The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is that God's delay in fulfilling His promise isn't due to an inability, but a deliberate choice rooted in His profound patience and desire for everyone's repentance. He's not dragging His feet; He's actively offering more time for people to turn to Him.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing scoffers who mock the idea of Jesus' return, claiming it will never happen. He reminds believers that God's timing is different from ours and that His apparent slowness is actually a demonstration of His patient love, giving more time for people to turn to Him. This patience extends to the final judgment, which will undoubtedly come.
Why does it feel like God is taking forever to do what He promised? This verse flips that idea on its head.
Peter addresses a common misconception: that God's delay in fulfilling His promises means He's forgotten or is unable. But the text clarifies: God's 'slowness' isn't a lack of action, but an abundance of patience.
Not Slow, But Patient
When people thought God was being slow, Peter explained it's actually patience being shown. This patience isn't passive waiting; it's an active, purposeful extension of grace. It's a divine choice to allow more time for people to respond.
The Purpose of Patience
This extended time isn't aimless. It's specifically 'toward you'—for the benefit of those who haven't yet turned to God. The ultimate goal is repentance and salvation, not destruction. God's patience is an invitation, a lifeline.
Does God really want everyone to be saved? This verse gives us a profound glimpse into His heart.
The core of God's desire, as revealed here, is not judgment but salvation. The 'slowness' is directly tied to His will that 'all should reach repentance.'
A Universal Invitation
Peter emphasizes that God's disposition is not to condemn but to save. He actively desires that no one be lost. This doesn't mean everyone be saved, but that God's salvific plan is intended for all humanity, and His patience creates the space for that possibility.
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Repentance: The Turning Point
The crucial element is repentance—a turning away from sin and toward God. God's patience provides the opportunity for this essential transformation. It's the open door that allows His promise of salvation to be fulfilled for individuals.
Understand the original words
makrothymei · Greek Verb
God’s long-suffering character, characterized by restraint and the withholding of deserved punishment. It is intentionally extended to allow opportunity for sinners to turn toward Him.
metanoian · Greek Noun
A complete change of mind, heart, and life direction; turning away from sin and toward God in faith. It is the essential response to the gospel message required for salvation.
Peter wrote this during a time of intense persecution and facing his own imminent death, reminding believers that God's perceived delay in Christ's return is not forgetfulness, but a merciful extension of time for people to repent.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Earthly Ministry
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, lived, taught, healed, and performed miracles, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel. This marked the birth of the Christian church and the beginning of its mission.
c. AD 40s - 60s
Apostolic Missions and Letters
The apostles, including Peter and Paul, traveled widely, establishing churches and writing letters to guide and encourage believers in various cities and regions.
c. AD 62-64— this verse
Writing of 2 Peter
The Apostle Peter writes his second letter, likely near the end of his life, addressing false teachers and reminding believers of Jesus' promised return.
AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to persecute Christians, falsely blaming them for the disaster.
AD 67-68
Martyrdom of Peter and Paul
Tradition holds that both Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome during Nero's reign, reinforcing the urgency of their message.
This Old Testament passage echoes the same heart of God, asking if He delights in the death of the wicked, revealing His desire for all to turn from their ways and live.
Luke 15:7Jesus' parable of the lost sheep beautifully illustrates God's joy over one sinner who repents, highlighting the immense value God places on every individual's return.
1 Timothy 2:4This verse directly states that God 'desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth,' reinforcing the core message of 2 Peter 3:9 about God's universal salvific will.
Romans 2:4Paul speaks of God's 'kindness' leading people to repentance, showing that God's patience and mercy are active tools He uses to draw people back to Himself.
What's easy to miss here is that God's delay in fulfilling His promise isn't due to an inability, but a deliberate choice rooted in His profound patience and desire for everyone's repentance. He's not dragging His feet; He's actively offering more time for people to turn to Him.
Peter is addressing scoffers who mock the idea of Jesus' return, claiming it will never happen. He reminds believers that God's timing is different from ours and that His apparent slowness is actually a demonstration of His patient love, giving more time for people to turn to Him. This patience extends to the final judgment, which will undoubtedly come.
Peter is addressing scoffers who mock the idea of Jesus' return, claiming it will never happen. He reminds believers that God's timing is different from ours and that His apparent slowness is actually a demonstration of His patient love, giving more time for people to turn to Him. This patience extends to the final judgment, which will undoubtedly come.
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." — What's easy to miss here is that God's delay in fulfilling His promise isn't due to an inability, but a deliberate choice rooted in His profound patience and desire for everyone's repentance. He's…
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Last reviewed October 2026