2 Peter: Faith In A Skeptical World Exemplo

(focuses especially on vv. 13–15)

If we were to ask Peter, ‘What tasks are important for faithful ministry?’, one of his answers would be ‘to refresh’ their ‘memory’ (v. 13) and to ‘remind’ (v. 12) believers of what they know about Christ. It was Peter’s hope that even after leaving them, his flock would continue to ‘always ... remember these things’ (v. 15). 

For as long as Peter lived ‘in the tent of this body’ (v. 13), which is a helpful reminder that our bodies are only a temporary dwelling, Peter’s purpose was to remind Christians of what they knew of Christ. They knew, but would they continually remember? 

If we were to ask, ‘But are not these gospel truths the mere basics of Christianity?’, I suspect Peter would shudder at our use of the word ‘mere’. It would indicate our unhealthy familiarity and complacency. Yet these must be truths unmatched in importance for us. Our eternal blessedness, and the blessedness of all who might be influenced by our fruitful witness, depends upon these beautiful truths of God’s grace and power in us. It is only false teachers who seek to move their victims on from these truths. Today, the cults and wayward churches too have buried or replaced them, perhaps by ‘progressing’ from these central truths. 

How did Peter know (in vv. 13–14) that the putting off of his body would be soon? It seems, under Nero’s cruel reign, that Peter’s circumstances were beginning to match those described by Jesus in John 21:17–19. Addressing Peter, ‘Jesus said, ‘“Very truly I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.’ According to Origen, a third-century Christian scholar, Peter felt himself unworthy to die in the same way as his Master when crucifixion awaited him, and so Peter requested to be crucified upside down. 

What is more certain, from verses 13– 15, is that the message which flowed from Peter’s lips right up until the end of his life was about Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Peter never moved on. May the same also be said for each of us! 

Reflection

Throughout Peter's lifetime, his chief purpose seems to have been testifying to the wonderful gospel of Christ. He wanted people to know, and know for certain, the things he knew. To what extent do you share Peter's purpose during your lifetime?