What does 2 Peter 3:5 mean?

Explanation

2 Peter 3:5 deals with the skepticism of scoffers regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ.

In this verse, the Apostle Peter addresses the fact that these skeptics are deliberately ignoring the truth about the creation of the world as an act of God. He states that "by the word of God the heavens were of old," which emphasizes that the universe was created by God's command or decree.

The phrase "the earth standing out of water and in the water" may refer to the idea that the earth was formed in water and emerged out of it, which echoes the creation account in Genesis where the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

This verse suggests that just as God created the world by His word, He is also capable of bringing about the end of the world and fulfilling His promises.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle of Peter is believed to have been written in the late first century A.D., possibly around 64-68 A.D., just before or after the Apostle Peter's martyrdom.

The early Christians expected the imminent return of Jesus Christ, and as time passed without this occurring, skepticism grew inside and outside the Christian community.

This scripture was composed against a backdrop of such skepticism and appears to address a specific kind of false teacher who denied the Second Coming.

The letter encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith in the face of scoffers.

Theological Insights

From an evangelical viewpoint, this passage affirms the doctrine of creationism, stating that God is the creator of the heavens and the earth.

Theologians who focus on eschatology, the study of the end times, see this verse as a reminder of God's sovereign power not only in creation but also in His ability to bring history to a culmination.

A more liberal theological approach might see this verse as symbolic, using the language of creation to depict God's ongoing relationship with creation and His power to transform the world.

Catholic understanding would emphasize the continuity of God's creative and redemptive action in the past, present, and future.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can inspire believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to live with an awareness of His creative power.

It can also serve as a call to not be like the scoffers who choose ignorance, but to be informed and steadfast in faith.

The idea of God as the creator and sustainer of life can encourage sustainable living and respect for the environment.

Cross-References

• Genesis 1:6-9: "And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters."
• Hebrews 11:3: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
• Psalms 24:2: "For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods."

Language Study

The Greek words used in this verse are significant in understanding its meaning:

• "Willingly" (thelontes): Conveys the idea of deliberate intention or choice, suggesting a volitional ignorance.
• "Ignorant" (lanthano): Implies a concealment or not being aware of something.
• "Word of God" (logos tou Theou): Refers to the divine command or utterance through which creation came into existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths often describe creation emerging from a primordial watery chaos. This is seen in Mesopotamian myths like the Enuma Elish, and Egyptian creation stories.

The concept of the earth emerging from water can be found in these myths as well. Similarly, religious interpretations of creation across different cultures often involve a supreme deity bringing order to chaos.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings explain the formation of the earth through the accretion of cosmic material and do not involve water as a literal element in the planet's formation.

However, water is believed to have been delivered to Earth through comets and asteroids.

The verse also touches on broader themes like the origins of the universe, which in scientific terms is described by the Big Bang theory, quite different from the instantaneous creation spoken of in religious texts.

commentaries

Commentators have varied interpretations of 2 Peter 3:5:

• Some, like Matthew Henry, view the verse as evidence of human nature's tendency to forget God's actions and diminish His role in the world.
• John Calvin comments on the verse stating that the false security of the wicked is refuted by the consideration of God's power, which gave being to the earth.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that the deliberate ignorance of the scoffers is an ethical rather than an intellectual failure.

They write that it involves moral rejection of God's claim upon them rather than sheer lack of knowledge.