2 Peter 3:2 kjv

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:

2 Peter 3:2 nkjv

that you 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 Savior,

2 Peter 3:2 niv

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

2 Peter 3:2 esv

that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,

2 Peter 3:2 nlt

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 verses

2 Peter 3 2 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial reminder to believers to diligently recall and internalize the divine truth communicated through two authoritative channels: the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles. It underscores the continuous thread of God's revealed will, linking ancient prophecy concerning God's judgment and redemptive plan with the specific teachings and commandments delivered by those eyewitnesses chosen by Jesus Christ. The ultimate source of this instruction, both past and present, is presented as Jesus Christ Himself, our Lord and Savior, thereby lending supreme authority to the message against the backdrop of rising skepticism and false teachings.

2 Peter 3 2 Context

2 Peter 3 focuses on the certainty of Christ's second coming and the judgment to come, specifically addressing those who mock this truth. Verse 2 immediately follows an exhortation to "be mindful of the words" in order to resist the influence of "scoffers" who will arise in the last days (2 Pet 3:1-3). The verse establishes the twin pillars of prophetic and apostolic authority as the reliable source of truth, contrasting it with the scoffers' relativistic arguments. It grounds the expectation of Christ's return and the ultimate dissolution of the cosmos in God's historical pattern of judgment (e.g., the Flood) and His unfailing word delivered through His chosen messengers. Peter’s purpose is to fortify the faith of his readers against internal and external pressures by emphasizing the consistent message of God’s plan of salvation and judgment through the ages.

2 Peter 3 2 Word analysis

• That ye may be mindful of the words: (Greek: μνησθῆναι τῶν ῥημάτων - mnēsthēnai tōn rhēmatōn)

  • mnēsthēnai (from mimnēskō): To recall, to remember, to be mindful. This is not passive remembrance but an active, deliberate act of bringing to mind, indicating the importance of intentional recollection and meditation upon these truths, especially in times of doubt or opposition. It implies a moral and spiritual obligation to keep these teachings at the forefront of their consciousness.
  • rhēmatōn: "words," "utterances," or "things spoken." Refers to divine revelation or statements that carry weight and authority, distinct from mere human words. It signifies spoken commands and declarations.

• before spoken by the holy prophets: (Greek: προειρημένων ὑπὸ τῶν ἁγίων προφητῶν - proeirēmenōn hypo tōn hagiōn prophētōn)

  • proeirēmenōn: "spoken before" or "previously announced." Emphasizes that these divine pronouncements predate Peter's current teaching, rooting them in an established tradition and God's timeless plan. This refers specifically to Old Testament prophecies.
  • hagiōn prophētōn: "holy prophets." Highlights their sacred commission and the divine origin of their messages. These were God's consecrated messengers, chosen and inspired to declare His will and future events (e.g., the coming of the Messiah, final judgment, a new heavens and new earth). This authenticates the continuity of divine revelation from the Old Covenant to the New.

• and of the commandment of us the apostles: (Greek: καὶ τῆς ἐντολῆς τῶν ἀποστόλων ὑμῶν - kai tēs entolēs tōn apostolōn hymōn)

  • kai: "and," signifying an additive or complementary relationship. The apostolic teaching does not contradict but builds upon and elucidates the prophetic word.
  • entolēs: "commandment," "instruction," "precept." This term carries significant authority, denoting an authoritative injunction or an ethical directive from God through His messengers. It indicates that the apostles' teaching is not mere suggestion but binding instruction from the Lord. It specifically includes teachings about Christ's return and righteous living.
  • tōn apostolōn hymōn: "of your apostles," or "us the apostles" (depending on manuscript variations, "our apostles" or "the apostles appointed for you"). Peter refers to himself and his fellow apostles, establishing their authoritative witness and role as foundational teachers in the Christian community, transmitting Christ's direct commands.

• of the Lord and Saviour: (Greek: τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ Σωτῆρος - tou Kyriou kai Sōtēros)

  • tou Kyriou: "the Lord." This title acknowledges Jesus Christ's divine authority, sovereignty, and headship over all creation and the Church. It is a divine appellation often used in the Septuagint for Yahweh, signifying absolute mastership and ultimate authority.
  • kai Sōtēros: "and Savior." This emphasizes His role in salvation, redemption from sin, and deliverance from judgment. This dual title confirms Jesus Christ as the ultimate source and guarantor of the truths delivered by both prophets and apostles. The message of the prophets pointed to Him, and the apostles directly taught His commands and person.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• That ye may be mindful of the words before spoken by the holy prophets: This phrase emphasizes the necessity of historical and biblical memory. It connects the contemporary church to its theological roots in the Old Testament, suggesting that an understanding of God's consistent character and plan requires looking back to His prior revelations. This directly combats skepticism by highlighting the predictive and reliable nature of God's Word over centuries. The words of the prophets were not mere human predictions but divinely inspired announcements, ensuring their truthfulness.
• and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: This phrase links the foundational Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament revelation given through the apostles. It establishes apostolic teaching as authoritative, being not their own opinions but divine commandments originating from Jesus Christ Himself. This serves as a bulwark against false teachings and personal interpretations, affirming the authoritative, unifying, and Christ-centered nature of apostolic doctrine for the nascent church and for all generations.

2 Peter 3 2 Bonus section

The concept of "remembering" (Gk. mimnēskō) is a significant theological theme throughout Scripture, especially in periods of covenant challenge or transition. It implies more than mere intellectual recall; it necessitates ethical obedience and loyal adherence to the covenant God. Peter’s call to "be mindful" is an imperative to recall specific truths that address the immediate challenges posed by the scoffers who dismiss Christ's return. The continuous chain of revelation from Old Testament prophets to New Testament apostles demonstrates the unity of divine inspiration. This prophetic and apostolic foundation became the basis for the canon of Scripture, serving as the definitive rule of faith and life for the Church across all ages. The pairing of "Lord and Savior" is characteristic of 2 Peter, appearing four times (1:11, 2:20, 3:2, 3:18), emphasizing Christ's full identity and authority as the one who commands and redeems, which further strengthens the binding nature of the revealed truth.

2 Peter 3 2 Commentary

2 Peter 3:2 calls believers to an active recollection of God's enduring truth as revealed through two primary conduits of divine authority: the ancient prophets and the contemporary apostles. Peter's instruction highlights the seamless unity of God's redemptive and judgmental plan throughout history. The words of the Old Testament prophets foretold events that found their fulfillment, and are further illuminated, by the teachings and commandments given directly by the New Testament apostles, eyewitnesses and emissaries of Christ. Both sources are presented as issuing from Jesus Christ Himself, underscoring His supreme Lordship and saving work. This divine revelation is the anchor for believers, grounding them against the "scoffers" who will challenge the certainty of Christ's return by denying historical precedent and divine revelation. For us today, it underscores the vital importance of holding fast to the whole counsel of God—both Old and New Testaments—as Christ-centered truth and authoritative command, not mere human ideas. It's a call to diligently immerse oneself in God's revealed Word to stand firm in faith amidst opposition and doubt.