The First New Testament Writer to Address the Delayed Parousia: The Significance of 2 Peter and Paul’s Writings

The concept of the Parousia (the second coming of Jesus) is intricately woven into early Christian theology. The question of the delayed second coming of Jesus, often referred to as the delayed parousia, has long been a central issue within Christian scripture and theology. The first New Testament writer to address this issue was Apostle Peter, primarily through his epistle 2 Peter.

Understanding the Context of the Delayed Parousia

Determining which New Testament writer first addressed the issue of the delayed second coming is a complex matter. It hinges upon the dating of 2 Peter and the Pauline epistles. According to the traditional view, if 2 Peter was indeed written by the apostle, it would have been composed before his martyrdom around 68 AD. However, biblical scholars place the date of 2 Peter considerably later, between AD 60-160, suggesting that even if Peter wrote it, he might have done so well into his old age, a period when the issue of the delayed parousia was more prevalent.

One of the key reasons why biblical scholars doubt Peter as the author is the conceptual and rhetorical language, which they argue is too Hellenistic. More critically, the problem of the delay of the parousia is largely a second-century concern, indicating that this was a significant issue well after the initial expectation.

Contrasting Perspectives in 2 Peter and 1 Thessalonians

2 Peter addresses the delayed parousia in a way that reflects the concerns of a later audience. In 2 Peter 3:8, Peter states, "A day is like a thousand years to the Lord; and a thousand years are like a day." This can be interpreted both as a way of explaining the apparent delay and as a comfort to those awaiting Christ's return. Peter also addresses the concept of patience, stating, "But the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise, as some think of slowness. He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

In contrast, Paul’s writings in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 show a much younger and more confident perspective: "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:15)

The stark contrast between these two passages raises questions about the reliability of Christian scripture. If these texts are considered the inerrant word of God, how can one explain Paul’s confusion regarding the imminence of the parousia? Various explanations have been proposed over the centuries, but the most compelling point remains the absence of Jesus' return.

Significance of Paul's Writings

Paul’s epistles, particularly 2 Thessalonians, reveal a different perspective on the delay of the parousia. Here, Paul explains an error in which some in the community believed the Lord had already returned. This scenario is directly addressed and corrected, showcasing the ongoing discourse about the parousia and the challenges it presented to early Christian communities.

The problem of the delayed parousia is not just an historical one; it has continued to be relevant in contemporary Christian theology. Scholars and believers alike grapple with the question of why Jesus has not yet returned, maintaining a connection between the original expectations and modern theological debates.

Conclusion

In sum, Apostle Peter, through his epistle 2 Peter, was the first New Testament writer to explicitly address the issue of the delayed parousia. The contrasting perspectives in 2 Peter and 1 Thessalonians underscore the evolving nature of early Christian beliefs, highlighting the significance of the delayed parousia in shaping Christian doctrine and practice.