Where is the promise of his coming? (που εστιν η επαγγελια της παρουσιας αυτου;). This is the only sample of the questions raised by these mockers. Peter had mentioned this subject of the παρουσια in 2. Peter 1:16. Now he faces it squarely. Peter, like Paul (1. Thessalonians 5:1; 2. Thessalonians 2:1), preached about the second coming (2. Peter 1:16; Acts 3:20), as Jesus himself did repeatedly (Matthew 24:34) and as the angels promised at the Ascension (Acts 1:11). Both Jesus and Paul (2. Thessalonians 2:1) were misunderstood on the subject of the time and the parables of Jesus urged readiness and forbade setting dates for his coming, though his language in Matthew 24:34 probably led some to believe that he would certainly come while they were alive.

From the day that (αφ' ης). "From which day." See Luke 7:45.

Fell asleep (εκοιμηθησαν). First aorist passive indicative of κοιμαω, old verb, to put sleep, classic euphemism for death (John 11:11) like our cemetery (sleeping-place).

Continue (διαμενε). Present active indicative of διαμενω, to remain through (Luke 1:22). In statu quo.

As they were (ουτως). "Thus."

From the beginning of creation (απ' αρχης κτισεως). Precisely so in Mark 10:6, which see.