2 Peter 1:12
Verse
Context
Partakers of the Divine Nature
11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.12Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. 13I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body,
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
James K. BoswellFrank Knox
From the Pulpit & Classic SermonsFrom the Pulpit & Classic Sermons
John Gill
C.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore I will not be negligent - He had already written one epistle, this is the second; and probably he meditated more should he be spared. He plainly saw that there was no way of entering into eternal life but that which he described from the 5th to the 10th verse; and although they knew and were established in the present truth, yet he saw it necessary to bring these things frequently to their recollection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--as these graces are so necessary to your abundant entrance into Christ's kingdom (Pe2 1:10-11). I will not be negligent--The oldest manuscripts read, "I will be about always to put you in remembrance" (an accumulated future: I will regard you as always needing to be reminded): compare "I will endeavor," Pe2 1:15. "I will be sure always to remind you" [ALFORD]. "Always"; implying the reason why he writes the second Epistle so soon after the first. He feels there is likely to be more and more need of admonition on account of the increasing corruption (Pe2 2:1-2). in the present truth--the Gospel truth now present with you: formerly promised to Old Testament believers as about to be, now in the New Testament actually present with, and in, believers, so that they are "established" in it as a "present" reality. Its importance renders frequent monitions never superfluous: compare Paul's similar apology, Rom 15:14-15.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore I will not be negligent,.... The apostle having made use of proper arguments to excite the saints he writes to regard the exhortation he had given, to the diligent exercise of grace, and discharge of duty, proceeds to give the reasons of his own conduct, why he gave such an exhortation to them, and pressed it, and continued to do so, and determined for the future to go on with it, as particularly the usefulness and profitableness of it; and therefore, seeing it would be attended with so many advantages before mentioned, he was resolved that he would not be careless, nor omit any opportunity that should offer: to put you always in remembrance of these things; of the exercise of the above graces, and the performance of the above duties, which saints are too apt to forget, and therefore should be reminded of; and it is the duty and business of the ministers of the word frequently to inculcate those things: though ye know them, and be established in the present truth; for those that know the most, know but in part; and may have their knowledge increased; and those that are the most established in the truths of the Gospel, may be confirmed yet more and more. This the apostle mentions as an apology for himself, and to prevent an objection that might be made, as if he had suggested that they were ignorant and unstable; or which might insinuate that there was no necessity of such frequent putting in remembrance; since they were both knowing and stable: by "the present truth" may be meant, either the whole scheme of the Gospel, which was now come by Christ, in opposition to the exhibition of it under the former dispensation, by promise and type; and it being so called, shows that it is always now, and new; that there will be no alteration in it, nor addition to it, it being like the author of it, the same yesterday, today, and for ever, and will not give place to another scheme of things; or else the particular truth of the coming of Christ, either to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, or to judge the world in righteousness, and introduce his own people into the new heavens, and new earth, Pe2 3:1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. The importance and advantage of progress and perseverance in grace and holiness made the apostle to be very diligent in doing the work of a minister of Christ, that he might thereby excite and assist them to be diligent in the duty of Christians. If ministers be negligent in their work, it can hardly be expected that the people will be diligent in theirs; therefore Peter will not be negligent (that is, at no time or place, in no part of his work, to no part of his charge), but will be exemplarily and universally diligent, and that in the work of a remembrancer. This is the office of the best ministers, even the apostles themselves; they are the Lord's remembrancers (Isa 62:6); they are especially bound to make mention of the promises, and put God in mind of his engagements to do good to his people; and they are the people's remembrancers, making mention of God's precepts, and putting them in mind of the doctrines and duties of Christianity, that they may remember God's commandments, to do them. And this the apostle does, though some persons might think it needless, inasmuch as they already knew those thing that he writes about, and were established in the very truth that he insists upon. Observe, 1. We need to be put in mind of what we already know to prevent our forgetting it, and to improve our knowledge, and reduce all to practice. 