2 Peter 3:1-2 1This is already, beloved, the second epistle I am writing to you by which I am stirring up in your sincere mind by reminder 2that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
Peter gives a clue in these verses about why he wrote this letter. The second epistle assumes a first letter, which is assumed to be 1 Peter in the New Testament canon, though in theory, Peter could have written other letters that have been lost. In both 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter, as the assumed author, wrote to encourage the recipients to stand strong in their convictions and holy lifestyle while enduring outside pressure from persecution and internal threats of heresy. The opening verses of chapter 3 give two sources to withstand the threat of heresy, summed up in the word “remember”(mnēsthēnai). The goal is for the recipients to develop a sincere mind. Sincere (eilikrinē) has the sense of pure or undefiled, which was the opposite of the corrupt teachers and false prophets who were causing problems to the readers.
These letters have authority based on three sources. First, Peter appeals to the holy prophets, likely referring to the prophets of Israel in the Old Testament who foretold the coming of the Messiah. Peter also reflects on the commandment of the Lord and Savior, who refers to Jesus. No specific command is given, but it could be inclusive of all that Jesus taught. Third, the apostles, with Peter being a core witness, were the channels of this command and helped explain the prophets.
This powerful combination adds weight to Peter’s writing. He quoted directly or indirectly from these different sources in his letters. Since he himself was an apostle, his words carry significant weight. His goal was to stir up the readers’ sincere mind. He wanted them to think for themselves and to test what they heard in order to discern truth from falsehood. It is crucial that the faith and knowledge of believers be built on the solid foundation of the truth. The three sources identified by Peter are found in the Bible. New believers may need more than a gentle nudge. They may need a strong reminder, like what Peter gives in this letter. We must be vigilant and sincere in our study and personal growth.