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:
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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:
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
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: