In this life we often see the ungodly prosper. Those who do good are often in trouble, whereas those who live without concern for God’s law tend to live trouble-free. This does not happen always and everywhere, but generally this is a pattern that is often seen.
When prosperity comes on those who do evil, we wonder whether or not God is really just and if judgment will ever come. Is it worth making costly self-sacrificial decisions when the end result is the same? Why pursue godliness when those who indulge their sinful nature never face the consequences of their sins? These are the kind of questions we ask when the ungodly prosper.
In response, Peter wants to encourage us that we should not despair. There is a judgment coming. Yes, it might be delayed (2 Peter 2:3), it might not be seen in this world, but it will be seen eventually. Do not look to circumstances as the basis for theology, but to Scripture. Circumstances might say that there is no judgment (when the ungodly prosper) but Scripture says that judgment is coming. Walking by faith is to walk in the light of Scripture.
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;