Sermons on 2 Peter 3:16

2 Peter 3:16 Interpretation:

Equipping Ourselves with the Truth of God (MLJTrust) offers a distinctive interpretation of 2 Peter 3:16 by emphasizing Peter’s recognition of Paul’s writings as “Scripture” on par with the Old Testament, highlighting the apostolic authority and divine inspiration behind Paul’s epistles. The sermon draws out the significance of Peter’s phrase “the other Scriptures,” arguing that this is a clear, explicit New Testament affirmation of the equal authority of Paul’s letters and the Old Testament canon. The preacher uses this as a linchpin for the doctrine of biblical authority, asserting that the apostles did not write from their own insight or learning, but from direct revelation, and that the early church’s recognition of the canon was rooted in this apostolic foundation. The analogy of “foundation” is used repeatedly, with the apostles and prophets as the bedrock upon which the church is built, and the “test of apostolicity” as the ultimate criterion for canonicity. The sermon also stresses that the “hard to understand” elements in Paul’s letters are not a flaw, but a mark of divine mystery and depth, which the “ignorant and unstable” distort to their own destruction, reinforcing the need for humble submission to apostolic teaching.

Transformative Journey: Engaging with God's Word in 2025 (Desiring God) interprets 2 Peter 3:16 as a pastoral warning and encouragement for Bible readers, especially those embarking on reading the entire Bible. The sermon highlights Peter’s admission that some things in Paul’s letters are “hard to understand,” using this as a realistic expectation for modern readers: confusion and difficulty are not only normal but anticipated. The preacher draws a practical application, urging listeners not to be discouraged by confusion, but to pray for illumination, seek help from teachers, and keep moving forward in their reading. The “hard to understand” phrase is not seen as a defect, but as a reason for the existence of teachers in the church and a call to humility and perseverance. The analogy of “putting things on the shelf for later attention” is used to encourage readers not to get bogged down by what they cannot immediately grasp.

Navigating Scripture: The Need for Discernment and Guidance (SermonIndex.net) offers a distinctive interpretation of 2 Peter 3:16 by focusing on the attributes of those who distort Scripture—namely, that they are "untaught" and "unstable." The preacher unpacks the Greek term for "unstable," explaining that it is better rendered as "unestablished," meaning lacking a foundation, rather than simply being emotionally unstable. This linguistic detail shapes the sermon's understanding: those who twist Scripture do so not merely out of ignorance, but because they lack the foundational grounding and disciplined instruction necessary for sound interpretation. The sermon also uses the analogy of a ship pilot aligning three specific lights to safely enter a harbor, paralleling the need for multiple points of doctrinal reference and accountability in biblical interpretation, rather than relying on private or novel insights.

Understanding the Authority and Canon of Scripture (SermonIndex.net) provides a unique interpretive insight by highlighting that Peter, in 2 Peter 3:16, explicitly places Paul's writings on par with the Old Testament Scriptures, thus recognizing an expanding canon. The sermon emphasizes that Peter’s statement—“as they do the other Scriptures”—is a watershed moment, linguistically and theologically, as it signals the early church’s recognition of apostolic writings as divinely authoritative Scripture. This is not merely a passing comment but a deliberate apostolic affirmation of Paul’s letters as part of the sacred canon, which the preacher argues is foundational for understanding the development of the New Testament canon.

2 Peter 3:16 Theological Themes:

Equipping Ourselves with the Truth of God (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of apostolic authority as the foundation for Christian faith and practice, arguing that 2 Peter 3:16 is a pivotal text for the doctrine of Scripture’s inspiration and sufficiency. The sermon uniquely stresses that the authority of the apostles is not self-derived but divinely given, and that the recognition of Paul’s letters as “Scripture” by Peter is a watershed moment in the development of the New Testament canon. It also presents the theme of the completeness and finality of divine revelation, asserting that nothing needs to be added to what has been delivered “once and for all” to the saints, and that the sufficiency of Scripture is grounded in its apostolic origin. The preacher further develops the idea that human reason, tradition, or experience cannot supplement or judge Scripture, and that true understanding is only possible through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, not through intellectual prowess.

