Westminster Annotations, 2 Peter 2

Westminster Annotations · 2 Peter 2

p. 1ANNOTATIONS On the second Epistle of S. PETER.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. SImon] Gr. Symeon, as it is translated, Acts 15. 14. The name of one of Jacobs son, Gen. 29. 33. and of another godly man, Luke 2. 25. He is called Simon also, Matth. 10. 2. Joh. 21. 16. as we commonly call him. It seems that this was the name that was given him by his parents, at his circumcision.

Peter] A sirname given him by Christ, Joh. 1. 42. It may be, to distinguish him from Simon the Canaanite, who was also an apostle, Matth. 10. 2, 4. It was renewed, upon his confession, Matth. 16. 16, 17, 18. The former name, Simon, comes from a word that signifies hearing. This later name, Peter, signifies a stone. The name imports, an hearer, and firm observer of Gods word; and such an one indeed this apostle was, Matth. 7. 24.

A servant] See on Rev. 1. 1.

an apostle] One called by Christ immediately, Matth. 10. 2. and sent to preach the Gospel in any part of the world, Matth. 28. 19. and having authority over all Churches, 1 Cor. 9. 1. compared with 2 Cor. 11. 28.

of Jesus Christ] See on Matth. 1. 1. Rev. 1. 1.

to them] To whom this epistle was written. See on chap. 3. vers. 1.

that have obtained] The Greek word, in the primitive signification of it, signifieth getting a thing by lot, as inheritances were sometimes divided, Josh. 14. 2. yet it is used for obtaining a thing any other way.

like] In substance, not equall in degree; for faith might be stronger in the apostle then it was in them to whom he writ, Rom. 1. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Tit. 1. 4.

precious faith] 1 Pet. 1. 7. It is called so, in regard of the precious promises it lays hold upon, v. 4. which belong alike to all believers.

with us] Apostles, as 1 Joh. 1. 3. and other Christians, Jude v. 3. 2 Cor. 1. 21. Or, with me. See on 1 John 1. 1, 3.

through the righteousnesse] By the merits of Christ, who hath deserved for us both grace and glory. Gr. in the righteousnesse. Our faith rests on Christs merits. Or, by Gods mercy and bounty. So the word is used, 2 Cor. 9. 9. Faith then comes not by any desert of ours, but from Christs merits, or Gods mercy, or by Gods faithfulnesse in keeping his promises, Psal. 89. 33. Luke 18. 18. 1 Joh. 1. 9.

of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ] Gr. of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. See on Jude v. 25.

V. 2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you] See on 1 Pet. 1. 2. Rev. 1. 9.

through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus] That is, through faith in God, and Christ made known to us, Isa. 53. 11.

our Lord] 1 Cor. 8. 6.

V. 3. According as his divine power] It may be referred to that that went before. Let grace and peace be multiplied to you, according to the riches of his provisions for us. Or to the words following: As God hath given us all things, &c. so adde to your faith, vertue, &c. v. 5. So Paul begins, after salutation, 1 Tim. 1. 3. Or, O how hath his divine power, &c. Rom. 11. 33.

hath given unto us] To us Christians, to enjoy: or, to us apostles, to preach to you, that ye may be partakers of the divine nature, v. 4.

all things that pertain unto life and godlinesse] All things needfull to preserve our naturall or spirituall life here. Or, all things requisite to bring us to heaven hereafter, and to enable us to live godlily here.

through the knowledge of him] See on v. 2.

that hath called us] God, 1 Pet. 1. 15. Or, Christ, Rom. 1. 6.

to glory and vertue] To glory in heaven, and vertue on earth. Or, by glory and vertue: That is, by a glorious and powerfull Gospel. Or, employing his glorious power to convert us, Ephes. 1. 19. and 3. 6.

V. 4. Whereby] By which glory and power appearing in the preaching of the Gospel. Or, Because that. Seeing God hath made such glorious promises to us, he hath given us all things needfull for grace and glory.

are given] Or, he hath given; as v. 3.

unto us] See on v. 3.

exceeding great and precious promises] Promises of very great matters, and things of high price and account.

that by these] By these promises: or, by these things given us, v. 3.

you might be partakers of the divine nature] Not of Gods substance, which is incommunicable; but have excellent graces given us, whereby we are made like to God in wisedom and holinesse, wherein the image of God, after which man was at first created, consists, Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10.

having escaped] Gr. having fled from. It shews the nature of our victory over sin, which consists in fleeing from it, chap. 2. 18. 20. 1 Cor. 6. 18.

the corruption] Of sin: or, of destruction, as chap. 2. 12, 19.

in the world through lust] In worldly men, by reason of wicked desires reigning in them, 1 Joh. 2. 15, 16.

