2 Peter 1:15

Translation
King James Version
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Moreover G1161 G2532 I will endeavour G4704 that ye G5209 may be able G2192 after G3326 my G1699 decease G1841 to have G4160 these things G5130 always G1539 in remembrance G3420.
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Complete Jewish Bible
And I will do my best to see that after my exodus, you will be able to remember these things at all times.
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Berean Standard Bible
And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.
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American Standard Version
Yea, I will give diligence that at every time ye may be able after my decease to call these things to remembrance.
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World English Bible Messianic
Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
I will endeuour therefore alwayes, that ye also may be able to haue remembrance of these things after my departing.
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Young's Literal Translation
and I will be diligent that also at every time ye have, after my outgoing, power to make to yourselves the remembrance of these things.
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See also
Deuteronomy 31:19Deuteronomy 31:29Psalms 71:182 Peter 1:12Joshua 24:24Joshua 24:292 Peter 1:4
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In the KJVVerse 30,495 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

In 2 Peter 1:15, the Apostle Peter, facing his imminent death, expresses a profound and urgent pastoral commitment: to ensure that the believers he addresses will always retain a vivid and active remembrance of the vital spiritual truths and exhortations he has imparted to them. This verse underscores his deep concern for their ongoing spiritual stability and faithfulness, even after his physical departure, highlighting the enduring importance of apostolic teaching for the church.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Peter's poignant declaration in 2 Peter 1:14 that his "putting off of my tabernacle" (a reference to his death) is imminent, as revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ. This awareness imbues his subsequent words with a profound sense of urgency and finality. Peter has just exhorted his readers to diligently pursue spiritual growth, adding virtues like knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to their faith (2 Peter 1:5-7). He emphasizes that these qualities, when present and increasing, prevent them from being ineffective or unfruitful in their knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:8). His commitment in 2 Peter 1:15 thus serves as a bridge, transitioning from his personal testimony and exhortation to the broader purpose of his letter: to remind them of essential truths and equip them to stand firm against the false teachers he will warn them about in 2 Peter 2.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Peter is writing to a dispersed audience of believers, likely facing various pressures, including the nascent threat of false teaching and internal decay (which becomes a central theme in 2 Peter 2). In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a "last will and testament" or a final instruction from a revered leader was significant, carrying immense weight and authority. Peter, as a foundational apostle, understood his unique role in conveying Christ's teachings. His concern for "remembrance" speaks to a common challenge in ancient societies without widespread literacy or printing presses; oral tradition and repeated instruction were crucial for the preservation of knowledge. Furthermore, the early church relied heavily on the direct teaching and personal example of the apostles. Peter's impending "decease" meant the loss of this direct, authoritative voice, necessitating a robust mechanism for the continuity of truth.
  • Key Themes: Peter's "endeavour" highlights the theme of Apostolic Responsibility and Legacy, demonstrating his deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of the church beyond his lifetime. He is not merely concerned with his personal legacy, but with the enduring health and stability of the Christian community. The core of his concern, that believers "always in remembrance" hold onto the divine truths, underscores the Importance of Remembrance and Continuity of Truth. This emphasizes the necessity of internalizing and continually recalling foundational Christian principles and the precious and very great promises that enable participation in the divine nature. By making arrangements for their remembrance, Peter is also implicitly addressing the theme of Preparation for the Future and Safeguarding Doctrine, equipping the church to stand firm without his direct presence, particularly in the face of the false teachers and scoffers he anticipates (2 Peter 2 and 2 Peter 3).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • endeavour (Greek, spoudázō', G4704): This verb signifies to "use speed," "make effort," "be prompt," or "be earnest." It conveys a sense of diligent, zealous application. Peter is not merely hoping or wishing, but actively and earnestly striving with all his might to achieve his goal. It implies a focused, energetic commitment to a task, reflecting the urgency of his situation and the importance of his mission.
  • decease (Greek, éxodos', G1841): Literally meaning "a going out" or "departure," this term is a gentle yet profound euphemism for death. It is famously used in the Septuagint for the Exodus of Israel from Egypt and in the New Testament for Christ's "departure" in Luke 9:31. Its use here by Peter frames death not as an end, but as a transition or a journey from this earthly life, imbued with a sense of purpose and divine ordering.
  • remembrance (Greek, mnḗmē', G3420): Derived from a root meaning "to remember," this noun refers to "memory" or "recollection." Peter's desire is not for a fleeting thought, but for a deep, abiding, and active recall of the truths he has taught. It implies a cognitive and spiritual retention that influences belief and behavior, ensuring the perpetuation of sound doctrine and Christian living.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Moreover I will endeavour": Peter asserts his personal, proactive commitment. The "moreover" (G1161 dé and G2532 kaí) connects this effort directly to his previous statement about his impending death, emphasizing that his remaining time will be dedicated to this crucial task. His "endeavour" (G4704 spoudázō) speaks of earnest, diligent effort, not a casual wish.
  • "that ye may be able": This clause highlights Peter's goal: to empower his readers. He wants them to possess the capacity or means (G2192 échō) to retain these truths, implying that his efforts will provide them with the necessary resources or framework.
  • "after my decease": This phrase directly references his impending death (G1841 éxodos), underscoring the urgency and the transitional nature of his departure. It points to a time when his direct physical presence and teaching will no longer be available.
  • "to have these things always in remembrance": This is the ultimate objective. "These things" (G5130 toútōn) refers to the truths, exhortations, and promises he has taught and will continue to teach in his epistle. "Always" (G1539 hekástote) stresses the continuous, perpetual nature of this remembrance, not just an occasional thought. "In remembrance" (G3420 mnḗmē) signifies a deep, active recollection that informs their faith and practice.

