knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "scoffers," but notice that Peter links their coming directly to "following their own sinful desires." This isn't just about people disagreeing; it's about them actively pursuing their own lusts, which then fuels their ridicule of God's truth. Their doubt isn't born of genuine intellectual struggle, but from a heart already aligned with rebellion.
knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing a growing problem in the early church: false teachers who are distorting the truth and causing people to doubt. He wants to remind believers of what they already know about the certainty of Christ's return and the reality of judgment, so they won't be swayed by these deceptive voices that are increasingly appearing. This warning prepares them for the specific arguments these scoffers will use to discredit Christian hope.
Peter warns believers about people who will deliberately twist truth. Have you ever encountered this kind of doubt?
The Apostle Peter starts with a strong imperative: 'knowing this first of all.' He isn't suggesting a minor point, but the absolute bedrock of understanding for believers. He's telling us to expect mockers. They aren't an anomaly; they are a predicted sign of the times, specifically 'in the last days.' This isn't about people genuinely seeking answers but those who, with deliberate intent, will mock divine truth. Peter calls them 'scoffers,' a word that implies derision and contempt towards what is sacred.
Why do people mock spiritual truths? Peter points to a deep, personal reason.
Peter doesn't leave the 'why' a mystery. He links the scoffers' actions directly to their inner state: 'following their own sinful desires.' This is crucial! Their mockery isn't born out of intellectual reasoning or honest inquiry gone astray. Instead, it stems from a heart already surrendered to sin. When biblical truths challenge their lifestyle or desires, their immediate, instinctual response is to lash out and ridicule the truth itself, rather than confront their own sin. Their desires dictate their doctrine, not the other way around.
Understand the original words
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empaiktēs · Greek Noun
One who mocks or ridicules, specifically used in this context for those who reject the truth of divine judgment and the return of Christ.
eschatos hēmera · Greek Noun phrase
The final period of human history preceding the return of Christ, characterized by increased spiritual deception, moral decay, and open opposition to the truth.
epithumia · Greek Noun
The inward cravings or impulses of the fallen human nature that are opposed to God’s will and pursue selfish satisfaction.
This passage directly echoes 2 Peter's warning about false teachers, describing them as scoffers who follow their own desires and create division.
1 Timothy 4:1-2It parallels the idea of people abandoning truth for deceptive teachings driven by their own greed and sinful inclinations, similar to the scoffers Peter mentions.
Acts 2:40Peter himself, in his Pentecost sermon, warns people to 'save yourselves from this crooked generation,' highlighting the ongoing spiritual danger and the need for discernment that 2 Peter 3:3 expands upon in the context of the last days.
2 Timothy 3:1-5This passage provides a broader picture of the difficult times and the character of people in the last days, including their self-centeredness and rejection of truth, which fuels the scoffing described by Peter.
It's easy to focus on the "scoffers," but notice that Peter links their coming directly to "following their own sinful desires." This isn't just about people disagreeing; it's about them actively pursuing their own lusts, which then fuels their ridicule of God's truth. Their doubt isn't born of genuine intellectual struggle, but from a heart already aligned with rebellion.
Peter is addressing a growing problem in the early church: false teachers who are distorting the truth and causing people to doubt. He wants to remind believers of what they already know about the certainty of Christ's return and the reality of judgment, so they won't be swayed by these deceptive voices that are increasingly appearing. This warning prepares them for the specific arguments these scoffers will use to discredit Christian hope.
Peter is addressing a growing problem in the early church: false teachers who are distorting the truth and causing people to doubt. He wants to remind believers of what they already know about the certainty of Christ's return and the reality of judgment, so they won't be swayed by these deceptive voices that are increasingly appearing. This warning prepares them for the specific arguments these scoffers will use to discredit Christian hope.
"knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires." — It's easy to focus on the "scoffers," but notice that Peter links their coming directly to "following their own sinful desires." This isn't just about people disagreeing; it's about them actively pur…
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Last reviewed October 2026