2 Peter 3:1

KJV

¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G5026} second {G1208} epistle {G1992}, beloved {G27}, I {G1125} now {G2235} write {G1125} unto you {G5213}; in {G1722} both which {G3739} I stir up {G1326} your {G5216} pure {G1506} minds {G1271} by way {G1722} of remembrance {G5280}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Dear friends, I am writing you now this second letter; and in both letters I am trying to arouse you to wholesome thinking by means of reminders;

Berean Standard Bible

Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking

American Standard Version

This is now, beloved, the second epistle that I write unto you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by putting you in remembrance;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Peter 3:1, the Apostle Peter opens his second canonical letter by affirming its continuity with his first, addressing his audience as "beloved." His stated purpose is to "stir up" their "pure minds" through "remembrance," indicating that the letter's primary aim is not to introduce new doctrines but to re-awaken and reinforce essential truths already known to them, thereby fortifying them against spiritual complacency and the deceptive teachings that threaten their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct opening of Peter's second epistle, immediately establishing a connection to his preceding letter. The phrase "This second epistle... in both which" explicitly links 2 Peter to 1 Peter, suggesting a continuation of themes and a consistent pastoral concern for the same audience. Following this introductory verse, Peter will proceed to elaborate on the certainty of Christ's return, the judgment of false teachers, and the implications of these truths for holy living. The emphasis on "remembrance" in this opening sets the stage for the rest of the letter, which systematically recalls foundational Christian doctrines and warnings against apostasy, particularly concerning the Parousia.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter likely writes this letter towards the end of his life, anticipating his impending death (as mentioned in [2 Peter 1:14](/2_peter/1-14 "2 Peter 1:14 - Peter's Foreknowledge of His Death")). The audience, presumably the same dispersed believers in Asia Minor addressed in 1 Peter, faced not only external persecution but also internal threats from false teachers. These deceivers, described in detail in [2 Peter chapter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and Their Judgment"), were denying the Lord, promoting licentiousness, and scoffing at the promise of Christ's return ([2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers and the Delay of the Parousia")). In this challenging environment, Peter's letter, with its emphasis on remembrance, aimed to provide a stable anchor of truth for believers whose faith was being assailed by both doctrinal error and moral laxity.

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several key themes that permeate 2 Peter. Firstly, it underscores **Apostolic Authority and Pastoral Care**, as Peter, an apostle, writes with both authority and deep affection ("beloved"), demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the spiritual well-being of his flock. Secondly, the central theme is **The Importance of Remembrance and Doctrinal Stability**. Peter's purpose is to "stir up" their minds "by way of remembrance," highlighting that spiritual maturity and perseverance are not merely about acquiring new knowledge but about diligently recalling and applying established truths. This concept is vital for maintaining a firm stance against error, echoing the call to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" found in [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith"). Lastly, the verse touches upon **Spiritual Purity and Discernment**, as Peter aims to stir up "pure minds." This implies a call to intellectual and spiritual integrity, suggesting that a mind free from duplicity and worldly contamination is essential for discerning truth from falsehood and remaining vigilant in faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stir up (Greek, _diegeírō'_):** This verb, a compound of *dia* (through, thoroughly) and *egeiro* (to awaken, raise), means "to wake fully" or "to arouse completely." It implies a need to shake off spiritual lethargy, complacency, or dullness, rather than suggesting a state of spiritual corruption. Peter is not implying his readers are ignorant, but that they might be susceptible to forgetting or becoming apathethic in their faith, requiring a re-awakening of their spiritual faculties.
* **pure (Greek, _eilikrinḗs'_):** Derived from words meaning "sun's ray" and "to judge," this adjective literally means "judged by sunlight" or "tested as genuine." Figuratively, it denotes sincerity, unmixed, unadulterated, or transparent. When applied to "minds," it describes an intellect free from duplicity, hypocrisy, or contamination by false teaching, suggesting a sincere and discerning capacity for truth that needs to be activated and guarded.
* **minds (Greek, _diánoia'_):** From *dia* (through) and *nous* (mind), this noun refers to "deep thought," the faculty of understanding, intellect, or the disposition of the mind. It encompasses not just cognitive ability but also moral understanding and spiritual perception. Peter seeks to engage their entire faculty of thought and moral discernment, ensuring their understanding is clear and their disposition aligned with divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you;":** Peter explicitly identifies the letter as his second, establishing continuity with his previous communication. The term "beloved" (G27, *agapētós*) is a tender and affectionate address, underscoring his deep pastoral care and the loving relationship he shares with his readers. The use of "now write" (G2235, *ḗdē* and G1125, *gráphō*) indicates the immediate and current nature of his communication, emphasizing its timely importance.
* **"in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:":** This clause states the overarching purpose of both his epistles. The phrase "in both which" (G1722, *en* and G3739, *hós*) confirms that the aim of "stirring up" their minds is consistent across both letters. To "stir up" (G1326, *diegeírō*) implies an awakening or arousal from spiritual lethargy. The target of this stirring is their "pure minds" (G1506, *eilikrinḗs* and G1271, *diánoia*), indicating that their capacity for truth is intact but needs activation and protection from defilement. The method is "by way of remembrance" (G1722, *en* and G5280, *hypómnēsis*), signifying that Peter's goal is not to introduce new revelation but to recall and reinforce essential truths they have already received, thereby strengthening their spiritual resolve and discernment.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices in this opening verse. The most prominent is **Apostolic Address**, where Peter directly identifies himself and his relationship with the recipients, establishing his authority and pastoral concern. The use of "beloved" (G27, *agapētós*) functions as a powerful example of **Pastoral Tone**, immediately conveying warmth, affection, and genuine care, which softens the subsequent warnings and exhortations. Furthermore, the phrase "stir up your pure minds" contains a subtle **Metaphor**. The mind is implicitly compared to something that can become dormant or dulled, needing to be "stirred" or awakened, much like a fire needs to be stoked or a sleeping person roused. This metaphor effectively communicates the need for active engagement with truth and vigilance against spiritual apathy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The emphasis on "remembrance" in 2 Peter 3:1 is a profound theological statement about the nature of spiritual growth and perseverance. It underscores that the Christian life is not merely about accumulating new knowledge but about diligently recalling, internalizing, and applying foundational truths. In a world constantly bombarding believers with distractions, competing ideologies, and deceptive narratives, the act of remembering serves as a vital anchor. This principle highlights the sufficiency and enduring relevance of God's revealed truth, asserting that the core doctrines delivered to the saints are robust enough to withstand the challenges of any age, provided they are kept fresh in the minds and hearts of believers. It implies a continuous process of spiritual renewal through the re-engagement with established divine revelation.

* [Jude 1:5](/jude/1-5 "Jude 1:5 - Remembering God's Past Acts")
* [Philippians 3:1](/philippians/3-1 "Philippians 3:1 - Paul's Call to Rejoice and Write the Same Things")
* [1 Timothy 4:6](/1_timothy/4-6 "1 Timothy 4:6 - Nourished by the Words of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's opening words resonate deeply with the contemporary believer. In an era of unprecedented information overload and a proliferation of diverse, often contradictory, viewpoints, the temptation to drift from foundational Christian truths is ever-present. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual stability and discernment are often less about discovering novel insights and more about faithfully remembering and re-engaging with the core doctrines of the faith. It challenges us to actively combat spiritual forgetfulness and apathy, recognizing that a "pure mind" is not merely one that is intellectually astute, but one that is sincerely devoted to truth, unmixed with worldly compromises or deceptive ideologies. We are called to be vigilant stewards of our mental and spiritual landscape, ensuring that the precious truths of God's Word are not merely stored but actively recalled and applied, serving as a bulwark against error and a catalyst for holy living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What foundational Christian truths might I be prone to forgetting or becoming complacent about in my daily life?**
* **In what ways do I actively "stir up" my mind to remember God's truth, and what practices can I implement to cultivate a "pure mind" free from spiritual dullness or worldly contamination?**
* **How does the emphasis on remembrance in 2 Peter 3:1 challenge my approach to spiritual growth – am I always seeking new information, or am I also diligently applying what I already know?**

### FAQ
**Why is "remembrance" so important for believers, according to Peter?**

Answer: Peter emphasizes "remembrance" because it is crucial for spiritual stability and perseverance in the face of false teaching and moral decay. He isn't introducing new concepts but re-activating truths his readers already know. In a world where distractions and deceptive doctrines can lead to spiritual complacency or error, actively recalling foundational truths helps believers remain grounded ([2 Peter 3:17](/2_peter/3-17 "2 Peter 3:17 - Guarding Against Falling From Steadfastness")). This act of remembering serves as a defense mechanism, ensuring that believers are not swayed by every new teaching but hold fast to the faith once delivered ([Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith")). It implies that spiritual growth is not just about acquiring new knowledge but about the diligent application and retention of established truth, which strengthens discernment and fosters a pure mind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 3:1 does not directly mention Christ, its call to "stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance" finds its ultimate fulfillment and purpose in Him. The truths Peter wants his readers to remember are fundamentally Christ-centered: the certainty of His glorious return ([2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers and the Delay of the Parousia")), His divine power and promises ([2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - His Divine Power and Precious Promises")), and the transformative power of knowing Him ([2 Peter 1:8](/2_peter/1-8 "2 Peter 1:8 - Bearing Fruit in the Knowledge of Christ")). Remembering these truths is not an end in itself, but a means to grow in the "knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" ([2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in Grace and Knowledge of Christ")). Christ Himself is the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and His Spirit is given to bring all things to remembrance ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Thus, Peter's pastoral appeal to remembrance ultimately directs believers to fix their minds and hearts upon Christ, the foundation and sum of all truth, enabling them to live pure and vigilant lives as they await His glorious appearing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 1:6

¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Peter 1:12

¶ Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth.

2 Peter 1:15

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Psalms 24:4

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Psalms 73:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.

1 Peter 1:1

¶ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.