V. 5. And besides this] It is not enough to flee corrupt lusts, but we must also get store of vertue. Or, And for this very thing also. Gods grace to us, should make us strive to encrease his graces in us. Or, So do this very thing also. So the first particle is translated, Jeh 6. 57. As God hath given you great benefits, v. 3. so do ye seek to adde grace to grace. Or, Therefore do ye also this very thing. So the first particle is translated, 1 Cor. 15. 13. And if the beginning of the third verse be read by way of exclamation, it answers well to it.

giving] Gr. bringing in besides. As not having done enough in avoiding lusts, unlesse ye be pious.

all diligence] The greatest diligence that ye can possibly. The word comes from another word in the original, that signifies to make haste, as diligent men use to do, who omit no occasions to at complish their just ends.

Adde to your faith] To your confidence in Christ, whereby ye are justified before God.

vertue] Morall vertues, which may make you acceptable in the sight both of God and of men, Phis. 4. 8. 1 Per. 3. 4.

knowledge] Get more knowledge of Christ daily, Phil. 3. 8, 10.

V. 6. temperance] Power in your selves to moderate your affection toward outward things, as the word imports.

patience] Abiding under troubles with quietnesse, as the derivation of the word implies.

godlinesse] Well worshipping of God, to wit, according to his will.

V. 7. brotherly kindnesse] Love to the saints, Heb. 13. 1. which are our brethren in Christ, Matth. 23. 8.

charity] Whereby we are to love, not our brethren onelyonly, but others also, Gal. 6. 10. 1 Thess. 3. 12. and 5. 15.

V. 8. be in you, and abound] Be plentifully in you, Col. 3. 16.

they make you, that ye shall neither, &c.] Ye shall not onelyonly not be negligent and unfruitfull, but also be painfull in good works, and see fruit of your faith, v. 5.

be barren] Gr. be idle. They are idle, not onelyonly who do nothing, but also who use not the gifts they have to their best improvement and advantage.

unfruitfull] As fruits are pleasing to us, so are good works to God; and are therefore called fruits, Matth. 12. 33. Gal. 5. 22. 1 Thess. 1. 4. Col. 3. 20. Heb. 13. 16.

in the knowledge] In exercising your knowledge. That you know of Christ, will make you fruitfull in good works.

of our Lord Jesus Christ] See on v. 2.

V. 9. is blinde, and cannot see far off] Or, is blinde, or cannot see far off. If he be not stark blinde in these spirituall things, he is so weak sighted that he cannot clearly discern such high mysteries.

that he was purged from his old sins] That he made a profession in baptism, that his former sins were purged away by the blood of Christ.

V. 10. Wherefore the rather] Because of the dangers mentioned, v. 9. Or, Wherefore the more. Be the more carefull to do it.

brethren] By regeneration, and adoption, and union with Christ by saith, we are made the children of God, and brethren spiritually, Phil. 4. 1.

given diligence] See on v. 5.

to make your calling and election sure] Gr. firm, or slable. To p. 2get good grounds to assure you that ye were elected before the world, and are called out of the world. For it is sure enough in it self, by Gods decree and immutability, 2 Tim. 2. 19. Mal. 3. 6. Joh. 6. 40. and 13. 1. Rom. 11. 29.

for if ye do these things] Continuance then in well-doing, is the way to get and keep assurance of salvation.

ye shall never fall] Jude v. 4. Our life is likened to a race, 1 Cor. 9. 24. we must take heed lest we fall, and come short of the prize set before us. The children of God may fall into some sins by weaknesse; but never so as to lose the goal, v. 11. Psal. 15. 1, 5. Rom. 11. 11. Or, ye shall never stumble. While ye are carefull so to do, as before, ye shall go on smoothly towards heaven, without falling into any sin. For Gods servants sin, most commonly, for want of heeding their way, 1 Joh. 2. 10.

V. 11. an entrance] A large passage into the kingdom of glory in the life to come.

abundantly] Joh. 10. 10. If ye be full of good works, ye shall have abundant reward, 1 Cor. 9. 9. and 15. 58. 2 Joh. v. 8.

