2 Peter 1:12 - Meaning and Application

The apostle says that the progress and perseverance of believers in grace and holiness made him eager to do his work as a minister of Christ. He wanted his preaching and teaching to stir them up and help them stay faithful in their duty as Christians. If ministers are careless, it is not likely that the people will be diligent. So Peter says he will not be careless at any point, in any part of his calling, with any part of his flock, but will be diligent everywhere and in everything, especially as a reminder.

This is part of the work of the best ministers, even the apostles themselves. They are the Lord’s remembrancers, as Isaiah 62:6 says. They are especially bound to speak of God’s promises and remind God’s people of his pledge to do them good. They are also the people’s remembrancers, bringing God’s commands and the teachings and duties of Christianity back to mind, so that believers remember God’s commandments and do them.

Peter says this even though some might think it unnecessary, since they already knew these things and were firm in the truth he taught. But we need to be reminded of what we already know, so we do not forget it, but instead grow in it and put it into practice. We also need to be settled in the truth, so we are not shaken by every new teaching, and especially in the truth that is most needed in our own time, the truth tied to our peace and most opposed around us.

The great truths of the gospel are always worth repeating. Jesus is the Christ. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. And all who believe in God must be careful to keep doing good works. The apostles pressed these truths in their day, and they remain faithful sayings, worthy of full acceptance in every age of the Christian church. So ministers must keep affirming them (Titus 3:8), and believers must be well taught and firmly established in them.

Even after great growth in knowledge, Christians in this life are still not above ordinances, that is, the regular means God has appointed for our good. We are not beyond the need for teaching, worship, and encouragement. If believers need instruction and exhortation while they are in the body, then it is right that ministers should, as long as they are in this earthly tent, keep instructing and urging them. Bringing old truths back to mind is a proper way to stir them up to a lively and obedient life in the gospel.

Peter also explains why he is so earnest. He knows not only that he must die, but that he must die soon and put off this tent. Our body is only the soul’s tent, a weak and temporary dwelling. It can be taken down easily, as if its stakes were pulled up and its cords were broken. And this tent must be put off. We do not stay long in this earthly house. As we take off our clothes at night and lay them aside, so at death we must put off our bodies, which then are laid in the grave until the morning of the resurrection.

The nearness of death made Peter more diligent in the work of life. The Lord Jesus had shown him that his departure was near, so he worked with greater zeal because his time was short. He would soon be taken from those to whom he wrote, and he wanted them to remember his teaching after he was gone. That is why he set his exhortation down in writing. Peter had no high view of oral tradition, because it was not the best way to achieve his purpose. He wanted them always to remember these things, and not only keep them in mind, but also speak of them, as the original words suggest.

Those who fear the Lord make mention of his name and talk about his loving-kindness. That is how the knowledge of the Lord spreads. This was Peter’s aim, and those who have the written word of God are given a means to do this well.