Besides being saved, one must be well instructed in the Holy Word of God before attempting to teach others. Even then, he must not know the Bible only in a mental way, but must be taught in the school of fellowship with the Lord. Only as one sits at the feet of the Lord, like Mary, and is willing to be taught by the Holy Spirit will he be useful as a teacher of God's Word.
"unstable"
There are always unstable souls who are easily beguiled (2:14). Some are easily swayed because they are not thoroughly grounded, but are "tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:14). They are like Reuben "Unstable as water" (Gen. 49:4), ready to run someplace else if given the least excuse. Some are like the weathervane, which faces another way every time the wind blows from another direction. They are likely to turn if another way is easier on the flesh. These unstable souls are always ready to twist the Holy Scriptures to suit their new found fancies.
"wrest"
The unlearned and unstable and they "wrest," or "twist," or "distort" the Word of God to make it say things the Lord never intended. The original word is often used in connection with winding on a windlass and sometimes in connection with torture especially by twisting. Some wrest the Scriptures, as a wrestler twists his opponent. Wrestlers twist each other's arms, legs, and even each other's necks and backs. It is a wonder they do not break each other's bones. Some twist and distort portions of Holy Scripture until they completely lose the purpose God intended.
Why were they wresting the Scriptures in Peter's day? Why were the epistles of Paul especially open to this treatment? Perhaps one reason was and is today that some want to be classed as Christian, but do not want to live a Christian life for the Lord. So they look for a way to excuse their sins. This was true of the false teachers in Peter's day. They were twisting the teaching of Christian liberty, especially taught by Paul, to mean that it gave license to live as one pleased (2 Pet. 2:19). Some try to justify their sins by saying David was guilty of murder and Peter of denying his Lord and Jacob of deceit. They forget that these actions were thoroughly condemned by the Lord and repented of and forsaken by the guilty parties.
Sometimes it is not a matter of morals, but a desire to bring about some new sensational thing in order to obtain followers so the budget and membership will increase.
This could be one of the reasons for the vast number of religious sects today. Sometimes it comes from someone unlearned, as our verse suggests, seeking the office of teacher before being thoroughly taught or firmly grounded in the Holy Word of God.
Trying to be sensational, an ungrounded teacher once said, "The Bible itself says there is no God? Look at Psalm 14:1 where it says 'There is no God'". However, he failed to read the whole statement, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God".
To keep from twisting the Holy Word, we must be careful to read every part in the light of its context – to read it carefully and prayerfully. We must notice to whom it is written and why. As we come to the Scriptures, we must not add to them our own preconceived ideas, but let the Lord speak to our hearts. If we humbly come and truly have a desire to know His will, the Spirit will teach us correctly. If we come to a portion which does not seem too clear, let it rest for a time and study some plainer portions. Portions which are easier to understand will eventually throw light on the more obscure parts. Today, much which is passed for Bible truth is not based on Holy Scripture at all.
"the other scriptures"
The term "Scriptures" means "writings," and practically always refers in the New Testament to the inspired books of the Old Testament. This is the only place where we have any indication that the apostles considered the writings of any New Testament author as part of the Scriptures and so inspired by the Lord. The word "other" in the expression "the other scriptures," tells us that Peter considered Paul's epistles on a level with the Old Testament Scriptures, and thus a part of the Word of God. In order to know that Paul's writings were inspired, Peter must have been inspired himself. The early church would be far more likely to consider Peter's writings inspired than they would Paul's, because there was no question as to Peter's apostleship. This testimony of Peter would therefore bear great weight regarding the truthfulness and inspiration of Paul's writings.
From our verse we can conclude that the early church considered Paul's, and also Peter's, letters as part of the Scriptures, thus inspired. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, it is necessary to believe and obey all the Scriptures – Paul's, Peter's and all the rest.
Of course, we must note to whom each portion is written and why. Much of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) was written to a special people, in a special land with special ceremonies, etc. Many lessons can be learned from the Old Testament, but all does not directly apply to us. However, much of the Old Testament is of an eternal nature, written to all God's saints of all ages. Some things in the New Testament are for the unsaved, some for babes in Christ, some for mature Christians, but remember this: all is the Word of God and inspired by Him.
"their own destruction"
To wrest Scripture is a very dangerous thing. Our verse says, by doing so they bring about their "own destruction." This is the sad part of warping and twisting Scripture; by doing so the twisters destroy their own souls as well as the souls of others. False cults so undermine the Word of God that they take away every chance of salvation from all who believe and follow them. They belittle the seriousness of sin, and so rob their hearers of the need of gospel salvation, or they belittle the work and person of Christ and so rob them of any chance of faith in Him, who alone can save. It is not Paul's fault that they come to destruction, nor is it the fault of any part of the Scripture. If read with a meek spirit, the Word will not bring destruction, but only salvation, joy, and peace. It is not the Scriptures which bring about the destruction, but the wrestling of them. How important then to teach sinners the right way of salvation.
