An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated

Verse 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days, scoffers, walking after their own lusts, Verse 4. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Verse 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last dayes, scoffers, walking after their own lusts, Verse 4. And saying, Where is the promise of his comming? For since the Fathers fell asleepe, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

The Analysis.

Upon occasion of the Apostles testimony before cited, there is in these words a new description made of some wicked men of whom we must greatly beware. For in that he saith, that this is first to be known, what these wicked men are, of whom he doth admonish us, he doth thereby mean not only to show that this is necessary to be known for the understanding and applying of the Apostles words with benefit, ⟨p. 236⟩but also that this may and ought to be chiefly observed out of the Apostles words, namely, that there shall come such men in the last days. For so is this phrase explained, Jude, v. 18. These wicked men are described in general, 1 By their impiety towards God, that they are scoffers. 2. By their impurity of life and deeds, that they walk after their own lusts. Then in special by their arguing, that the wicked scoffers used, to defend their impiety, and to remove the contrary doctrine from themselves, verse 4 For in those words is expressed, 1 their scoffing, which was before noted in general, and 2 their argument is set forth, whereby they would persuade themselves and others, that they might walk after their own lusts, without fear or danger: namely, because the coming of God, the expectation whereof did debtor men from such a life, is not to be feared, in these words: Where is the promise of his coming? Now this they confirmed to themselves and others by a vain comparing the times that went before with those that were to come; that whereas there was no coming of the Lord to judge the world since the times of the Fathers, and from the creation of the world, there was no cause to fear that any such thing would happen at the end of the world, in these words, For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. Now this whole description, or rather the thing described, that is, this impiety, is illustrated by the adjunct of time, wherein chiefly and by a special kind of eminency or abundance it is found, namely, in the last days.