Transformative Journey: Engaging with God's Word in 2025 (Desiring God) adds a fresh pastoral angle by connecting 2 Peter 3:16’s “hard to understand” elements to the necessity of teachers in the church. The sermon uniquely applies the passage to the modern context of Bible reading, arguing that confusion is not a sign of failure but a reason for the church’s teaching ministry and for prayerful dependence on God. The preacher also introduces the theme of perseverance in the face of difficulty, encouraging readers to “put things on the shelf” and continue their journey, trusting that understanding may come later.

Navigating Scripture: The Need for Discernment and Guidance (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that doctrinal stability and sound interpretation are inseparable from being properly taught and established within the historic, orthodox tradition of the church. The sermon warns against the modern proliferation of self-appointed teachers and interpreters, arguing that the danger Peter describes is more acute today due to the ease of spreading unvetted ideas online. The preacher adds a fresh angle by insisting that true interpretation must be accountable to the “thousands of witnesses” of church history, not just to contemporary agreement or personal revelation, and that the essentials of the faith are safeguarded by this communal discernment.

Understanding the Authority and Canon of Scripture (SermonIndex.net) presents the theological theme that 2 Peter 3:16 is a pivotal text for the doctrine of canon formation. The preacher argues that Peter’s recognition of Paul’s letters as Scripture provides a biblical basis for the church’s later discernment and closure of the New Testament canon. This theme is developed with the assertion that the canon was not arbitrarily created by church councils but was recognized as authoritative because of its apostolic origin and its self-authenticating nature, as evidenced by Peter’s own words.

2 Peter 3:16 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Equipping Ourselves with the Truth of God (MLJTrust) provides detailed historical context regarding the early church’s recognition of the canon, explaining that the test of “apostolicity” was the supreme criterion for determining which books were included as Scripture. The sermon describes how the early church viewed the apostles as uniquely commissioned by Christ, with authority derived from direct revelation, and how this shaped the formation of the New Testament canon. It also references the process by which the early church, when faced with various writings, judged them by their connection to the apostles, and how Peter’s statement in 2 Peter 3:16 was seen as a decisive affirmation of Paul’s letters as Scripture. The preacher situates this within the broader context of the Protestant Reformation, noting that the reformers returned to this apostolic foundation as the basis for rejecting tradition and human authority in favor of Scripture alone.

Understanding the Authority and Canon of Scripture (SermonIndex.net) provides detailed historical context by explaining the process of canon formation in the early church. The sermon situates 2 Peter 3:16 within the broader historical reality that, for the first three centuries, the church was discerning which writings were truly apostolic and authoritative. The preacher notes that Peter’s statement about Paul’s letters being “Scripture” reflects an early, organic recognition of a growing canon, which was later formally recognized in the fourth century. The sermon also references the controversies and debates over certain books (including 2 Peter itself), the role of apostolicity, and the gradual process by which the church came to a unified canon, emphasizing that the authority of these writings was acknowledged long before official councils codified them.

2 Peter 3:16 Cross-References in the Bible:

Equipping Ourselves with the Truth of God (MLJTrust) references several passages to support its interpretation of 2 Peter 3:16. John 16:12-15 is cited to show Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth, establishing their authority. Ephesians 2:20 is used to illustrate the church’s foundation on the apostles and prophets. Acts 26 is referenced to recount Paul’s conversion and commission as a divinely appointed witness. 1 Corinthians 11:23 and 15:3 are quoted to show Paul’s insistence that his teaching was received directly from the Lord. Galatians 1:6-12 is used to emphasize the uniqueness and divine origin of Paul’s gospel. 2 Peter 1:2-4 is cited to argue for the sufficiency of Scripture, that all things necessary for life and godliness have been given. Jude 3 is referenced to support the “once for all delivered” nature of the faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and Matthew 11:25-27 are used to contrast divine revelation with human wisdom. 1 John 2:20,27 and 1 Corinthians 2:12 are cited to stress the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s illumination for understanding Scripture.

Transformative Journey: Engaging with God's Word in 2025 (Desiring God) references 2 Peter 3:16 directly, using it as a key text to set expectations for Bible readers. Deuteronomy 29:29 is cited to explain that some things are intentionally concealed by God. The sermon also references Ephesians 4 (implied) regarding the gift of teachers to the church, and encourages prayer for illumination and the use of study helps.

Navigating Scripture: The Need for Discernment and Guidance (SermonIndex.net) cross-references Ephesians 4, where Paul discusses the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers given to the church for the purpose of doctrinal maturity and stability. The sermon uses this passage to reinforce the idea that being “unstable” (as in 2 Peter 3:16) means being “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine,” thus connecting Peter’s warning to Paul’s teaching on the necessity of a solid doctrinal foundation. The preacher also references the Bereans (Acts 17:11) as a model for checking and confirming doctrine against the Scriptures, and alludes to the principle of “two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16) to illustrate the need for communal discernment in interpretation.

Understanding the Authority and Canon of Scripture (SermonIndex.net) references several passages to support the authority and inspiration of apostolic teaching: Ephesians 2:19-20 (the church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets), 1 Corinthians 14:37 (Paul’s writings as the Lord’s command), 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (apostolic teaching as Spirit-taught), and Jude 1:3 (“the faith once for all delivered to the saints”). These references are used to show that the New Testament itself claims a unique, unrepeatable authority for apostolic writings, and that Peter’s inclusion of Paul’s letters as “Scripture” is consistent with this broader New Testament self-understanding.

2 Peter 3:16 Christian References outside the Bible:

Equipping Ourselves with the Truth of God (MLJTrust) explicitly references the Protestant Reformers, particularly their insistence on “sola scriptura” (Scripture alone) and their rejection of tradition and human authority as ultimate standards. The preacher situates the discussion of 2 Peter 3:16 within the historical context of the Reformation, arguing that the reformers’ return to the apostolic foundation was a recovery of the early church’s position, and that the sufficiency and authority of Scripture were central to all true revival and reformation in church history. The sermon also alludes to the early church’s process of canon formation, referencing the historical test of apostolicity as the decisive criterion for inclusion in the canon.

Understanding the Authority and Canon of Scripture (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references several Christian scholars and theologians in its discussion of 2 Peter 3:16 and canon formation. The preacher cites F.F. Bruce, who argues that the New Testament canon was not created by church councils but was recognized by the church as already authoritative. Norman Anderson is quoted to support the idea that it would be unthinkable for God to leave the record of Christ’s life and teaching without an authoritative canon. The sermon also references Dr. Gould (a German professor), who observed that the theology of the church became more coherent after the canon was formally recognized, and Dr. Folks Jackson, who asserts that the church did not make the New Testament but that the two grew up together. These references are used to reinforce the sermon's argument that the canon’s authority is intrinsic and apostolic, not merely the result of ecclesiastical decree.

2 Peter 3:16 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Equipping Ourselves with the Truth of God (MLJTrust) uses the analogy of “bank balances” and “bombs” to illustrate the insecurity of worldly possessions and the urgency of having a solid foundation in the authority of Scripture. The preacher paints a vivid picture of a world where “all your possessions may suddenly be blown to nothing,” emphasizing the existential need for a sure foundation in the face of global uncertainty and potential catastrophe. This secular imagery is used to drive home the point that only the authority of Scripture can provide true security and peace in a world threatened by war and instability.

Navigating Scripture: The Need for Discernment and Guidance (SermonIndex.net) uses the detailed secular analogy of a ship entering the harbor at Durban, South Africa, to illustrate the process of biblical interpretation. The preacher describes how a ship’s pilot must align three specific lights among many distracting lights on the shore to safely navigate the narrow channel into the harbor. This vivid image is used to parallel the need for interpreters of Scripture to align their understanding with multiple reliable points of reference—namely, the historic witness of the church and orthodox doctrine—rather than being misled by the multitude of competing voices and private interpretations available today, especially through platforms like YouTube. The analogy is extended to warn that choosing the wrong “lights” or relying on personal preference can lead to doctrinal shipwreck, just as a ship would run aground if the pilot followed the wrong lights.