2 Peter 1:12-15 (NKJV) For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
V12 “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.” All true pastors and teachers will remind people from time to time. Peter writes that they do know and are established in these things (the entire Christian faith). Nevertheless, it is good to remind ourselves and others. Present truth refers to those things of the New Testament. The Greek word for “present” is (G3918) πάρειμι pareimi, which means to be near, at hand (as opposed to in hand), and present. Compare same word in Luke 13:1 (present), John 11:28 (is come), and Hebrews 13:5 (with what you have). (Wuest Word Studies): “These saints had become stabilized in the truth and were in a state of being set fast, placed firmly on it. Their knowledge of the Word and the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith were set in their thinking. As to the words, “in the present truth,” Vincent says: “namely, the truth which is present with you through the instruction of your teachers; not the truth at present under consideration.”
V13 “Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you…” The tent refers to the fleshly body that turns to compost after we die. This body is the house/tent of the real person–the soul/spirit. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:3. Time was short for Peter, and his concern was for his fellow believers to remain faithful, to remind themselves of God’s ways and beliefs, and to love Him more than anything else. So, we all, even today, read and study the Scripture and live it (Matthew 4:4).
V14 “…knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.” Peter remembers well when the Lord Jesus told Peter these words: “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”” (John 21:18-19, NKJV)
V15 “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” If it is in writing, it is permanent. God always protects His word. Here is a principle for all Christians–to care for our fellow believers. This is Peter’s motive. See John 14:16-18 (Jesus was concerned, too). See Romans 8:26-34 (the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus are still concerned for you and me). From Vincent’s Word Studies: ““He hath not left us without a rule (John 13:34); nor without an example (John 13:15); nor without a motive (John 14:15); nor without a strength (John 15:5); nor without a warning (John 15:2, John 15:6); nor without a Comforter (John 14:18); nor without a reward (John 14:2) (James Ford, “The Gospel of St. John Illustrated”).
We learn:
- To not be negligent
- To be concerned for others’ future