1. 2 Peter 3:8–10 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

Structure and outline of 2 Peter 3:8-10

2 Peter 3:8–10 (ESV)

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2 Peter 3:8–10 is part of the closing section of the letter where Peter calls believers to pursue holiness (2 Peter 3:1–18a). This section can be further subdivided as follows:1

- Body closing: a call to holiness (2 Peter 3:1–18a)

  1. A call to remember prophetic and apostolic teaching (2 Peter 3:1–2)

  2. The scoffers of the last days (2 Peter 3:3–7)

  3. One day is as a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8–10)

Having refuted the false teachers' claim that God does not intervene in the world and thus a delay in judgment means there is no judgment (2 Peter 3:4), Peter now explains why there has been a delay.2 His answer consists of three reasons: (1) God’s perception of time is different than our own, (2) delay is not due to God’s inability but patience, and (3) delay will not be forever, it is not indefinite.3

In providing an answer, Peter’s aim is to encourage the faith of Christian believers. They must not become concerned because Christ has not yet come back. There are good answers for the questions posted by the heretics, answers that should stop them from forgetting important truths.4