V. 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent] Because an holy life here, gives assurance of so great glory hereafter, I will not cease to minde you of it.

of these things] To encrease your former graces, v. 5.

though ye know them] Rom. 15. 15. 1 Joh. 2. 21. For we oft forget, through multitude of worldly businesses, what we know of holy and heavenly things.

in the present truth] Now more fully taught then under the old testament, and generally believed by Christians.

V. 13. I think it meet] In regard of their naturall sluggishnesse. Or, I think it a just thing. For he was an apostle, and it was his duty to do it, 1 Cor. 6. 19.

in this tabernacle] Our bodies are like tents set up for our souls to converse in for a time, and easily pulled down, 2 Cor. 5. 1.

to stir you up] For we are very drousie in spirituall things, at the best, and had need to be rouzed up, 2 Tim. 1. 6. chap. 4. 1.

V. 14. Knowing] Very probably, by divine revelation, as it is likely Paul did also, 2 Tim. 4. 6.

that shortly I must put off] It seems he was old then, when he wrote this epistle: for old-age was promised to him, Joh. 21. 18.

… our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me] As is from God now revealed to me: or, in that manner as he sometimes foretold me Joh 21. 18, 19.

V. 15. after my decease] Gr. going out: To wit, out of this world by death; as Luke 9. 31.

to have these things always in remembrance] Or, to have whereby ye may always remember these things. As I will always call upon you, while I live (as v. 12, 13.) so I will leave you this epistle, as upon record, that may ever put you in minde of these things, when I am dead.

V. 16. For we have not followed] Because I have taught Gods truth, therefore I would have it remembred after my death: whereas, if I had delivered fables, growing now towards my death, I should rather repent of it, and be willing to have them forgotten, and buried with me.

cunningly devised fables] Woven together so artificially, that they might seem to be true, although indeed they be most false. Store of such had the Jews, and heathen poets in those days, and the Mahometans and papists have in these times.

power and coming] Powerfull coming in the flesh, which our Saviour Christ shewed in effectuall perswading many to believe what he taught, and confirming it by miracles, Matth. 7. 28, 29. and 8. 7, 8. Luke 24. 19. 32. Rom. 1. 4.

eye-witnesses] Matth. 17. 1, 2. Joh. 1. 14. 1 Joh. 1. 1. Luke 1. 2.

of his majestie] Heb. 1. 3. Of his glorious appearance, Matth. 17. 2.

V. 17. honour and glory] Heb. 2. 7, 9. God attired him like his son, and owned him for his son, Matth. 17. 2, 5.

from the excellent glory] Exceeding great glory, such as became (God) the speaker, as the Greek word imports.

This is my beloved Son] Matth. 17. 5. and 3. 17.

V. 18. we heard] I Peter, and James, and John, Mat. 17. 1. Or the singular for the plural: we, that is, I. See 1 John 1. 1, 3, 4.

when we were with him] Not far off from him; for then we might have been more easily deceived; but in his company.

in the holy mount] The mount whereon he was transfigured; which what mount it was, is uncertain. It is called holy, because God appeared there; as the ground where God appeared to Moses is called holy, Exod. 3. 5.

V. 19. We have also] Lest any should not believe Peter, but think the former apparition mentioned by him to be a fiction of his, he cites the prophets, as acknowledgers of Christs glory, and foretellers of his coming, 1 Pet. 1. 10, 11.

a more sure word] That is, a most sure, or very sure word. A comparative, for a superlative; as Acts 25. 10. 1 Cor. 13. 13. for the former vision being from God also, as the prophecies were, was in it self as sure as they. Or, more sure then those cunning fables, which many follow, v. 16. Or, more firm, as it is in the Greek. The prophecies were, by long use, more setled in the hearts of the godly Jews, who believed all the prophets spake to come from God, Joh. 5. 45. and 9: 29. Luke 24. 27. Acts 26. 22, 23. and therefore might sooner perswade them, then the report of a voice from heaven, although that were sure also. Pauls doctrine was examined by the prophets, Acts 17. 11.

of prophecie] Psal. 2. 7. and 110. 1.

untill the day down] The times of the law were like the night, wherein candles were lighted; the time of the Gospel like day-light, wherein the sun shines. Or, by the light in a dark place, may be meant the revelation of Gods truth here; and by the day, the vision of Christ in heaven.

the day-star] Christ, R…vel. 2. 28. and 22. 16.

