Book of 2 Peter - Chapter 3 - Verse 5

This verse from 2 Peter 3:5 points to the willful ignorance of those who choose to disregard the truth revealed in God's word. The verse highlights the fact that the creation of the heavens and the earth was accomplished by the word of God, emphasizing His power and authority over all of creation. The verse references the account of creation from Genesis, where water played a significant role in shaping the earth as we know it today. The mention of water serves as a reminder of the foundational role it played in the creation story, with the earth being both surrounded by and emerging from water. By highlighting this truth, the verse challenges readers to reckon with the power and authority of God as the ultimate creator and sustainer of the universe. It serves as a powerful exhortation to embrace the truths of scripture rather than remain willingly ignorant of the divine origins of the world.

In this verse, Peter is addressing those who choose to ignore the truth of God's word. The phrase "by the word of God the heavens were of old" emphasizes the power and authority of God's spoken word in creating the universe. This echoes the creation account in Genesis 1, where God spoke everything into existence. The mention of the earth being "standing out of the water and in the water" likely refers to the separation of the waters on the earth as described in Genesis 1:9-10, where God created the dry land amidst the waters. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God in creating and sustaining the world, contrasting with the ignorance and disbelief of those who choose to ignore His word. Through this passage, Peter reminds believers of the foundational truth of God's word as the source of all creation and calls them to stand firm in their faith despite the willful ignorance of others.