2. We must be established in the belief of the truth, that we may not be shaken by every wind of doctrine, and especially in that which is the present truth, the truth more peculiarly necessary for us to know in our day, that which belongs to our peace, and which is more especially opposed in our time. The great doctrines of the gospel, that Jesus is the Christ, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, and all that believe in God must be careful to maintain good works - these are truths the apostles insisted on in their day; these are faithful sayings, and worthy of all acceptation in every age of the Christian church. And, as these must be constantly affirmed by ministers (Tit 3:8), so the people are to be well instructed and established therein, and yet must, after all their attainments in knowledge, be put in mind of such things as cannot be too clearly known nor too firmly believed. The most advanced Christians cannot, while in this world, be above ordinances, nor beyond the need of those means which God has appointed and does afford. And, if the people need teaching and exhortation while they are in the body, it is very meet and just that ministers should, as long as they are in this tabernacle, instruct and exhort them, and bring those truths to their remembrance that they have formerly heard, this being a proper means to stir them up to be diligent and lively in a course of gospel-obedience. II. The apostle, being set upon the work, tells us (Pe2 1:14) what makes him earnest in this matter, even the knowledge he had, not only that he must certainly, but also that he must shortly, put off this tabernacle. Observe, 1. The body is but the tabernacle of the soul. It is a mean and movable structure, whose stakes can be easily removed, and its cords presently broken. 2. This tabernacle must be put off. We are not to continue long in this earthly house. AS at night we put off our clothes, and lay them by, so at death we must put off our bodies, and they musts be laid up in the grave till the morning of the resurrection. 3. The nearness of death makes the apostle diligent in the business of life. Our Lord Jesus had shown him that the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore he bestirs himself with greater zeal and diligence, because the time is short. He must soon be removed from those to whom he wrote; and his ambition being that they should remember the doctrine he had delivered to them, after he himself was taken away from them, he commits his exhortation to writing. The apostle had not any great opinion of oral tradition. This was not so proper a means to reach the end he was in pursuit of. He would have them always to remember these things, and not only to keep them in mind, but also to make mention of them, as the original words import. Those who fear the Lord make mention of his name, and talk of his loving-kindness. This is the way to spread the knowledge of the Lord and this the apostle had at heart: and those who have the written word of God are thereby put into a capacity to do this.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-15 Peter was writing at the end of his life, and 2 Peter is similar to works that belong to a popular Jewish genre called the testament, in which an old and respected leader gives final instructions to his children or others on his deathbed (cp. Deut 31–33; Josh 24). This genre is especially well known from a Jewish work called The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
2 Peter 1:12
Partakers of the Divine Nature
11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.12Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. 13I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Men Like Noah
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K1:14:52NoahGEN 6:5PSA 139:13JER 9:1MAT 6:33GAL 2:202PE 1:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the negative impact of television on families, referring to it as the "life support" of most homes. He shares a story of a woman at a funeral who reveals that her children have a bad habit of watching TV late into the night. The speaker then criticizes the American way of evangelizing, emphasizing the need for genuine compassion and love in reaching out to others. He concludes by referencing the biblical story of Noah and the Ark, highlighting the importance of diligently preparing for the coming judgment.
Studies in Psalm 16:-07
By James K. Boswell93847:42PSA 16:1PSA 16:3MAT 28:19ROM 12:11CO 6:192PE 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel and not just hearing it repeatedly. He urges Christians to be proactive in sharing the message of God and not just passively attending church. The preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to have a genuine concern for others and to actively help those in need. He also highlights the importance of having a transformative mindset and not conforming to the ways of the world, but instead seeking to understand and fulfill the will of God. The sermon references various Bible verses, including John 3:16 and Romans 12:2, to support these teachings.
God's People
By Frank Knox77222:471SA 30:1MAT 6:33MAT 24:352PE 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God to children. He encourages teachers to love, pray, and live with their students, guiding them towards salvation. The speaker also advises against introducing new songs or ideas, instead focusing on the timeless truths of the Bible. He shares a personal story of five of his students who went on to become preachers and emphasizes the need to encourage oneself in the Lord. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize the salvation of children and the joy of seeing them grow in their faith.
