The Second Epistle of Peter, which was written in the post-apostolic period, around years 100-120, is the only New Testament epistle which thematizes the "delay of the parousia" (2 P 3:3-13). In a polemical context, this epistle raises two questions: is the Lord delaying his return? And, above all, what should be done while waiting for the parousia? The author answers the first question by introducing the notion of divine patience (μακροθυμία) and the divine aim of "conversion" (μετάνοια). His answer to the second question is twofold: the point is to wait (προσδοκᾶν) and to hasten (σπεύδειν) God's parousia. This last idea appears to suggest a human influence on the timing of the parousia may be possible, through mission or through the impress of ethical behaviour. These arguments concerning the possibility to hasten the parousia are bound to provoke questions. A close study of the role of σπεύδειν may help us determine the extent to which the author of the epistle is affirming a human influence on the parousia.