2 Peter 3:2

That ye 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 Saviour:

That ye may be mindful {G3415} of the words {G4487} which were spoken before {G4280} by {G5259} the holy {G40} prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} of the commandment {G1785} of us {G2257} the apostles {G652} of the Lord {G2962} and {G2532} Saviour {G4990}:

so that you will keep in mind the predictions of the holy prophets and the command given by the Lord and Deliverer through your emissaries.

by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

that ye should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour through your apostles:

Context

In 2 Peter chapter 3, the Apostle Peter addresses a significant challenge faced by believers: the rise of scoffers who question the promise of Christ's return. Before directly confronting these skeptics, Peter establishes the foundation of his argument. This verse, 2 Peter 3:2, serves as a crucial reminder to his audience, urging them to recall and adhere to the consistent divine revelation given through two authoritative sources: the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles. It sets the stage for Peter's subsequent exhortation to holy living in light of the certain future judgment and new heavens and earth.

Key Themes

  • Continuity of Divine Revelation: The verse highlights the seamless flow of God's truth from the Old Covenant through the New. It emphasizes that the message of the "holy prophets" (referring to Old Testament figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel) aligns with and is complemented by the "commandment of us the apostles" (the New Testament teachings of Peter and other apostles). This continuity underscores the unchanging nature of God's plan and promises.
  • Authority of Scripture: Both the prophetic words of the Old Testament and the apostolic teachings of the New Testament are presented as authoritative and binding for believers. Peter asserts that these words are not mere human opinions but divine instructions from the "Lord and Saviour," Jesus Christ. This foundation is critical for believers to contend earnestly for the faith against false teachings.
  • Importance of Remembering and Heeding: The phrase "that ye may be mindful" stresses the active and deliberate act of recalling and obeying these foundational truths. In the face of doubt and opposition, believers are called to consciously hold fast to what they have been taught, reinforcing their faith and guiding their conduct.
  • Preparation for Christ's Return: By reminding believers of these established truths, Peter prepares them for his forthcoming discussion about the certainty of the Lord's return and the ultimate dissolution of the present world. Adhering to prophetic and apostolic words is essential for living a life that anticipates the coming Day of the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mindful" is mimnesko (μνησκω), which conveys more than just passive recollection. It implies an active, deliberate attention to, and adherence to, what has been spoken. It's about letting these words shape one's worldview and actions. The term "commandment" (Greek: entolē, εντολή) denotes an authoritative instruction or injunction, emphasizing the binding and prescriptive nature of the apostles' teachings, which were given under the authority of Christ Himself.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Peter 3:2 serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring relevance and authority of the Bible. It encourages us to:

  • Diligently Study God's Word: Just as early believers were to be mindful of prophetic and apostolic words, we are called to immerse ourselves in both the Old and New Testaments. This consistent study provides a firm foundation for our faith and equips us to discern truth from error.
  • Respect Biblical Authority: The verse underscores that the teachings of the prophets and apostles, preserved in Scripture, are God's authoritative voice to humanity. We are to submit to these truths as the ultimate standard for belief and conduct.
  • Stand Firm Against Skepticism: In an age where biblical truths are often questioned or dismissed, this verse empowers Christians to confidently hold onto the revealed Word of God. Remembering the consistent message of the prophets and apostles strengthens our resolve and helps us to live in a manner consistent with our calling, as encouraged by Colossians 3:16, which speaks of letting the word of Christ dwell richly within us.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Jude 1:17

    But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
  • 2 Peter 2:21

    For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
  • Luke 1:70

    As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
  • 2 Peter 1:19

    ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
  • 2 Peter 1:21

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.
  • 1 Peter 1:10

    ¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

Install App

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back