Objection · Case 06 · Problem of Evil
2 Peter is the most doubted book in the New Testament; most scholars think it was written in the second century precisely to explain away the delay of the second coming. Isn’t this citing the excuse as if it were the plan?
One objection from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.
Response
The critical consensus on 2 Peter’s date and authorship is as stated, and it should be acknowledged. That does not settle whether its explanation is true. Even if 2 Peter was written after the delay became noticeable, its answer, that God’s timescale is not ours and that delay serves repentance, is consistent with Jesus’s own parables of delayed return and with Paul’s earlier statement that God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4). Romans 2:4 is the earlier witness; 2 Peter is the fuller statement of the same idea.
About this exhibit
This objection is to The second letter of Peter on God’s patience.
The letter answers people who ask why God is slow to act by saying God is patient, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” The delay that looks like absence is…
Under Claim 05: Scripture presents evil as running through every person, and God’s delay in ending it as patience that leaves room for people to turn back.