There are two types of "will": The will of desire, which in English we would call "wanting". Then there is the will of purpose and intent, which leads to action; the will of planning. I've seen theology books that say that the Greek word "thelo" means the will of desire and "boulemai" indicates the will of purpose, but I don't see that applied consistently.
In the 2 Peter verse, the word used is the will of intent: It is not God's purpose or intent that any should perish. God isn't out to destroy people. His intent is that all should come to repentance. Then the question becomes, who are the "any" and who are the "all"? The context of 2 Peter 3:7 indicates "any" and "all" refers to "ungodly men". Then the next question
@St. SteVen should ask, is if God's purpose is for all to "make room" (Greek "choreo") for repentance, why do they not all repent?
In the Matthew/Luke verse, the word used is the will of desire: God wanted to gather up Israel tenderly; Israel didn't want to. God didn't get what He wanted. Which was my own intent: To demonstrate scripturally that sometimes God doesn't get what He wants. Why should that be?
--not slow [slack, delaying] to fulfill his promise -- God does not defer [i.e. not loitering or late] or forget to fulfill his promises, though men may forget.
The
scoffers questioned whether a judgment [Christ] was coming at all or whether Christ had changed his mind.
but is patient [longsuffering] toward us -- The fact that the Lord permitted time to continue is an evidence of His goodness, and patience. His delay in bringing judgment is so that more can be saved. (cf. Mat_24:22; Mar_13:20).
(But considering how wickedness built up in the nations of Israel, Judah, Babylon, Jerusalem, Rome, etc. before God came in a judgment upon them, we wonder how long God's immense capacity for patience will continue with the U.S.?)
not wishing [willing] that any should perish -- God does not desire or wish that anyone be lost. His nature is benevolent, and He sincerely desires the eternal happiness of all, and His patience toward sinners “proves” that He is willing that they should be saved. 1Ti_2:4; Eze_33:11; ).
all should reach [come to; repentance -- Act_17:30; Joh_3:16-17; Rev_22:17.
While God's desire if for all men to repent and be save, not all will be, Mat_25:46.
that any. Gr. tis (S# G5100, Col_2:8 note).
but that all. or, but for all conceivable men (LNT). All conceivable men translates the force of pantas (masculine gender) without the article (LNT, fn b). **FS171B, +Gen_24:10, +*Psa_86:5, Joh_1:7, **Joh_3:16, **Rom_2:4; +*Rom_5:18; *Rom_11:32, +*1Ti_2:4, *Heb_2:9, %**Rev_2:21; %**Rev_17:8.
Boulē (βουλή) – Deliberate Plan or Counsel
This term refers to the intentional, deliberate plan of God that is set from eternity. It's about God's purposes that unfold in history, often beyond human control or understanding.
Example: In Acts 2:23, the "deliberate plan" for Christ's crucifixion was part of God's ultimate plan for salvation, though executed by human hands. This aligns with God’s overarching counsel for the world.
2. Thelema (θέλημα) – Desire or Will
Thelema emphasizes what God desires or commands. It is a more general term for God's will, including both moral commands and desires for His people.
Example: In Matthew 6:10, when Jesus teaches the disciples to pray "Your will be done," this reflects God's desire for the establishment of His kingdom and moral order on earth.
Other Concepts in Scripture (Beyond Boule and Thelema)
Permissive Will: This allows for human freedom and events that may not align with God's moral desires (e.g., sin), yet God works through these for ultimate good (e.g., Genesis 50:20).
Sovereign Will: This reflects God's authority over all things, as seen in Isaiah 46:9-10 where God declares, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure."
God is in control and accomplish everything according to His will/boule/thelema.
@Lambano
