The epistle 2 Peter reflects a crisis that arose in the second and third generation of Christians. The apostolic teaching in general and St. Paul in particular led people to expect an immanent “second coming.” They expected God to intervene in the near future to install the kingdom of peace and justice. When this “second coming” was delayed it caused a doubt to arise. The epistle urged the believers to continue to wait with confidence in God’s ultimate triumph. The English word “wait” doesn’t capture the dynamic nature of the biblical expectation. The Spanish word “esperar” implies both “to wait” and “to hope.” When we hope we are invested in the future. Waiting with hope is the way St. Peter calls to the Church to live.
JUNE52018
By Church Staff
