2 Peter 3:15

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;

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};

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.

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

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;

Context

In 2 Peter chapter 3, the Apostle Peter addresses scoffers who question the promise of Christ's return, pointing to the apparent delay. He reminds believers that God's timeline is different from human time (2 Peter 3:8). Verse 15 serves as a crucial explanation for this delay, directly following Peter's declaration that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, but is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). This verse also uniquely highlights the unity and shared understanding among the apostles, specifically affirming Paul's inspired teachings.

Key Themes

  • Divine Patience as Opportunity for Salvation: The core message is that God's "longsuffering" or patience is not a sign of indifference or inability, but a deliberate act of grace designed to extend the opportunity for humanity to find salvation. His delay in judgment or the Second Coming is motivated by His desire for more people to repent and believe. This highlights God's immense love and His active pursuit of reconciling people to Himself.
  • Apostolic Endorsement and Unity: Peter's reference to "our beloved brother Paul" and his writings ("according to the wisdom given unto him") is a significant affirmation. It underscores the unity of the apostolic message despite different ministries, dispelling any notion of rivalry between Peter and Paul. It also validates Paul's epistles as divinely inspired wisdom, crucial for understanding God's plan for salvation and the end times.

Linguistic Insight

The term "longsuffering" in the KJV comes from the Greek word makrothymia (μακροθυμία). This word literally means "long-tempered" or "slow to anger." It implies not just passive waiting, but an active forbearance and patience, particularly in the face of provocation or delay. It signifies God's incredible endurance and His willingness to postpone deserved judgment, offering an extended period for humanity to respond to His call to repentance and embrace salvation. This divine attribute is consistently presented throughout Scripture as a cornerstone of God's character.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today:

  • Understanding God's Character: It deepens our appreciation for God's loving patience, reminding us that His delays are often opportunities for grace, not signs of neglect. This perspective can help believers trust God's timing in all areas of life.
  • Urgency in Evangelism: While God is longsuffering, His patience is not infinite. This verse implicitly urges believers to seize the present moment to share the Gospel, knowing that the time for salvation is now. God's desire that "none should perish" should fuel our passion for evangelism.
  • Valuing Apostolic Teaching: Peter's endorsement of Paul's writings reinforces the importance of studying the entire New Testament, recognizing the divine wisdom imparted through all the apostles for our instruction and spiritual growth. For example, Paul often speaks of God's patience leading to repentance, as seen in Romans 2:4.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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