“…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you…”

and consider

The term “consider” carries the idea of to think something through to a conclusion. The Greek present tense here means to persist in thinking this through until you come to a determination.

that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—

We understand this phrase better when we remember verse nine.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“Longsuffering” means forbearance or patience. Longsuffering is a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation. Though God has much to be provoked about, He holds back His judgment. He is not in the business of vengeance at this time. God does not use revenge tactics. He patiently waits for those who will come to Him through Christ.

Principle:

God patiently waits for people to come to Christ.

Application:

God gives time for people to come to Him. He is longsuffering. Jesus has not come yet because some still haven’t come to Christ. God is longsuffering because He wants to see them come to Him. God’s longsuffering also leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4).