Discipline Pt. 1 - George Verwer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons46038:15RadioGEN 6:5DEU 6:5ECC 12:1PHP 4:81TI 4:152TI 2:152PE 1:12In this sermon, George Verwer discusses the concept of self-discipline and how it goes against our human nature. He emphasizes the need for discipline in our speech, highlighting the tendency for Americans to talk a lot about nothing. Verwer also mentions the importance of not letting our imaginations create exaggerated fears or expectations, but rather relying on God for true blessings. He concludes by reminding listeners of the commandment to love God and others, and the need to remember and think with God.
Discipline - George Verwer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons43038:27RadioDEU 6:5ECC 12:1MAT 22:391TH 4:92TI 2:15JAS 1:52PE 1:12In this sermon, George Verwer discusses the importance of discipline in the life of a disciple. He acknowledges that self-discipline goes against our human nature and is often met with resistance. Verwer emphasizes the need to fill our minds with good and pure things, rather than leaving them empty and susceptible to negative influences. He also highlights the importance of discipline in our speech, cautioning against talking excessively about trivial matters. Verwer references James chapter 3 to support his points on the discipline of the tongue.
2 Peter 1:12
By John Gill0RemembranceDiligence in FaithHEB 10:242PE 1:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of continual reminders in the Christian faith, as the Apostle Peter expresses his commitment to keep the believers aware of their duties and the exercise of grace. He acknowledges that even those who are knowledgeable and established in their faith can benefit from regular reminders of the truths of the Gospel. Gill highlights that the 'present truth' refers to the unchanging nature of the Gospel and the significance of Christ's return, urging ministers to diligently teach and reinforce these truths to prevent complacency among believers.
This Do in Remembrance of Me
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual FocusRemembrancePSA 103:2ISA 53:5MAT 6:33LUK 22:19JHN 15:131CO 11:24PHP 4:8COL 3:2HEB 2:12PE 1:12C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the alarming tendency of Christians to forget Christ, despite His profound love and sacrifice for humanity. He laments that, although believers have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, they often allow worldly distractions to overshadow their memories of Him. Spurgeon calls for a conscious effort to remember Christ, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with Him over earthly concerns. He highlights the need for a 'heavenly forget-me-not' to keep Jesus at the forefront of their hearts and minds. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to reflect on their own forgetfulness and to renew their commitment to remembering the Savior.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore I will not be negligent - He had already written one epistle, this is the second; and probably he meditated more should he be spared. He plainly saw that there was no way of entering into eternal life but that which he described from the 5th to the 10th verse; and although they knew and were established in the present truth, yet he saw it necessary to bring these things frequently to their recollection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--as these graces are so necessary to your abundant entrance into Christ's kingdom (Pe2 1:10-11). I will not be negligent--The oldest manuscripts read, "I will be about always to put you in remembrance" (an accumulated future: I will regard you as always needing to be reminded): compare "I will endeavor," Pe2 1:15. "I will be sure always to remind you" [ALFORD]. "Always"; implying the reason why he writes the second Epistle so soon after the first. He feels there is likely to be more and more need of admonition on account of the increasing corruption (Pe2 2:1-2). in the present truth--the Gospel truth now present with you: formerly promised to Old Testament believers as about to be, now in the New Testament actually present with, and in, believers, so that they are "established" in it as a "present" reality. Its importance renders frequent monitions never superfluous: compare Paul's similar apology, Rom 15:14-15.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore I will not be negligent,.... The apostle having made use of proper arguments to excite the saints he writes to regard the exhortation he had given, to the diligent exercise of grace, and discharge of duty, proceeds to give the reasons of his own conduct, why he gave such an exhortation to them, and pressed it, and continued to do so, and determined for the future to go on with it, as particularly the usefulness and profitableness of it; and therefore, seeing it would be attended with so many advantages before mentioned, he was resolved that he would not be careless, nor omit any opportunity that should offer: to put you always in remembrance of these things; of the exercise of the above graces, and the performance of the above duties, which saints are too apt to forget, and therefore should be reminded of; and it is the duty and business of the ministers of the word frequently to inculcate those things: though ye know them, and be established in the present truth; for those that know the most, know but in part; and may have their knowledge increased; and those that are the most established in the truths of the Gospel, may be confirmed yet more and more. This the apostle mentions as an apology for himself, and to prevent an objection that might be made, as if he had suggested that they were