V. 20. of any private interpretation] Such as ariseth out of mans own brains, and not out of the Scripture it self. He condemns not one mans or few mens interpretation or a place of Scripture, differing from others; for God may at first reveal a truth by one or few men, which afterwar…s may be embraced by many.

V. 21. For the prophecie came not] It belongeth to God, the authour of prophecie, to give the sense of it.

in old time] Or, at any true.

by the will of man] They could not prophesie when they would, or what they would, 2 Kings 4. 27. and 21. 14. but when and what God would.

holy men of God] Or, those holy men of God: To wit, the prophets, who were holy. Such are called, Men of God, Psal. 90. 1. 1 Tim. 6. 11. 2 Tim. 3. 17.

as they were moved] Gr. carried. Gods Spirit acquainting them with the things they knew not, directed them in the words, that they might not erre. God shewed them things above nature, and gave them a will to publish them, though sometimes they were unwilling to do it, Jer. 20. 9.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. BƲt there were false prophets also] Not true onelyonly, is chap. 1. 21. but some false teachers also.

among the people] The people of God.

false teachers among you] Acts 20. 29, 30. Jude v. 4. 1 Joh. 2. 18, 19. Among you Christians.

who p…ivily shall bring in] Gr. who shall bring in besides. That is, besides mens expectation, or, … the truth taught by godly teachers, and by themselves in part also, to countenance their errours.

damnable heresies] Gr. heresies of destruction. Wicked opinions, that ruine mens souls; or, dangerous s…rsins, that will rent the Church, and bring destruction on it, if it be not prevented, 1 Cor. 11. 18, 19.

denying] By totall apostacie, or evil life, unbeseeming the servants of Christ, Tit. 1. 16. See more on Jude v. 4.

the Lord that bought them] That gave a price sufficient for them, even his own precious Blood, Acts 20. 28. 1 Cor. 6. 20. 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. Or, by whom they professed that they were redeemed: and therefore they should not have denied him.

bring upon themselves swift destruction] They do so offend God by their sins, that they cannot be long out of hell, and perhaps suddenly taken away by some grea… judgement.

V. 2. pernicious ways] Or, … us ways, as some copies reade. See Jude v. 4. Gr. their destructions: that is, their doctrines, that bring destruction, as v. 1.

the way of truth] The true Christian religion revealed from heaven, which shews the way to true happinesse.

shall be evil spoken of] Rom. 2. 24. 1 Tim. 6. 1.

V. 3. through …vetousnesse] See v. 15.

with feigned wor… ] See on chap. 1. 16.

make merchandise of you] See on Rev. 18. 13.

whose judgement now of a long time li…g…eth n…t] See on v. 1.

their damnation sl…mbreth not] See on Jude v. 4.

V. 4. For if God spa…d not the angels, &c.] Look on Jude v. 6.

V. 5. And spared not the old world] The world before the stood, or the ungodly men in it, as followeth in this verse.

Noah the eighth person] Of them that were saved from the deluge: for, besides himself, his wife, his sons and their wives, escaped, Gen. 7. 13. 1 Pet. 3. 20.

a preacher of righteousnesse] A publisher of Gods just purpose to destroy the old world, and a perswader of them to repent and live righteously, that they might prevent so great a judgement, 1 Pet. 3. 19. or, a preacher of salvation to them, to be had by the righteousnesse of the Messias to come, 1 Pet. 4 6.

upon the world of the ungodly] The multitude of the ungodly then in the world. So a world of wickednesse is store of it, James 3. 6.

V. 6. the cities of Sodom, &c.] See on Jude v. 7.

into ashes] By fire from heaven, Gen. 19. 24, 25, 29.

condemned them with an everthrow] Shewed, by destroying them so strangely from heaven, that he had passed sentence on them for their wickednesse, Gen. 18. 20, 21. and 19. 28.

p. 1an ensample] For those cities remain to this day buried in the dead sea, for terrour to others.

V. 7. And delivered] So God sometimes is pleased to shew mercy to his, when he destroys others: as to Noah, v. 5.

just Lot] Not that he had no sin in him, but because he endeavoured to keep all Gods commandments, Luke 1. 6.

vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked] So Gods servants use to mourn for other mens sins, who mourn not for their own; Psal. 119. 136, 158.

V. 8. in seeing and hearing] Lot dwelling among the wicked Sodomites, could not but daily see such filthy actions, and hear such unclean speeches, as vexed him to the very heart; because he loved God, whose Name was dishonoured grievously, and law broken grosly by them.