Literary Devices

Peter employs several literary devices in this verse. Foreshadowing is evident as his statement about his "decease" (2 Peter 1:14) sets the stage for his subsequent commitment in 2 Peter 1:15, creating a sense of urgency and finality. The term "decease" itself is a powerful Euphemism or Metaphor (Greek exodos), transforming the grim reality of death into a "departure" or "going out," echoing the significant "Exodus" of Israel and Christ's own "departure" in Luke 9:31. This softens the harshness of death while imbuing it with theological significance. Furthermore, the verse is characterized by a strong Pastoral Tone, revealing Peter's deep love and concern for his spiritual children, akin to a shepherd ensuring the flock's well-being even when he is no longer physically present. His "endeavour" highlights his proactive Apostolic Authority and Responsibility, not as a means of personal legacy, but as a faithful steward of divine truth.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Peter's earnest endeavor to ensure the perpetual remembrance of his teachings highlights a crucial theological principle: the enduring nature of divine truth and the church's responsibility to preserve and transmit it across generations. His concern is not for the memory of Peter himself, but for the truths about Christ, God's promises, and the path to godly living. This reflects the apostolic conviction that the faith delivered to them was a sacred trust, a body of truth to be guarded and passed on, rather than something transient or subject to constant redefinition. It underscores the importance of a fixed, authoritative revelation that serves as the foundation for Christian life and doctrine, providing a bulwark against error and spiritual drift.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Peter's profound commitment in 2 Peter 1:15 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding the vital importance of remembering, guarding, and transmitting spiritual truth. In an age of information overload and shifting cultural values, the call to "always in remembrance" hold onto foundational biblical principles is more critical than ever. We are challenged to not only diligently study God's Word for ourselves but also to actively internalize its truths, allowing them to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and fortify our faith against error. Furthermore, Peter's example compels us to consider our own spiritual legacy. What truths are we actively endeavoring to pass on to the next generation? Are we investing in discipleship, mentorship, and teaching that ensures the continuity of sound doctrine within our families, churches, and communities? Our faithfulness in remembering and transmitting these "things" directly impacts the spiritual health and resilience of future believers, ensuring that the light of the Gospel continues to shine brightly.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "things" from God's Word do I need to make a more diligent effort to keep "always in remembrance" in my daily life?
  • How am I actively contributing to the spiritual memory and understanding of others, particularly the next generation, in my family or church?
  • What practical steps can I take to better internalize and recall biblical truths, so they are not forgotten or diluted in my mind and heart?
  • In what ways does Peter's pastoral concern challenge my own approach to sharing and preserving the Gospel message?

FAQ

What does Peter mean by "my decease"?
Answer: By "my decease," Peter is referring to his impending death. The Greek word used, exodos (ἔξοδος), literally means "a going out" or "departure." It's a gentle and significant way of speaking about death, portraying it not as an end but as a transition or a journey from this life. This same term is famously used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) for the Exodus of Israel from Egypt and in the New Testament for Christ's own "departure" or "exodus" that He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Peter's use of this term here, immediately after stating that the Lord Jesus Christ had made clear to him the swift "putting off of my tabernacle" (2 Peter 1:14), emphasizes his awareness of his approaching death and the urgency it adds to his message.

What "things" does Peter want his readers to remember?
Answer: The "these things" (G5130 toútōn) Peter refers to encompass the entirety of the spiritual truths, exhortations, and divine promises he has taught and will continue to elaborate upon in his epistle. This includes the call to grow in Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-7), the certainty of God's divine power and precious promises (2 Peter 1:3-4), the reliability of the prophetic word (2 Peter 1:19-21), and the warnings against false teachers (2 Peter 2) and scoffers (2 Peter 3). Essentially, it refers to the whole body of apostolic teaching necessary for their spiritual stability and perseverance in the faith.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Peter's earnest "endeavour" to ensure the remembrance of truth after his "decease" finds its ultimate fulfillment and enduring power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Peter, as an apostle, faithfully delivered the truth, it is Christ Himself who is the Truth (John 14:6). Peter's "decease" (Greek exodos) echoes Christ's own "departure" mentioned in Luke 9:31, a pivotal moment of sacrifice and triumph that secured salvation for humanity. Just as Peter sought to leave a lasting spiritual legacy, Christ, through His death, resurrection, and ascension, established an eternal legacy, sending the Holy Spirit to be the ultimate Helper and Reminder. Jesus promised that the Spirit would "teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26). The Spirit continues to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13-14), ensuring that the "things" Peter taught, which are rooted in Christ, are perpetually remembered and applied. Thus, Peter's human effort, though significant, points beyond himself to the divine provision of Christ, who, through His Spirit and the inspired written Word, ensures that His church will always have "these things" in remembrance, until His glorious return (2 Peter 3:18).

