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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Peter 3:1–2.
That the apostle might the better reach his end in writing this epistle, which is to make them steady and constant in a fiducial and practical remembrance of the doctrine of the gospel, he, 1. Expresses his special affection and tenderness for them, by calling them beloved, hereby evidencing that he added to godliness brotherly-kindness, as he had (Pe2 1:17) exhorted them to do. Ministers must be examples of love and affection, as well as life and conversation. 2. He evinces a sincere love to them, and hearty concern for them, by writing the same thing to them, though in other words. It being safe for them, it shall not be grievous to him to write upon the same subject, and pursue the same design, by those methods which are most likely to succeed. 3. The better to recommend the matter, he tells them that what he would have them to remember are, (1.) The words spoken by the holy prophets, who were divinely inspired, both enlightened and sanctified by the Holy Ghost; and, seeing these persons' minds were purified by the sanctifying operation of the same Spirit, they were the better disposed to receive and retain what came from God by the holy prophets. (2.) The commandments of the apostles of the Lord and Saviour; and therefore the disciples and servants of Christ ought to regard what those who are sent by him have declared unto them to be the will of their Lord. What God has spoken by the prophets of the Old Testament, and Christ has commanded by the apostles of the New, cannot but demand and deserve to be frequently remembered; and those who meditate on these things will feel the quickening virtues thereof. It is by these things the pure minds of Christians are to be stirred up, that they may be active and lively in the work of holiness, and zealous and unwearied in the way to heaven.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
I am writing to you, dear ones, in these letters, in which I stir up your sincere mind in remembrance: that you should 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 Savior Jesus.
From these, we learn that there are two universal letters of Peter. Furthermore, what he says, "in which I stir up your sincere mind by way in remembrance," is to be understood in this way: In which letters, that is, through which letters, I stir up the sincere mind that is in you. For it is the nature of a sincere and pure mind to remember and be stirred up with all virtue and readiness of spirit regarding what has been heard or the useful things that have been deposited, in order to repeat the actions of these. However, these have been deposited through prophetic sayings and apostolic preachings. For this reason, Paul also says: "Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets:" (Eph. 2:20) For all of them announced the coming of the Lord, both the first and the second, and it is not right to doubt such great and numerous witnesses. And what do I say, he asks, about the prophets and apostles, who announced both the first and the second coming of the Lord?
And this is how the order should be taken: that you should 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 Savior. For the preposition ὑπὸ is taken from the common, that is, "by". And why Peter should order this remembrance to be stirred up, he adds: Because those who live addicted to passions according to their own desires, seeing the coming of God, are afraid, which the Lord himself also announced along with others divinely inspired, and therefore despising their dishonorable life: then also seeing that the words do not immediately take effect, but are delayed for the salvation of many, they approach the faithful as if they were deceivers, and say:
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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).
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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why does Peter emphasize both "prophets" and "apostles" as sources of authority?
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). 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). 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). 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 (Revelation 1:8).