2 Peter 3:2

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 3:2 serves as a foundational reminder to believers, urging them to actively recall and adhere to the authoritative words delivered through two distinct yet harmonious streams of divine revelation: the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles. This verse establishes the unwavering basis for Christian faith and conduct, emphasizing the continuity of God's truth and preparing the audience to stand firm against the skepticism and false teachings concerning the certainty of Christ's return and the coming Day of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of Peter's final exhortation in his second epistle, immediately following his declaration of the letter's purpose: to stir up his readers by way of remembrance (2 Peter 3:1). It sets the stage for Peter's direct confrontation with the "scoffers" who will arise in the last days, questioning the promise of Christ's return (2 Peter 3:3-4). By anchoring his appeal in the established authority of both prophetic and apostolic words, Peter provides a firm theological and epistemological ground for the truths he is about to reiterate, particularly the certainty of God's judgment and the promise of new heavens and a new earth. This reminder of foundational truth is crucial for Peter's audience to maintain their hope and holy living in the face of doubt and opposition, aligning with his earlier emphasis on remembering the truth ([2 Peter 1:12-15](/2_peter/1-12-15 "2 Peter 1:12-15 - Peter's Purpose to Remind")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience, likely Gentile Christians scattered across Asia Minor, faced internal and external pressures. Internally, false teachers were introducing destructive heresies, denying the Lord who bought them (2 Peter 2:1) and promoting licentiousness. Externally, the delay of Christ's promised return (the Parousia) led to skepticism, with some mocking the very idea of it. In this environment, the authority of the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection, was paramount. Similarly, the Old Testament prophets provided a historical and theological framework for understanding God's faithfulness and future plans. Peter's appeal to both sources underscores the unified, progressive nature of God's revelation, countering the fragmented or novel teachings of the false teachers. The emphasis on "commandment" reflects the authoritative nature of apostolic teaching, much like the commands given through Moses or the prophets in the Old Covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 2 Peter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity and Unity of Divine Revelation**, asserting that God's truth flows seamlessly from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, forming a consistent and unchanging message. Secondly, it underscores the **Authority of Scripture**, presenting both prophetic and apostolic words as divinely inspired and binding for believers, derived from the ultimate authority of "the Lord and Saviour." This foundation is critical for believers to discern truth from error and to [contend earnestly for the faith](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith"). Thirdly, the phrase "that ye may be mindful" emphasizes the **Importance of Remembering and Heeding** foundational truths, stressing an active and deliberate engagement with God's Word as a safeguard against spiritual drift and skepticism. Finally, this verse serves as a crucial **Preparation for the Day of the Lord**, grounding believers in the certainty of God's promises and warnings, which are essential for living a life that anticipates Christ's return and the ultimate dissolution of the present world, as described later in [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mindful (Greek, _mnáomai'_):** This term signifies more than a passive recollection; it implies an active, deliberate attention to, and adherence to, what has been spoken. It suggests a conscious effort to bring to mind and live by these truths, allowing them to shape one's worldview and actions. It's about remembering in a way that leads to obedience and steadfastness.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** Derived from words meaning "before" and "to speak," a prophet is one who speaks forth or proclaims a divine message, often but not exclusively involving foretelling future events. In this context, it refers specifically to the Old Testament figures who received and delivered God's word, establishing the historical and theological foundation for God's redemptive plan.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** This word denotes an authoritative instruction, injunction, or precept. It emphasizes the binding and prescriptive nature of the apostles' teachings, indicating that their words are not mere human opinions but divine instructions given under the direct authority of the "Lord and Saviour."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye may be mindful":** This opening clause expresses Peter's purpose for writing—to stir up his readers' pure minds by way of remembrance (2 Peter 3:1). The call to be "mindful" indicates a conscious, active, and ongoing process of recalling and internalizing the truths they have received, particularly in the face of challenges to their faith.
* **"of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets":** This refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, acknowledging their divine origin and enduring authority. The "holy prophets" are those through whom God revealed His will and foretold future events, including the coming of the Messiah and the Day of the Lord. Peter emphasizes that these ancient words remain relevant and foundational for New Covenant believers.
* **"and of the commandment of us the apostles":** This clause introduces the second authoritative source: the teachings of the New Testament apostles, including Peter himself. The term "commandment" highlights the authoritative, prescriptive nature of their message, which was received directly from Christ and delivered with His authority. This establishes the continuity and unity of God's revelation across both testaments.
* **"of the Lord and Saviour":** This phrase identifies the ultimate source and authority behind both the prophetic words and the apostolic commandments: Jesus Christ. He is the "Lord" (supreme in authority, Master) and "Saviour" (deliverer). This underscores that the entire body of divine revelation, from Old Testament prophecy to New Testament apostolic teaching, originates from and points to Christ, grounding all truth in His divine person and saving work.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs **Parallelism** in this verse by juxtaposing "the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets" with "the commandment of us the apostles." This creates a balanced structure that highlights the unified and continuous nature of divine revelation, flowing from the Old Covenant to the New. The use of "holy" to describe the prophets and the direct reference to "us the apostles" lends an air of **Authority** and legitimacy to the sources of truth, reinforcing their divine origin. Furthermore, the imperative to "be mindful" serves as a form of **Exhortation**, emphasizing the active engagement required from the believers to internalize and live by these truths. The culminating phrase "of the Lord and Saviour" acts as an **Anaphora** of authority, attributing the ultimate source of both prophetic and apostolic words to Christ Himself, thereby solidifying the divine backing for the entire message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the concept of progressive revelation, demonstrating that God's truth is not fragmented but a cohesive and unfolding narrative. It asserts the enduring authority and unity of the biblical canon, presenting both the Old Testament prophetic word and the New Testament apostolic teaching as equally inspired and binding, all originating from the "Lord and Saviour." This dual witness provides a robust foundation for faith, equipping believers to withstand skepticism and false doctrine by reminding them that God's plan, revealed consistently through the ages, culminates in Christ and His certain return. It underscores that Christian doctrine is not based on novel ideas but on a divinely attested historical and prophetic framework.

