In 2 Peter 3:15-18, the apostle Peter provides instructions to his Jewish audience (and for us today), in his last words before martyrdom, urging them to turn to the epistles of Paul for things pertaining to salvation. Rather than pointing to Christ’s earthly ministry, Pentecost (his own sermons), or the Gospels, Peter acknowledges the wisdom given to Paul by the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus. This divine wisdom, hidden until around 40 AD, unravels the mystery of the gospel of the grace of God and doctrine for the body of Christ.

Warning!

Due to men’s failure to comprehend the hidden wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7) revealed to Paul, they have opted to twist scripture to align with their theology. This aligns precisely with the warning Paul issued in Acts 20:29-31.

Acts 20:29-31

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Takeaway

Let us follow Peter’s guidance and study the teachings of God’s grace for the body of Christ exclusively found in Paul’s writings. Acknowledge them as a guiding light for the salvation of this lost world and for gaining knowledge into the unfolding of God’s magnificent plan of redemption.

2 Peter 3:15-18:

“And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You, therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”