ignorant and unstable; or which might insinuate that there was no necessity of such frequent putting in remembrance; since they were both knowing and stable: by "the present truth" may be meant, either the whole scheme of the Gospel, which was now come by Christ, in opposition to the exhibition of it under the former dispensation, by promise and type; and it being so called, shows that it is always now, and new; that there will be no alteration in it, nor addition to it, it being like the author of it, the same yesterday, today, and for ever, and will not give place to another scheme of things; or else the particular truth of the coming of Christ, either to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, or to judge the world in righteousness, and introduce his own people into the new heavens, and new earth, Pe2 3:1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. The importance and advantage of progress and perseverance in grace and holiness made the apostle to be very diligent in doing the work of a minister of Christ, that he might thereby excite and assist them to be diligent in the duty of Christians. If ministers be negligent in their work, it can hardly be expected that the people will be diligent in theirs; therefore Peter will not be negligent (that is, at no time or place, in no part of his work, to no part of his charge), but will be exemplarily and universally diligent, and that in the work of a remembrancer. This is the office of the best ministers, even the apostles themselves; they are the Lord's remembrancers (Isa 62:6); they are especially bound to make mention of the promises, and put God in mind of his engagements to do good to his people; and they are the people's remembrancers, making mention of God's precepts, and putting them in mind of the doctrines and duties of Christianity, that they may remember God's commandments, to do them. And this the apostle does, though some persons might think it needless, inasmuch as they already knew those thing that he writes about, and were established in the very truth that he insists upon. Observe, 1. We need to be put in mind of what we already know to prevent our forgetting it, and to improve our knowledge, and reduce all to practice. 2. We must be established in the belief of the truth, that we may not be shaken by every wind of doctrine, and especially in that which is the present truth, the truth more peculiarly necessary for us to know in our day, that which belongs to our peace, and which is more especially opposed in our time. The great doctrines of the gospel, that Jesus is the Christ, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, and all that believe in God must be careful to maintain good works - these are truths the apostles insisted on in their day; these are faithful sayings, and worthy of all acceptation in every age of the Christian church. And, as these must be constantly affirmed by ministers (Tit 3:8), so the people are to be well instructed and established therein, and yet must, after all their attainments in knowledge, be put in mind of such things as cannot be too clearly known nor too firmly believed. The most advanced Christians cannot, while in this world, be above ordinances, nor beyond the need of those means which God has appointed and does afford. And, if the people need teaching and exhortation while they are in the body, it is very meet and just that ministers should, as long as they are in this tabernacle, instruct and exhort them, and bring those truths to their remembrance that they have formerly heard, this being a proper means to stir them up to be diligent and lively in a course of gospel-obedience. II. The apostle, being set upon the work, tells us (Pe2 1:14) what makes him earnest in this matter, even the knowledge he had, not only that he must certainly, but also that he must shortly, put off this tabernacle. Observe, 1. The body is but the tabernacle of the soul. It is a mean and movable structure, whose stakes can be easily removed, and its cords presently broken. 2. This tabernacle must be put off. We are not to continue long in this earthly house. AS at night we put off our clothes, and lay them by, so at death we must put off our bodies, and they musts be laid up in the grave till the morning of the resurrection. 3. The nearness of death makes the apostle diligent in the business of life. Our Lord Jesus had shown him that the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore he bestirs himself with greater zeal and diligence, because the time is short. He must soon be removed from those to whom he wrote; and his ambition being that they should remember the doctrine he had delivered to them, after he himself was taken away from them, he commits his exhortation to writing. The apostle had not any great opinion of oral tradition. This was not so proper a means to reach the end he was in pursuit of. He would have them always to remember these things, and not only to keep them in mind, but also to make mention of them, as the original words import. Those who fear the Lord make mention of his name, and talk of his loving-kindness. This is the way to spread the knowledge of the Lord and this the apostle had at heart: and those who have the written word of God are thereby put into a capacity to do this.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-15 Peter was writing at the end of his life, and 2 Peter is similar to works that belong to a popular Jewish genre called the testament, in which an old and respected leader gives final instructions to his children or others on his deathbed (cp. Deut 31–33; Josh 24). This genre is especially well known from a Jewish work called The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.