What does 2 Peter 3:2 mean?

Explanation

2 Peter 3:2 is an exhortation to remember the teachings of the prophets and the apostles.

It emphasizes the importance of continuity between the message of the Old Testament prophets and the teachings of the New Testament apostles.

The "words which were spoken before" refer to the prophecies of the Old Testament, whereas "the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour" pertains specifically to the instructions and doctrines given by the apostles who followed Jesus Christ.

The phrase "That ye may be mindful" is a call to the recipients of the letter to be actively conscious and considerate of the doctrinal foundation of their faith.

This mindfulness is not just about recalling facts; it implies meditating on the teachings, understanding their implications, and letting them guide one's daily life.

The verse serves as a protective reminder against false teachers and misleading doctrines that were present at the time, as Peter continues to warn his readers throughout the second chapter of his epistle.

The deeper meaning may also suggest the unity of the biblical message and the cohesiveness of God's plan through various dispensations – from the prophets who foretold the coming of a savior, to the apostles who testified that Jesus Christ is that promised savior.

Historical Context

2 Peter is traditionally ascribed to the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus Christ's closest followers.

The epistle was likely written toward the end of Peter's life, circa 64-68 AD, a period when the early Christian church was facing various challenges, including persecution, internal disputes, and the rise of false teachers and heretical movements.

The letter addresses these issues and seeks to strengthen the believers in their faith, providing moral instruction and a reminder of the teachings of both the prophets of old and the apostles of the emerging Christian church.

During this time, Christians were predominantly Jewish converts who were familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures.

Consequently, Peter's reference to the "holy prophets" would resonate with his audience’s knowledge of their heritage, while his inclusion of the apostles indicated the new revelation through Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

The verse touches on a number of theological themes:

• The continuity of Scripture: Peter affirms that the messages of the prophets and the apostles form a cohesive whole, a unified biblical revelation.
• The authority of the apostles: By placing their commandment alongside that of the holy prophets, Peter emphasizes the divine authority given to the apostles, including himself, as foundational teachers of the Christian faith.
• The second coming of Christ: 2 Peter 3 is in a larger context that discusses the coming day of the Lord.

The call to remember the words of the prophets and apostles possibly includes their teachings about the end times and the return of Christ.

From different Christian perspectives, some may focus more on the prophetic aspect, looking to see how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in the New Testament, while others might place greater emphasis on the apostolic teaching as the final revelation in the foundation of the church.

Practical Applications

The verse has several practical applications:

• It encourages Christians to engage in regular Bible study and to be well-versed in their faith's doctrines.
• Believers are exhorted to be discerning, aware of false teachings, and to test new doctrines against the established word of God delivered by the prophets and apostles.
• It reminds Christians to hold fast to the essential teachings of Christianity, such as the deity of Christ and the promise of His return.

Cross-References

• Jude 1:17 - "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
• Acts 2:42 - "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
• Ephesians 2:20 - "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
• Hebrews 1:1-2 - "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of 2 Peter 3:2 that are noteworthy includes:

• "mindful" (Greek: "μνησθῆναι" - mnēsthēnai): Meaning to remember, to be mindful of, or to recall to one's mind.
• "spoken before" (Greek: "προειρημένων" - proeirēmenōn): Meaning things said or spoken beforehand, implying an established and known message.
• "commandment" (Greek: "ἐντολḕ" - entolē): This term refers to a commandment or injunction.

In Christian context, it often refers to divine instructions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of remembering and adhering to the teachings of past leaders is not unique to Christianity.

In Judaism, there is a great emphasis on remembering the words of the Torah and the teachings of the prophets.

In Islam, too, there is an emphasis on following the Quran and the hadith of the prophet Muhammad.

What makes the Christian approach distinctive is the claim of fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ and the doctrinal emphasis on linking the Hebrew Scriptures with the New Testament's apostolic witness.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts.

However, the call to "be mindful" can be discussed in terms of cognitive psychology, which studies memory and mindfulness.

Application of psychological principles to religious studies can offer insights into how belief systems and religious practices like memorization, recitation, and meditation can affect brain function and psychological well-being.

commentaries

The interpretation of this verse by various biblical scholars and theologians may vary:

• Some commentators, like Matthew Henry, suggest that this exhortation is meant to stir up Christian believers to be established in the truth, suggesting that forgetting the divine words is a precursor to falling into error.
• Others, like John Calvin, note the importance of being vigilant against false teachers and the necessity of having the word of God as a permanent and unchangeable rule.
• Modern commentaries often reflect on the unity of the Scripture and the role of the apostles in confirming and continuing the teaching of the prophets, serving as a guard against deviation from the foundational beliefs of Christianity.