* [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Prophecy")
* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on Apostles and Prophets")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Speaking Through Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age marked by spiritual skepticism, shifting moral standards, and a proliferation of competing narratives, 2 Peter 3:2 offers a vital anchor for believers. It calls us to a deliberate and active engagement with the entirety of God's Word, recognizing its divine authority and timeless relevance. Just as Peter's audience needed to remember the prophetic and apostolic words to counter the scoffers, we too must immerse ourselves in Scripture to discern truth from error, build resilient faith, and live lives that honor God. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive reception of biblical knowledge to an active "mindfulness" that shapes our worldview, informs our decisions, and fuels our hope in Christ's certain return. It reminds us that our faith is not built on fleeting opinions but on the unshakeable foundation of God's consistent and authoritative revelation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How actively am I being "mindful" of the words of the prophets and apostles in my daily life?**
* **In what ways does my understanding of the continuity between the Old and New Testaments strengthen my faith?**
* **How do I respond to contemporary skepticism or false teachings, drawing upon the authority of God's Word as emphasized in this verse?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my engagement with Scripture, moving beyond mere reading to active remembrance and application?**

### FAQ
**Why does Peter emphasize both "prophets" and "apostles" as sources of authority?**

Answer: Peter emphasizes both "prophets" and "apostles" to underscore the complete and unified nature of God's revelation. The "prophets" represent the Old Testament, which laid the foundational promises, prophecies, and moral law, pointing forward to Christ. The "apostles," as eyewitnesses to Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and recipients of direct revelation from Him, represent the New Testament. Their teachings fulfill and interpret the Old Testament, bringing the full scope of God's redemptive plan to light. By linking both, Peter asserts that God's truth is consistent across history, countering any attempts to dismiss either the ancient prophecies or the contemporary apostolic teachings, especially concerning the certainty of Christ's return (as seen in [2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers in the Last Days")). This dual witness provides an unshakeable foundation for Christian faith and conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ultimate fulfillment of the "words which were spoken before by the holy prophets" and the "commandment of us the apostles" is found in Jesus Christ Himself, who is identified in this verse as "the Lord and Saviour." The Old Testament prophets consistently foretold the coming of a Messiah, a deliverer, whose life, death, and resurrection would fulfill God's redemptive plan (e.g., [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). The apostles, as Christ's chosen witnesses, then proclaimed the good news of this Messiah, Jesus, demonstrating how He perfectly embodied and completed all that the prophets had spoken (e.g., [Acts 3:18](/acts/3-18 "Acts 3:18 - Fulfillment of Prophecy")). Thus, the continuity of divine revelation, from prophecy to apostolic teaching, culminates in Christ. He is the central figure of both testaments, the one who gives authority to the prophetic word by fulfilling it, and the one who commissions and empowers the apostolic message. Peter's reminder to be mindful of these words is, therefore, a call to continually fix one's gaze upon Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the one who was, and is, and is to come, and whose promised return is the ultimate hope grounded in this unified, Christ-centered revelation (cf. [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

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

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: