It's easy to focus on the "scoffers" themselves, but Peter's point is about why they're coming: they're "following their own sinful desires." Their skepticism isn't an honest intellectual pursuit; it's driven by a deep-seated rebellion against God, a desire to live however they want without accountability. This reveals that the core issue with disbelief isn't a lack of evidence, but a lack of will to obey.
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)
Peter is addressing the church, reminding them of the coming of Christ and the need for steadfastness, especially as false teachers and mockers begin to appear, denying Christ's return. This warning sets the stage for his explanation of why these scoffers will arise and how believers should respond by growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus.
Peter starts with a bold declaration: 'knowing this first of all.' He's not guessing; he's warning about a sure thing. What makes his warning so definitive?
The Apostle Peter doesn't mince words. He says that in the 'last days,' a specific group of people will emerge: scoffers. These aren't just doubters; they are those who mock and dismiss divine truth. Peter emphasizes that this phenomenon is not an 'if' but a 'when' and a 'how' – they will come with scoffing, driven by their own desires. This isn't a random occurrence but a predicted sign of the times.
Why do scoffers act the way they do? Peter points to a powerful internal driver that fuels their rejection of truth.
Peter directly links the scoffing to its source: 'following their own sinful desires.' This means their disbelief isn't born from a neutral search for truth. Instead, their rejection of God's Word is motivated by a desire to live according to their own flawed, sinful inclinations. When God's truth demands a change that conflicts with their lifestyle or desires, the easiest path for them is to mock the truth rather than submit to it.
Understand the original words
empaiktēs · Greek Noun
Ask a follow-up
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.
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.
This passage directly echoes Peter's warning, describing people who will appear in the last days, following their ungodly desires and mocking the faith.
Acts 2:17-18Quoting Joel, Peter describes a future outpouring of the Spirit, but also mentions signs in the heavens and on earth, hinting at the cosmic disruptions that might accompany the end times, which scoffers would likely dismiss.
1 Timothy 4:1-2Paul warns about deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons that lead people astray, often characterized by hypocrisy and having their own conscience seared, mirroring the heart of the scoffers Peter describes.
2 Timothy 3:1-5This passage paints a vivid picture of the character of people in the last days, highlighting traits like love of money, arrogance, and being lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, which often fuels a scoffing attitude toward spiritual truths.
It's easy to focus on the "scoffers" themselves, but Peter's point is about why they're coming: they're "following their own sinful desires." Their skepticism isn't an honest intellectual pursuit; it's driven by a deep-seated rebellion against God, a desire to live however they want without accountability. This reveals that the core issue with disbelief isn't a lack of evidence, but a lack of will to obey.
Peter is addressing the church, reminding them of the coming of Christ and the need for steadfastness, especially as false teachers and mockers begin to appear, denying Christ's return. This warning sets the stage for his explanation of why these scoffers will arise and how believers should respond by growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus.
Peter is addressing the church, reminding them of the coming of Christ and the need for steadfastness, especially as false teachers and mockers begin to appear, denying Christ's return. This warning sets the stage for his explanation of why these scoffers will arise and how believers should respond by growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus.
"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" themselves, but Peter's point is about why they're coming: they're "following their own sinful desires." Their skepticism isn't an honest intellectual pursuit;…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
