ACC ~ 2 Peter 3 v15

SO PAUL WROTE. AUGUSTINE: Peter, in his second epistle, urged us to holiness in living and character, declaring that this world would pass. New heavens and a new earth are expected which will be given to the just to inhabit. … Some people had used certain obscure passages from Paul’s writings in order to excuse their lack of concern to live well, on the ground that they were secure in their salvation. Peter was saying that some of the things which Paul said are hard to understand and that these people were twisting them to their own ruin. ON FAITH AND WORKS 14.22.

THE WISDOM GIVEN HIM. HILARY OF ARLES: Note that Paul wrote to them not according to the wisdom which he possessed but according to the wisdom which was given to him specifically for that purpose. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 2 PETER.

THE FRIEND OF TRUTH. GREGORY THE GREAT: Look how Peter says that there is much to be admired in Paul’s writings. Yet in his letters, Paul criticized Peter. Peter could hardly have said what he did if he had not read Paul, but when he read him he would have discovered criticism of himself in them. Thus the friend of truth was able to praise even the fact that he had been criticized, and he was happy to do so because he realized that he had been wrong. SERMONS ON EZEKIEL 2.6.9.

THE FORBEARANCE OF OUR LORD. ANDREAS: This is a reference to what Paul said when he wrote: “Do you not know that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” CATENA.

GRATEFUL FOR THE WISDOM GIVEN TO PAUL. BEDE: Peter records that Paul wrote to them, because even if Paul addressed his letters to specific churches, he nevertheless intended them to circulate among them all, because there is only one universal church. Note too that although Peter here praises Paul’s wisdom, Paul said of himself: “I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” Paul humbled himself because he remembered his early unbelief, and he put the other apostles ahead of himself. Peter, on the other hand, the first of the apostles, almost forgets his primacy and the fact that the keys of the kingdom were given to him and instead marvels at the wisdom which was given to Paul. The reason for this is that it is a characteristic of the elect that they admire the virtues of others more than their own and that those virtues encourage them to grow more deeply in their faith. ON 2 PETER.

THE LORD’S PATIENCE IS OUR SALVATION. OECUMENIUS: If the patience and kindness of God calls us to repentance, this is because repentance is the way of salvation for us. God’s patience always works toward our benefit and salvation. COMMENTARY ON 2 PETER.

2 Pet