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Commentary on 2 Peter 1 verses 12–15

I. The importance and advantage of progress and perseverance in grace and holiness made the apostle to be very diligent in doing the work of a minister of Christ, that he might thereby excite and assist them to be diligent in the duty of Christians. If ministers be negligent in their work, it can hardly be expected that the people will be diligent in theirs; therefore Peter will not be negligent (that is, at no time or place, in no part of his work, to no part of his charge), but will be exemplarily and universally diligent, and that in the work of a remembrancer. This is the office of the best ministers, even the apostles themselves; they are the Lord's remembrancers (Isa 62:6); they are especially bound to make mention of the promises, and put God in mind of his engagements to do good to his people; and they are the people's remembrancers, making mention of God's precepts, and putting them in mind of the doctrines and duties of Christianity, that they may remember God's commandments, to do them. And this the apostle does, though some persons might think it needless, inasmuch as they already knew those thing that he writes about, and were established in the very truth that he insists upon. Observe, 1. We need to be put in mind of what we already know to prevent our forgetting it, and to improve our knowledge, and reduce all to practice. 2. We must be established in the belief of the truth, that we may not be shaken by every wind of doctrine, and especially in that which is the present truth, the truth more peculiarly necessary for us to know in our day, that which belongs to our peace, and which is more especially opposed in our time. The great doctrines of the gospel, that Jesus is the Christ, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, and all that believe in God must be careful to maintain good works - these are truths the apostles insisted on in their day; these are faithful sayings, and worthy of all acceptation in every age of the Christian church. And, as these must be constantly affirmed by ministers (Tit 3:8), so the people are to be well instructed and established therein, and yet must, after all their attainments in knowledge, be put in mind of such things as cannot be too clearly known nor too firmly believed. The most advanced Christians cannot, while in this world, be above ordinances, nor beyond the need of those means which God has appointed and does afford. And, if the people need teaching and exhortation while they are in the body, it is very meet and just that ministers should, as long as they are in this tabernacle, instruct and exhort them, and bring those truths to their remembrance that they have formerly heard, this being a proper means to stir them up to be diligent and lively in a course of gospel-obedience.

II. The apostle, being set upon the work, tells us (Pe2 1:14) what makes him earnest in this matter, even the knowledge he had, not only that he must certainly, but also that he must shortly, put off this tabernacle. Observe, 1. The body is but the tabernacle of the soul. It is a mean and movable structure, whose stakes can be easily removed, and its cords presently broken. 2. This tabernacle must be put off. We are not to continue long in this earthly house. AS at night we put off our clothes, and lay them by, so at death we must put off our bodies, and they musts be laid up in the grave till the morning of the resurrection. 3. The nearness of death makes the apostle diligent in the business of life. Our Lord Jesus had shown him that the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore he bestirs himself with greater zeal and diligence, because the time is short. He must soon be removed from those to whom he wrote; and his ambition being that they should remember the doctrine he had delivered to them, after he himself was taken away from them, he commits his exhortation to writing. The apostle had not any great opinion of oral tradition. This was not so proper a means to reach the end he was in pursuit of. He would have them always to remember these things, and not only to keep them in mind, but also to make mention of them, as the original words import. Those who fear the Lord make mention of his name, and talk of his loving-kindness. This is the way to spread the knowledge of the Lord and this the apostle had at heart: and those who have the written word of God are thereby put into a capacity to do this.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–15. Public domain.
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Hilary of ArlesAD 449
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 2 PETER
By writing to them often Peter hoped to leave something behind him after his death.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
CATENA
The reason why we have to remember these things is that we hope that Christ will soon come back and transform our present life.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 2 Peter
Yet I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover, I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my departure.
What is suggested, for example: "I will be careful to ensure that you always," some understand through a reversal of a word order in this way: I will take care and after my departure, you will always have or continuously the memory of these things: wanting to show from this that even after the death of the saints, they remembered what they accomplished here for the living. Others, however, simply treating that saying, understand it thus: I will take care and you will always have after my departure the last mention of these things: that is, do not be surprised, nor consider it burdensome that there is a constant mention made to you about these matters. For I do not do this condemning your ignorance, but by a continuous teaching about these things, I present to you this support, so that, being strengthened by these, you may also have after my death a living and permanent teaching about these matters.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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