2 Peter 3:4 – “They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter tells us exactly what the scoffers will say. They will question and mock the promise that Jesus is coming back. Their argument will sound reasonable to some people: “Everything has stayed the same since the beginning. Life keeps going like it always has. Nothing has changed. So why should we believe that Jesus is coming back?”
These scoffers will use the fact that time keeps passing without visible change as a reason to doubt God’s promises. They will look at history and say, “See? Nothing’s happening. God isn’t coming. Everything is the same.”
But Peter is pointing out their mistake — they are using their limited view of time and history to deny what God has clearly promised.
Historical Context
In Peter’s time, some believers were starting to lose heart because Jesus had not yet returned. False teachers were taking advantage of this delay, stirring up doubt and leading others to question whether Jesus would ever come back at all.
This was a big issue for the early church. Christians were being mocked, not only by outsiders but even by people who claimed to know God. Peter wrote this letter to remind believers that God’s promises don’t fail just because they seem slow from a human point of view.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a common human problem: judging God’s faithfulness based on what we can see and measure. The scoffers believe that if something hasn’t happened yet, it won’t happen at all. But God’s timing is different from ours. His promises don’t depend on human calendars or expectations.
It also shows that people will use false reasoning to reject God’s truth. They will ignore history, ignore God’s power, and ignore His warnings simply because they want to live without thinking about judgment or accountability.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses the words of the scoffers themselves in this verse. He lets their argument speak for itself so that readers can see how empty it is. The scoffers appeal to “our ancestors” and “the beginning of creation” to make their case sound credible, but their logic is shallow.
The structure of the sentence also shows how scoffers dismiss God’s promises with casual, worldly thinking. They are focused only on what they can see in the natural world and forget that God is in charge of all creation.
Cross-References
- Matthew 24:48-51 – Jesus warned about servants who doubt His return and live carelessly.
- Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 – The writer talks about how life seems to repeat itself without change, which is how the scoffers think.
- Isaiah 5:19 – People mockingly say, “Let God hurry; let him hasten his work so we may see it.”
- 2 Peter 3:8-9 – Later in this same chapter, Peter explains that God is not slow but patient.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a wake-up call. Many people still scoff at the idea of Jesus returning. They may say, “People have been talking about the end times for years, but nothing ever happens.” The world encourages us to live like today is all that matters, like there’s no future accountability.
Peter’s warning helps us stay focused on God’s promises, even when others doubt. It reminds us that the delay of Jesus’ return is not proof that He won’t come — it’s proof of God’s patience and mercy, giving people time to repent.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He doesn’t rush to bring judgment. The scoffers use the delay as proof that God won’t act, but in reality, the delay is a sign of His patience. He is giving people time to turn to Him and receive forgiveness before the day of judgment comes.
Even though people mock, God’s heart is to give every chance for people to come back to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself said people would doubt His return. In Matthew 24:37-39, He compared it to the days of Noah — people were living their normal lives, ignoring the warnings, until the flood came.
The scoffers’ question, “Where is this coming He promised?” directly challenges the words of Jesus. But Jesus made it clear that He would return, and that people should always be ready (John 14:3, Matthew 25:13).
Peter is reminding believers to trust what Jesus said, no matter how long it seems to take.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever heard someone question or mock the idea that Jesus is coming back? How did it make you feel?
- Why do you think people use the passing of time as an excuse to doubt God’s promises?
- How can you stay encouraged when it feels like nothing is changing and God’s promises seem delayed?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s patience and love?
- How can you live each day in light of the truth that Jesus is coming back, even when others doubt it?