2 Peter 3:3-4
knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to focus on the "scoffers," but notice Peter links their scoffing directly to "following their own sinful desires." This isn't just about disagreeing with truth; it's about a lifestyle driven by unhealthy appetites that makes people want to dismiss God's coming judgment. Their disbelief isn't accidental; it's deeply personal and tied to the way they're living.
Peter is writing to encourage believers facing doubt and ridicule, particularly from those who deny Christ's promised return. He's reminding them that this skepticism is not new but a fulfillment of prophecy about "scoffers" who will mock God's truth. This sets the stage for his later arguments about why Christ will return, despite what the doubters say.
Peter starts with a stark prediction: 'knowing this first of all...' What's so crucial that it must be the absolute first thing believers remember?
The Foreknowledge of God
Peter isn't just sharing a random thought; he's relaying a divine forewarning. The coming of scoffers isn't a surprise to God, and it shouldn't be a surprise to us. This knowledge is foundational for maintaining our faith when challenges arise.
Why Scoffers Come
Peter clearly states the motivation: 'following their own sinful desires.' Scoffers reject truth not because of intellectual failings, but because the truth convicts their lifestyle. They mock what they refuse to embrace, especially when it calls them to change.
The verse connects scoffing directly to 'following their own sinful desires.' What does this tell us about the roots of disbelief?
The Heart of the Matter
Scoffing is often a defense mechanism. When people's desires are at odds with God's commands, they can find it easier to mock the source of those commands (God and His Word) than to confront their own sin.
Unchecked Desires Lead to Denial
This isn't just about petty disagreements; it's about a fundamental rejection of reality driven by the will. When we choose to indulge in sinful desires, we create a mental space where God's truth becomes inconvenient, and eventually, something to be ridiculed. The 'last days' are characterized by this persistent, willful rejection of divine authority.
Understand the original words
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.
parousia · Greek Noun
Refers to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Parousia), the glorious and literal return of the Lord to judge the world and establish His kingdom.
This passage echoes the same warning about future deceivers, highlighting that they will speak lies in hypocrisy and have seared consciences, much like the scoffers in 2 Peter.
Jude 1:18Jude directly quotes or alludes to a similar prediction from the apostles about mockers who follow their own ungodly passions, reinforcing the idea that this behavior is a known sign of the last days.
Matthew 24:48-49Jesus speaks about a wicked servant who says in his heart, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to mistreat others, paralleling the scoffers' disregard for divine timelines and their pursuit of self-interest.
2 Timothy 3:1-5This passage describes the character of people in the last days, listing traits like foolishness, disobedient to parents, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, which aligns with the description of scoffers following their own desires.
It's easy to focus on the "scoffers," but notice Peter links their scoffing directly to "following their own sinful desires." This isn't just about disagreeing with truth; it's about a lifestyle driven by unhealthy appetites that makes people want to dismiss God's coming judgment. Their disbelief isn't accidental; it's deeply personal and tied to the way they're living.
Peter is writing to encourage believers facing doubt and ridicule, particularly from those who deny Christ's promised return. He's reminding them that this skepticism is not new but a fulfillment of prophecy about "scoffers" who will mock God's truth. This sets the stage for his later arguments about why Christ will return, despite what the doubters say.
"knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as…" — It's easy to focus on the "scoffers," but notice Peter links their scoffing directly to "following their own sinful desires." This isn't just about disagreeing with truth; it's about a lifestyle driv…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Peter 3:3-4 is available in the Sola app.
koimaō · Greek Verb
A common biblical metaphor for death, specifically referring to the physical passing of believers, implying rest and the hope of resurrection.
ktisis · Greek Noun
The divine act of bringing the universe into existence, demonstrating God's sovereignty, wisdom, and power as the originator of all things.