V. 9. the Lord knoweth] If God have done all mentioned before, v. 4, &c. then it appears that he knows how to deliver good men, and punish bad ones, and will certainly do it.

out of temptations] Out of afflictions, which do but try Gods people, though they destroy others, v. 5, 6, 7. Gen. 22. 6. 1 Cor. 10. 13. Heb. 4. 15. James 1. 2. 1 Pet. 1. 6. Rev. 3. 10.

to reserve the unjust] Verse 4. Jude v. 6.

V. 10. But chiefly them] As being the greatest sinners, and misleaders of others.

that walk after the flesh] After the motions and lusts of their own corrupt nature, Rom. 8. 1, 4, 12, 13. but here more specially the flesh seems to imply such motions and lusts as tend to uncleannesse of life; as 1 Joh. 2. 16. See further on Jude v. 7, 8, 18.

despise government] Or, dominion, Jude v. 8.

presumptuous are they] Or, O presumptuous persons! By way of admiration and exclamation.

to speak evil of dignities] Gr. of glories: That is, of princes, which shine most gloriously in the world. See Jude v. 8.

V. 11. Whereas angels] See on Jude v. 9.

railing accusation] Gr. blasphemous judgement.

against them] Some read, against themselves: To wit, the good angels against the bad.

V. 12. But these, &c.] Look on Jude v. 10.

made to be taken] Appointed for a prey, and to destruction, Rom. 9. 22. Alluding to such beasts as are kept, not for sight or delight, but to be hunted and destroyed.

in their own corruption] Which they have brought on themselves, or which naturally befalls them for their sinfull courses, Gal. 6. 8. Or, which God hath appointed for them, Jude verse 4.

V. 13. to riot in the day-time] Contrary to the course of many ungodly men, who dare not shew their sins in the light, Joh. 3. 20. Eph. 5. 11, 12. 1 Thess. 5. 7. and to the profession of the Gospel, Rom. 13. 13.

spots they are] Men grievously spotted and blemished. See further on Jude v. 12.

V. 14. Having eyes full of adultery] Gr. of an adulteresse, Mat. 5. 28. They were not given to riot and excesse onelyonly, but to a laseivious and loose course of uncleannesse also. The eyes are mentioned, because they let in adulterous thoughts to the soul, Gen. 34. 1, 2. 2 Sam. 11. 2. 4. And they are said to be full of the adulteresse, as if they cared not to look on any other object.

unstable] Not well grounded, and therefore easie to be seduced, chap. 16. 17. Eph. 4. 14. Heb. 13. 9.

with covetous practices] Vers. 3. 15. Jude v. 11.

cursed children] Gr. children of the curse, Eph. 2. 2, 3. 2 Thess. 2. 3.

V. 15. the way of Balaam] See on Jude v. 11.

Bosor] Called Beor, Num. 22. 5. and, by some small change of the Hebrew letters, Bosor here.

who loved the wages of unrighteousnesse] Num. 22. 7, 13, 37. for he would have cursed the Israelites for those rewards, if God had not withheld him.

V. 16. the madnesse] His hot desire to go against the will of God for gain.

of the prophet] He is called, a foothsayer, Josh. 13. 22. Num. 23. 23. Such did sometimes, by ghesse, hit upon things to come. Or, he is called a prophet, because sometimes he had revelations from the true God, Num. 23. and 24.

V. 17. without water, &c.] See on Jude v. 12.

the mist of darknesse, &c.] See on Jude v. 13.

V. 18. great swelling words] Look on Jude v. 16.

allure] With fair promises, as men lay baits for fishes.

those that were clean escaped] Gr. indeed escaped. They sought to seduce true Christians, but could not, Matth. 24. 24. Or, a little escaped. Such as professed the true religion, having left idolatry, and lived without scandall. Or, a while escaped. Seemed to have done so, by embracing the true religion for a time; but soon after shewed they had not done it, by returning to courses contrary thereunto, 1 Joh. 2. 18, 19.

V. 19. they promise them liberty] Under pretence of liberty, they draw them to licentiousnesse and loosenesse of life, 1 Pet. 2. 16. Jude v. 4.

the servants of corruption] Chap. 1. 4. Rom. 6. 18, 19.

is he brought in bondage] For prisoners were ever the conquerours slaves.

