2 Peter 3:15

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} account {G2233} that the longsuffering {G3115} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} is salvation {G4991}; even as {G2531} our {G2257} beloved {G27} brother {G80} Paul {G3972} also {G2532} according to {G2596} the wisdom {G4678} given {G1325} unto him {G846} hath written {G1125} unto you {G5213};

Complete Jewish Bible

And think of our Lord’s patience as deliverance, just as our dear brother Sha’ul also wrote you, following the wisdom God gave him.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him.

American Standard Version

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Peter 3:15 calls believers to understand God's apparent delay in Christ's return not as a sign of indifference or unfaithfulness, but as an expression of His divine patience (longsuffering) intended to provide more opportunity for humanity to come to repentance and attain salvation. Peter reinforces this crucial theological point by referencing the consistent teachings of the Apostle Paul, affirming Paul's inspired wisdom and the unified message of the apostles concerning God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [2 Peter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord"), which primarily addresses the skepticism and scoffing of those who doubt the Lord's promised return. Peter has just asserted that 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" ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")). Verse 15 directly builds upon this declaration, explaining *how* believers should interpret this divine patience—as an active means to salvation. It also serves as a critical bridge, introducing Paul's teachings as a corroborating witness to the truth Peter is conveying, thereby strengthening the apostolic message. The subsequent verses in the chapter then warn against misinterpreting Paul's "hard sayings" and emphasize the importance of growth in grace and knowledge ([2 Peter 3:16-18](/2_peter/3-16-18 "2 Peter 3:16-18 - Paul's Writings and Growth in Grace")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to a diverse group of early Christians, likely facing internal doubts and external pressures, including the rise of false teachers and scoffers who challenged the eschatological hope of Christ's return. The concept of "longsuffering" (μακροθυμία) was understood in both secular Greek and Jewish contexts as enduring patience, often in the face of provocation. For the early church, the perceived delay in the Parousia (Christ's second coming) was a significant issue, leading some to question the reliability of prophetic promises. By affirming God's longsuffering as salvation, Peter reframes this delay from a point of doubt to a profound expression of divine grace. The reference to Paul is also culturally significant, as it addresses potential misunderstandings or rivalries between different apostolic factions, emphasizing the unity of the apostolic witness despite their distinct ministries and audiences.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Peter 3](/2_peter/3 "2 Peter 3 - The Day of the Lord") is the certainty of Christ's return and the nature of God's timing. This verse contributes directly to the theme of **Divine Patience and Grace**, explaining that God's delay is not indifference but an active extension of grace, providing ample opportunity for repentance and salvation. It also underscores the theme of **Apostolic Unity and Authority**, as Peter explicitly endorses Paul's writings, validating their divine origin and demonstrating a cohesive apostolic front against false teachings. This mutual affirmation of apostolic authority is crucial for the early church's understanding of the inspired nature of the New Testament writings and the consistent message of the Gospel, as seen in Paul's own emphasis on God's patience leading to repentance in [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leads to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Account (Greek, _hēgéomai'_):** This verb means "to lead" or "to command," but in this context, it figuratively means "to deem" or "to consider." It implies a deliberate, reasoned judgment or a settled conviction. Peter is not merely suggesting a possibility but urging believers to adopt a firm theological understanding: God's patience is not a flaw in His plan, but a purposeful act to bring about salvation.
* **Longsuffering (Greek, _makrothymía'_):** Derived from "long" and "temper/passion," this term denotes patience, endurance, or forbearance, especially in the face of provocation, injury, or delay. It describes God's divine attribute of restraining His wrath and postponing judgment, actively extending the time for humanity to respond to His call. It is not passive waiting but active, merciful restraint.
* **Salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** This noun refers to rescue, safety, or deliverance, both physically and, more profoundly in this context, morally and spiritually. It encompasses the entire redemptive work of God, leading to reconciliation with Him and eternal life. Peter links God's longsuffering directly to this ultimate goal, showing His patience is a means to secure the salvation of those who repent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation":** Peter instructs believers to consciously and firmly conclude that God's patience, particularly regarding the delay of Christ's return, is not a sign of His weakness or forgetfulness, but rather a direct instrument for bringing about salvation. This divine forbearance provides extended opportunity for people to repent and be saved, revealing God's merciful character.
* **"even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;":** Peter reinforces his teaching by appealing to the authority and consistent message of the Apostle Paul. He refers to Paul as "our beloved brother," emphasizing their shared faith and unity in ministry. The phrase "according to the wisdom given unto him" highlights the divine origin and inspiration of Paul's teachings, affirming that Paul's insights were not merely human opinion but divinely imparted understanding, particularly concerning God's redemptive plan and eschatological timing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostolic Endorsement** is prominent, as Peter, a key apostle, explicitly validates the writings of Paul, another foundational apostle. This mutual affirmation strengthens the authority of both their messages and underscores the unity of the early Christian witness. The phrase "our beloved brother Paul" also utilizes **Affectionate Appellation**, conveying warmth and solidarity, which helps to counter any potential perception of rivalry between the two prominent figures in the early church. Furthermore, the concept of God's "longsuffering" functioning as "salvation" presents a form of **Paradoxical Reinterpretation**. What might appear as a delay or a cause for doubt (the long wait for Christ's return) is reframed as a divine act of grace and an opportunity for redemption, transforming a potential stumbling block into a cornerstone of hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the core of God's character: His boundless patience and His fervent desire for humanity's redemption. The "longsuffering of our Lord" is not a passive waiting, but an active, merciful restraint of judgment, extending the window of opportunity for repentance and faith. This divine attribute is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as foundational to God's covenantal relationship with His people, revealing a God who is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 145:8](/psalms/145-8 "Psalm 145:8 - The Lord is Gracious and Merciful")). Peter's endorsement of Paul's writings further solidifies the unity of apostolic teaching, affirming that the entire New Testament bears a consistent message of God's redemptive purpose, culminating in Christ's work and the call to salvation.

* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leads to Repentance")
* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Justice")
* [1 Timothy 2:3-4](/1_timothy/2-3-4 "1 Timothy 2:3-4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Peter 3:15 offers a powerful lens through which to view God's timing and His heart for humanity. In a world often impatient and demanding immediate gratification, this verse challenges us to embrace a divine perspective, understanding that God's "delays" are often expressions of His profound love and mercy, designed to bring more people into His saving embrace. This should ignite within believers a renewed sense of urgency and compassion for the lost, compelling us to actively participate in God's mission of salvation by sharing the Gospel. It also calls us to cultivate a similar longsuffering in our own lives, patiently enduring trials and extending grace to others, reflecting the very character of our Lord. Furthermore, Peter's affirmation of Paul's inspired writings reminds us of the invaluable gift of Scripture, urging us to diligently study and apply the unified truth found within the apostolic teachings for our spiritual growth and perseverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "longsuffering" as "salvation" change your perspective on perceived delays or unanswered prayers in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in God's mission of salvation, knowing that His patience is an opportunity for others to repent?**
* **How does Peter's endorsement of Paul's writings encourage you to approach the study of the entire New Testament?**

### FAQ
**Why is Peter emphasizing Paul's writings here?**

Answer: Peter emphasizes Paul's writings to provide a crucial apostolic confirmation of the truth he is conveying, particularly regarding the nature of God's patience and the certainty of Christ's return. By referring to Paul as "our beloved brother" and acknowledging the "wisdom given unto him," Peter not only validates Paul's authority and inspiration but also demonstrates the unity of the apostolic message. This was vital for the early church, as it helped to counter any potential divisions or misinterpretations of apostolic teachings and reinforced the consistent truth of the Gospel across different ministries, as seen in Paul's own discussions of God's patience in [Romans 9:22](/romans/9-22 "Romans 9:22 - God's Endurance with Vessels of Wrath").

**Does God's longsuffering mean that Christ's return is uncertain or indefinitely delayed?**

Answer: No, God's longsuffering does not imply uncertainty or an indefinite delay in Christ's return. Rather, it underscores the *reason* for the delay: God's merciful desire for more people to come to repentance and salvation before the appointed time of judgment. Peter explicitly states that "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" ([2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come")), indicating its certainty and suddenness. God's patience is a finite, purposeful extension of grace, not an abandonment of His promise. It is an act of divine love, providing maximum opportunity for humanity to respond, as highlighted by Peter's earlier statement that God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Desire for Repentance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Peter 3:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the "longsuffering of our Lord" as salvation. The entire span of redemptive history, from the Fall to the consummation, is a testament to God's patient pursuit of humanity, culminating in the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, willingly endured the cross, demonstrating ultimate patience and self-sacrifice to secure salvation for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His first coming inaugurated the era of grace, a period of divine longsuffering where the door to repentance remains open ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The delay of His second coming, therefore, is not a sign of His indifference but a continuation of His merciful mission, providing further opportunity for the Gospel to be proclaimed to every nation, tribe, and tongue, so that "all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved" ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord")). Thus, Christ's present reign at the right hand of the Father, patiently awaiting the full number of the elect, is the very embodiment of God's longsuffering as a means to salvation, confirming the unified testimony of the apostles like Peter and Paul concerning God's redemptive plan in Him ([Hebrews 10:12-13](/hebrews/10-12-13 "Hebrews 10:12-13 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice and Waiting")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2 Peter 3:9

¶ 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.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1 Peter 3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:7

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly.