1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.

2 Peter 3:1-2 (NLT) 中文 

Reminder of purpose

In the previous section Peter raised (indirectly) the issue of losing salvation. It seems maybe he was speaking in hyperbole, ie, “if it were possible to believe and then fall back into sinful patterns and lifestyle…” But we recognize that there are differing opinions on this passage and the topic as a whole. Now he tells them the purpose of both this 2nd letter as well as the 1st. It’s twofold.

Stimulate thinking

He’s speaking to them to stimulate their thinking about these pressing issues covered in the letters. Note that he qualifies the thinking as wholesome (“sincere mind” in NASB and ESV). He has covered many topics between these two letters:

• Our hope of eternal life – 1 Peter 1:1-12
• Our call to holy living – 1 Peter 1:13-25
• Newborns and living stones – 1 Peter 2:1-12
• Honoring authority – 1 Peter 2:13-25
• Godly living (wives and husbands)  – 1 Peter 3
• Godly witnesses – 1 Peter 4:1-11
• Suffering for Christ  – 1 Peter 4:12-19
• Serving God willingly  – 1 Peter 5
• Growing in Christian virtues – 2 Peter 1:1-15
• Authority of eyewitnesses – 2 Peter 1:16-21
• Danger of (and for) false teachers – 2 Peter 3
• End times 2 Peter 3

But the one he wants to focus on next is the end times.

Remember what they said

In anticipation of this, Peter calls on them to recall what the prophets prophesied long ago. The prophets – whose writing was inspired by God (2 Peter 1:19-21). In addition, and maybe more importantly, these things were commanded by Jesus. And this commandment is given through their apostles – including Peter. And, Peter acknowledges later in this chapter this extends to Paul.

RЯeflection

• Do we actively read His Word to refresh our minds about the teachings of Christ, His promises, our calling and purpose, His love for us and need to love Him and others? No excuses. You’ve already got a browser going now. Click on any of these passage links and start reading, studying, memorizing, meditating on and applying the Word.
• Does this list cause you to think of some area of your life that you want the Lord to work in you? Commit it to Him. Humbly ask Him to do it. Seek Him in repentance.