V. 20. after they have escaped] Gr. fled from, as v. 18. Chap. 1. 4.

the pollutions of the world] Such sinfull courses as worldly men are wont to defile themselves withall, Jam. 1. 27.

knowledge] Gr. acknowledgement. Not knowing him onelyonly, but professing him also. See Joh. 12. 42.

the later end is worse with them then the beginning] Matth. 12. 45. because they sin out of knowledge now, and against former acknowledgement, who sinned out of ignorance before, Luke 12. 47, 48. James 4. 17.

V. 21. it had been better for them] That is, lesse evil. They had sinned lesse, and should have been punished lesse. For, neither the state of ignorant ones or backsliders is good; but the former is lesse dangerous then the later.

the way of righteousnesse] Vers. 2. 15.

from the holy commandment] Chap. 3. 2. Given by an holy God, and requiring holinesse in us.

V. 22. proverb] See on Prov. 1. 1.

The dog is turned, &c.] Prov. 26. 11. They are as abominable in Gods sight, as such creatures here mentioned are offensive to mans sight. The words seem to have been the verses of some ancient poet, that were grown usuall in common speech in those times.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. UNto you] Scattered strangers, 1 Pet. 1. 1. For it is a second epistle to the same persons.

your pure mindes] Or, your sincere mindes, as Phil. 1. 10. That appear right, being judged by the light of the sun, as men trie cloth, and eagles their young ones.

by way of remembrance] Chap. 1. 12, 13, 14, 15.

V. 2. That ye may be mindfull] Chap. 1. 12, &c. Phil. 3. 1.

holy prophets] Chap. 1. 21.

the apostles] Jude v. 17.

V. 3. Knowing this first] Taking notice of this principally, that many will endeavour to draw you from that commandment, v. 2. Chap. 2. 21.

that there shall come] Of themselves, not sent by God.

in the last days] That is, in the later or following days; as the word is used, Gen. 49. 1. Deut. 4. 30. and Dan. 2. 28. where in the last days, is expounded hereafter, v. 29. So are the times of the Gospel called by the prophets, Isa. 2. 2. Mic. 4. 1. Peter meaneth, the times then beginning, and likely to hold on to the end of the world, in greater or lesser measure: for he warns those that then lived, as well as others in after-ages, to to take heed of such scosters: and such then began to arise in the Church, Acts 20. 29, 30. 1 Joh. 2. 18.

scoffers] Jude v. 18.

walking after their own lusts] Chap. 2. 10. Jude v. 18. After such desires as they had by nature, not according to grace, Rom. 8. 1.

V. 4. Where is the promise] It is vanished; it no where appears; there is no such thing; it will never come to passe, Jer. 5. 12, 13.

of his coming] To judgement, which ye presse so much, to keep men in awe.

the fathers] The first men known, from whom the rest proceeded; and such patriarchs and prophets as foretold, believed and expected this coming of Christ, Jude v. 14.

fell asleep] Died, Joh. 11. 11, 13, 14. Acts 7. 60. 1 Cor. 11. 30. 1 Thess. 4. 15.

all things continue, &c.] And so it is likely they will continue still, and the world will have no end.

V. 5. For this they willingly are ignorant of] They might have been informed, but will not: for they observe not the things written in Scripture of the end of the world, and day of judgement; else they would not be ignorant of these things. Or, they wilfully neglect to consider, that the earth was made by Gods power onelyonly, and the heavens also; and that the world suffered much alteration in the flood, and so may be destroyed in the end. Or, For they that think thus, are ignorant, that by the word of God, &c.

standing out of the water, and in the water] Or, consisting, or, subsisting. Gr. standing together; so as it was not rent in pieces by the water. By Gods power the earth was upheld after it came out of the waters, as well as before, Gen. 1. 2, 9. Or, standing out of the water, and by the water. For God hath made the earth so high, that the sea cannot overflow it, though it gird it about, Psal. 24. 2.

V. 6. the world that then was] The face of the earth, as then it appeared, and all the living creatures upon it.

V. 7. which are now] Which we see remaining at this time.

by the same word] Or, by his word, as some copies read it; that is, by Gods word, v. 5. Heb. 1. 3.

reserved, &c.] Chap. 2. 5, 17. Jude v. 6.

V. 8. be not ignorant] Know it, and believe it fir…

p. 2Rom. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 10. 1. 1 Thess. 4. 13.

one day is with the Lord as a thousand yeers] God doth not measure time, as we do: but unto him, in regard of his eternitie and omniscience, comprehending all things past, present and future; those periods of time, that seem so long unto us, are but as a moment, Psal. 90. 4.

V. 9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise] Or, The Lord of the promise is not slack. He that made it, will perform it in due time. They are not slack, that are long ere they come; but they that come not at their due and appointed time. God puts not off his coming one hour beyond the set time, Heb. 10. 37.

is long-suffering to us-ward] Who are beloved, v. 8. and not in the number of those scoffers, v. 3. or, towards mankinde, of which number we also are.

not willing that any should perish] Any of his elect. He stays till they all be brought in by repentance, and faith in Christ. Nor any at all, by his directing and approving will, Ezek. 33. 11.

but that all should come to repentance] All his elect, as before. Or, some of all sorts of men; high and lowe, wise and foolish, Jews and Gentiles. So the word all is used, Matth. 4. 23. Or, he speaks of Gods approving will, whereby he likes of repentance in any.

V. 10. But the day of the Lord.] Every day is the Lords, to dispose of as he pleaseth. But the day of judgement is called his, in a peculiar manner, 1 Cor. 5. 5. 2 Cor. 1. 14. because Christ the Lord will then visibly judge all the world, Acts 17. 31. Rom. 2. 16.

will come as a thief in the night] Matth. 24. 43, 44. Luke 12. 39, 40. 1 Thess. 5. 2. Rev. 16. 15. As a thief comes suddenly and unexpectedly, so will Christ come to judgement. No man can conjecture when that day will be, Matth. 24. 36.

the heavens shall passe away with a great noise] Like … a whirlwinde or tempest comes roring, and carries all before it: so shall the starrie skie passe away, Matth. 24. 29. Not by being destroyed utterly, but being turned into a new form, vers. 13. Psal. 102. 26. Rom. 8. 21.

and the elements] The air and water betwixt the heaven and earth.

the earth also] Either the earth is not included under the word elements before; or it is particularly named, because in it the burning will most visibly appear.

and the works that are therein] The works of God made at first by creation, or produced daily by nature; or the works of men, made by art, as houses, ships, &c.

V. 11. Seeing then that all these things, &c.] If heaven and earth must be so wonderfully purged, to make a fit dwelling for us, v.13. how holy had we need to be! Or, seeing such a fearfull appearance of judgement shall then be.

what manner of persons ought ye to be] That is, how great a degree of godlinesse should we labour to attain. So the word is used, Matth. 8. 27. Mark 13. 1. Luke 1. 29. and 7. 39. 1 Joh. 3. 1.

in all holy conversation, and godlinesse] Gr. conversations, and godlinesses: That is, in all manner of good duties towards man, and God, Acts 24. 16.

V. 12. Hasting unto the coming] Or, Hastening the coming. Not onelyonly expecting it, or looking for it, as Luke 12. 43. Matth. …4. 42. but also, as it were, going forth to meet Christ with burning lamps, Matth. 25. 1. So servants that desire their masters return, get all things ready to entertain him, against he comes. And so should we prepare our selves for Christs coming, by sitting our selves for it, more then seeking after worldly things. He hastes, that followeth one thing to finish it, and is not so distracted as to begin many things, and end none. The one thing needfull for us, Luke 10. 42. is to fit our selves for Christs coming.

of the day of God] Or, of that day of God, mentioned, v. 10. wherein the heavens, &c.] See on v. 10.

V. 13. Neverthelesse] We must not be discouraged, because these heavens and this earth passe away; for we look for new, and better ones.

according to his promise] Isa. 65. 17. and 66. 22.

look for new heavens] Not others for substance, but renewed in qualities. See on v. 10.

and a new earth] An earth shining with new brightnesse and glory, being somewhat proportionable to the saints, to delight their eyes and mindes, Rom. 8. 21.

wherein] In which heavens: or, in both which, heaven and earth.

dwelleth righteousnesse] That is, righteous men onelyonly; whereas in this world dwell many sinners, which then shall be all in hell. So righteousnesse is taken, Isai. 1. 21. Or, the whole verse may be thus read; Neverthelesse we, in whom dwelleth righteousnesse, look for new heavens, and a new earth, according to this promise. That is, we that are justified by faith in Christ, and sanctified by his Spirit, expect eternall happinesse in another world, when this world shall be at an end.

