2 Peter 3:14-16 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

How can I write to people I do not know? In these passages Peter is writing to Jewish converts. Both of Peter’s letters were to Jews. His ministry is first to Jerusalem and the converts there. His establishment of that early church was to a people he knew, both in person and in recent history.

Paul goes out unto the gentiles, many of which were Helenists, worshipers of different gods. Paul started churches and met with those early founders and set in place men who could keep the word and keep the churches moving in the right direction. His epistles were to a people he had come to know and love.

Peter admits that he had trouble understanding some of the things that Paul wrote. Why would someone who walked with Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit in such a way as to demonstrate many healing powers have trouble understanding? Is not the same Holy Spirit who instructed Paul in wisdom the same as instructed Peter? Why yes, of course. Then why the trouble with understanding?

God leads each of us to do according to His will in paths that take us to diverse places and different people. People with different histories and understandings. Peter was reading things not meant for him in his ministry. What could happen if Peter could understand Paul’s ministry, Paul’s marching orders? Peter would then have two sets of orders, both of God, which he then would have to wrestle with.

I know very few of you my readers. I cannot tailor my speech according to our relationship. I can only follow my orders from my Lord and not concern myself with the conditions of my readers. I have to trust the Lord to do in you, His will, as He does in mine.

If my words be difficult for some, then please do this, seek peace and do not wrestle overly much to no profit. Keeping your peace is more important than understanding my writing.