Read with Me
2 Peter 1:12-15 (HCSB)
Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me. And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure.
Listen with Me
Peter understood that his remaining time was short, and not just because he was an old man at this point. He was already on death row in Rome, convicted of the terrible “crime” of being a Christian. And, since he absolutely knew that he would not deny his Lord and Savior again, he also knew that he would soon be executed.
Peter’s understanding that his time was short did not come from mere feelings or from reading the signs of the times. Instead, he had a word directly from the mouth of Jesus. Some trace this back to Jesus’ post-resurrection words to Peter about the manner of his death (John 21:18-19). But in addition to that prophecy about the manner of his death, Peter had also received a more current word from Jesus through the Holy Spirit about the timing of his death. Peter had miraculously escaped death once before (Acts 12:1-19), but there would be no angelic deliverance this time. Peter’s work on earth was nearly over. All that was left was his God-glorifying transition from this life to the next.
So, while he still had the opportunity, Peter was writing one final letter that would recap some important things to his readers, and also warn them of pitfalls that he knew lay in their path ahead. He knew that none of this was new information, all of it was at the core of the teaching that every new believer received, and it was preached every Sunday in the worship services.
But Peter also knew how ephemeral oral teaching was. If it did not get faithfully passed on, it was only a single generation from being lost forever. Written instruction, though, was more durable. Even if it was forgotten for a generation or more, it could still come to light later and find a renewed emphasis, much as the Book of the Law did when it was found buried in the rubble in the defiled temple, sparking a powerful revival under King Josiah (2 Kings 22:18-23:25). So, Peter wanted to commit these things to writing.
Pray with Me
Father, both Peter and Paul knew in advance that their final imprisonment would mark their transition into Your presence, and both of them got this word at approximately the same time. And so, both of them took pains to make sure that their important teachings would not be lost by writing final instructions in their letters. Thank you, Lord, for taking these steps to preserve Your legacy for me, and for all those in the intervening centuries who have been strengthened, edified, and encouraged by their words. Amen.