The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This verse addresses the delay in Christ's return that scoffers mockingly noted (3:4). "The Lord is not slack" (ou bradynei kyrios, οὐ βραδύνει κύριος) means He doesn't delay or procrastinate "concerning his promise" of return. What appears to be delay from human perspective is divine patience from God's perspective.
"But is longsuffering to us-ward" (alla makrothymei eis hymas, ἀλλὰ μακροθυμεῖ εἰς ὑμᾶς)—God extends patient forbearance. The reason: "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (mē boulomenos tinas apolesthai alla pantas eis metanoian chōrēsai). This raises important theological questions about divine will and election.
"Not willing" (mē boulomenos, μὴ βουλόμενος) uses boulomai, often denoting deliberate intention or desire. "Any" (tinas) and "all" (pantas) require interpretation: Does this mean every individual human without exception, or all types/classes of people? Reformed theology typically understands "us-ward" and context to indicate God's patience toward the elect, not willing that any of His chosen people should perish before being brought to repentance. Arminian theology sees universal scope—God desires all individuals to be saved but respects human free will. Both agree God's patience provides opportunity for repentance before final judgment.
Historical Context
God's patience before judgment is a recurring biblical theme (Gen 15:16; Rom 2:4; 9:22; 1 Pet 3:20). The delay between promise and fulfillment tested faith throughout redemptive history—patriarchs waiting for promises, Israel awaiting deliverance, prophets expecting Messiah. Early Christians expected imminent return of Christ, creating tension when it delayed. Peter addresses this, reframing delay as divine mercy providing opportunity for repentance.
The theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, between God's electing will and universal gospel offer, has occupied Christian theology throughout church history. Peter's statement contributes to this discussion without resolving all questions. What's clear: God's patience is purposeful (providing opportunity for repentance), temporary (judgment will come), and merciful (extending grace rather than immediate judgment).
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding God's delay as patience rather than slackness change your perspective on unanswered prayer or unfulfilled promises?
What specific individuals might be experiencing God's patient provision of opportunity for repentance through your witness?
How can churches maintain both confidence in God's sovereign purposes and urgency in evangelistic mission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This verse addresses the delay in Christ's return that scoffers mockingly noted (3:4). "The Lord is not slack" (ou bradynei kyrios, οὐ βραδύνει κύριος) means He doesn't delay or procrastinate "concerning his promise" of return. What appears to be delay from human perspective is divine patience from God's perspective.
"But is longsuffering to us-ward" (alla makrothymei eis hymas, ἀλλὰ μακροθυμεῖ εἰς ὑμᾶς)—God extends patient forbearance. The reason: "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (mē boulomenos tinas apolesthai alla pantas eis metanoian chōrēsai). This raises important theological questions about divine will and election.
"Not willing" (mē boulomenos, μὴ βουλόμενος) uses boulomai, often denoting deliberate intention or desire. "Any" (tinas) and "all" (pantas) require interpretation: Does this mean every individual human without exception, or all types/classes of people? Reformed theology typically understands "us-ward" and context to indicate God's patience toward the elect, not willing that any of His chosen people should perish before being brought to repentance. Arminian theology sees universal scope—God desires all individuals to be saved but respects human free will. Both agree God's patience provides opportunity for repentance before final judgment.