The final chapter of the book of 2 Peter reveals our author’s deep affection for his readers. In fact, the word “beloved” appears five times in the eighteen verses that comprise this portion of Scripture. Within this chapter, the Apostle will encourage his audience to reflect on the past, consider the future, and seek guidance for the present in order to “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The opening verses of chapter three mark the beginning of that journey…
“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:1-2).
This reference to “my second letter” (NIV) likely refers to the Biblical book of 1 Peter. If so, this highlights Peter’s commitment to reinforce the sound doctrinal teachings he shared earlier. Furthermore, the last chapter of this letter (and Peter’s determination to stir up their pure minds “by way of reminder”) parallels a trio of similar commitments from the first chapter…
- “I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things” (2 Peter 1:12).
- “Yes, I think it is right …to stir you up by reminding you” (2 Peter 1:13).
- “…I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things…” (2 Peter 1:15).
So, Peter’s intent in authoring this letter was not merely instructional, but to serve as a reminder for his readers to apply what they had already learned. In light of this, Peter endeavored to stir his audience to action. Much as a homeowner might stir up the coals in a fireplace to bring warmth and light to a home, Peter sought to ignite their desire to grasp Jesus’ teachings and act on them. The same holds true for contemporary readers of this epistle as we reflect on the teachings of the Scriptures and seek to put them into practice.
Finally, we should note this reference to “…the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (NIV). This serves to establish an equal level of authority between the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. Our author will revisit this topic again near the end of this chapter when he introduces us to a special guest.
Image Attribution: Rickyukon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
