1. 2 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Peter need to affirm that the unrighteous are held until the day of judgment?

2 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

For the church to whom Peter is writing, it appears as if the wicked (the heretics in particular) prosper despite their behaviour and teaching. The wicked seem to go unpunished in this life. Peter, however, wants to assure them that they are being kept for punishment to come.1 Delay does not mean that justice will be denied.