V. 14. in peace] Reconciled to God by Christ, Col. 1. 20 Rom. 5. 1. Or, in peace of minde and conscience, not troubled nor affrighted.

without spot, and blamelesse] Eph. 5. 27. Jude v. 24. Col. 1. 22.

V. 15. account that the long-suffering of the Lord is salvation] Think not that God doth put off his coming, out of slacknesse, as some suppose, v. 9. nor to do hurt to men; but for the good of his, and to further their salvation. Gods patience furthers our salvation much, by affording time of repentance, and of the use of the means, Rom. 2. 4.

our beloved brother Paul] Our brother in office, and dear fellow-apostle.

according to the wisedom given unto him] From above, whereby he was fitted to be an apostle, Gal. 1. 11, 12.

hath written unto you] Such as take it to be written to the Christian Gentiles dwelling in those places mentioned, 1 Pet. 1. 1. (for both epistles were written to the same persons, as v. 1. of this chapter) conceive the epistle here mentioned to be that to the Romans, because, Rom. 2. 4, 5. is to this purpose. Others, who think Peter wrote now to the Jews (as James did, Jam. 1. 1.) because he calls them scattered strangers; and the Christians that dwelt in the places mentioned, 1 Pet. 1. 1. were naturall inhabitants there; think he means the epistle to the Hebrews, or to the Galatians there named, or to the Ephesians, or Colossians, which were in Asia, there mentioned.

V. 17. In all his epistles] In all his other epistles, Mat. 16. 14.

of these things] Of the end of the world, the day of judgement, and the right use of Gods patience.

in which] In which epistles. Or, among which things, as the Greek copies run. Among the things spoken by him of this subject.

are some things] Some things of this matter, not all things spoken of it, much lesse all other Scriptures, are difficult. Things needfull to salvation are plain, else how should plain men finde the way to heaven?

hard to be understood] Because of the height of the matter, and of some particular expressions.

which they that are unlearned and unstable] The Scriptures then are not dangerous for private men to use, if by often reading them they get knowledge, and bring setled mindes with them. The cause of hurt by them, is not in the difficulty of them, but in mens unlearned and unstable mindes, who live in ignorance, v. 5. and have no affection to do what they learn out of them, Joh. 7. 17. Psal. 25. 14.

wrest] By misinterpreting, and drawing them violently from the true sense to a false one, to uphold their errours.

as they do also the other Scriptures] Written by the other apostles or prophets. They serve them all alike: whereby it appears, that the fault is not in the Scriptures, but in themselves.

unto their own destruction] Clean contrary to the end for which they were written, which is, salvation, Joh. 21. 31.

V. 17. Seeing ye know these things before] Out of the doctrine of the other apostles, and by my putting you in minde of them in this epistle, v. 1, 2. and therefore, being so forewarned of them, ought the better to be forearmed against them.

beware] He doth not say, Read no Scripture, because some places are hard; or, Believe the Churches interpretation. He rather warns them to take heed of seducers, and such as misinterpreted the Scriptures; and expects they should read them diligently, that they might grow in knowledge, v. 18. In vain had he written this epistle to private men, for a memoriall when he should be dead, chap. 1. 15. and called upon them to be mindfull of the doctrine of the prophets and apostles, who were dead, v. 2. and Jude also in his epistle, if they ought not to read the Scriptures. The Israelites, who had far lesse knowledge then Christians have now, are blamed for not doing it, Hos. 8. 12. and the Jews exhorted to do it, Joh. 5. 39.

ye also being led away] Gr. ye being led away with others.

with the errour of the wicked] Chap. 2. 1, 2, 18. Or, with that particular errour of not believing Christs coming, v. 3, 4.

fall from your own stedfastnesse] And so become unstable, as those perverters of Scripture, v. 16. and so be unsetled.

V. 18. grow in grace] Get more sense of Gods favour daily. Or, seek to encrease the graces of his Spirit in you, ch. 1. 5, 8, 10.

and in the knowledge] How can they do that, without reading the Scriptures? Ignorance then is not the mother of devotion, in Peters own language, whom the papists boast of, more then the Jews did of Moses, by whose testimony our Saviour confutes them, Joh. 5. 45.

of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ] Chap. 2. 1. Jude v. 25. Revel. 1. 1.

To him be glory] Jude v. 25.

both now and for ever] G. both now, and to the day of eternity … That is, to eternity, without end; as Matth. 6. 13.

Amen] See on Matth. 6. 13. Jude v. 25. Rev. 22. 21.