Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Peter 3:11

"Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in [all] holy living and godliness," — 2 Peter 3:11 (ASV)

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved.—For “then” we should probably read “thus,” seeing that all these things are thus to be dissolved. The original is present in form, but rightly translated by the future, being the prophetic present, i.e., the future prophetically regarded as present.

What manner of persons.—Not so much a question as an exclamation. In any case, the sentence should run on to the end of 2 Peter 3:12. To put an interrogation at “to be” or at “godliness,” and make what follows an answer to the question, would be stiff and frigid, and very unlike the fervour of this Epistle.

Ought you to be.—We might fairly translate, ought you to be found. The Greek implies that the state is one that has continued for some time before the day comes.

In all holy conversation and godliness.—Literally, in holy behaviours and godlinesses. (See Notes on 2 Peter 1:3 and 2 Peter 2:7.) The plurals indicate a variety of acts. They occur in this passage only.