delay? according to whom? - This section of 2 Peter forms a refutation. The writer draws on and redacts Psalm 90:4 (for a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past) to refute the accusations that because the parousia did not come to the apostolic generation, it will not come at all. Perspective is everything the writer asserts, and from the divine perspective there is no delay, though it certainly seems that from the earthbound vantage point. Thus, delay does not indicate a false promise, but God’s forbearance as provision for the repentance of sinners. [1]

hilary of arles [401-449] - As you wait for the end of all things, you must live holy lives according to the three laws-the Old Testament, the New Testament and the law of nature-you must keep faith in the Trinity, which is the law of godliness. [2]

dangerous language? - The fiery conflagration of the end of the world in our lesson was not unknown in Jewish apocalyptic writings of the time, but is quite exotic and foreign to post-modern ears. Such imagery runs the danger of encouraging the view that God’s creation is quite disposable-a hotel rather than a home for humanity. Better to imagine the transformation of the world, while we wait in expectation for God’s purposes using the time for repentance and ethical living. [3]

[4] What is your view of creation? Is it a hotel? Sinking ship? Or perhaps home?

If we take this piece as true, how does that (or does it?) change your perception about God?

In the context of verses 10-16, what do you think the writer is trying to address more, the certainty, the timing or the manner of Christ’s coming?

block #1 - Open with events or experiences that just take time to adjust to.

block #2 - Shift to the historical context of the letter: that the first Christian generation (the apostolic generation) was dying off; the predictions of Christ’s imminent return now seem hollow and strangely unfulfilled. Such a delayed parousia prompted some to scoff at this first generation sense of urgency.

block #3 - An astounding word of hope! A divine vis-à-vis human perspective of time which is a re-working of Psalm 94. Any delay creates new possibilities for stewardship of the earth, of our lives, of the gospel, and preparation for God’s transformation of the heaven and the earth. [5]

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[1] New Interpreter’s Bible XII (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), page 356.
[2] Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture XI (InterVarsity Press, 2000), page 160.
[3] Frederick Borsch  in New Proclamation 2002 Year B  (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), p. 12.
[4] Serendipity Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Co., 1998), page 354.
[5] Idea taken from Gary L. Carver  in The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2002 Ed. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), pp. 420-422.