What does 2 Peter 1:15 mean by "always have a reminder of these things"? Definition of the Phrase In 2 Peter 1:15 the apostle writes, “And I will make every effort for you to always have a reminder of these things even after my departure.” The clause “always have a reminder” (Greek: πάντοτε ἔχειν ὑμᾶς τὴν τούτων μνήμην) expresses Peter’s determined plan to leave behind a permanent, reliable means by which believers can continually recall the truths he has just rehearsed. Immediate Literary Context (2 Peter 1:12-15) Verses 12-15 form a single unit that functions like a last will and testament. Peter twice mentions his intention “to remind” (ὑπομιμνῄσκειν, vv. 12-13) and announces his impending death (v. 14; cf. John 21:18-19). The purpose clause in v. 15 shows the climax of the section: preservation of apostolic teaching so that, in Peter’s absence, the church may still rehearse and live by “these things.” Historical Setting and Peter’s Imminent Martyrdom Early extra-biblical sources (e.g., 1 Clement 5, ca. AD 95) affirm Peter’s martyrdom in Rome under Nero (c. AD 64-67). Knowing his “tent” will soon be “laid aside,” he writes to safeguard the gospel from the rising threat of false teachers (2 Peter 2). The letter itself, therefore, becomes the concrete “reminder” he promises. P72 (3rd/4th c.) and Codex Sinaiticus (4th c.) witness to its early circulation, supporting the authenticity of Peter’s final written legacy. The Content of “These Things” 1. The divine provision of everything for life and godliness (1:3). 2. The great and precious promises granting believers participation in the divine nature (1:4). 3. The sevenfold ladder of virtues—faith, excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, love (1:5-7). 4. Assurance of calling and election through practice of those virtues (1:8-11). 5. Ultimately the gospel grounded in the historical resurrection of Christ (1:16-18). Thus “these things” encompass both doctrinal foundations (Christ’s power and coming) and ethical imperatives (sanctification). Old Testament Pattern of Memorials • Exodus 12:14 – Passover as “a memorial.” • Numbers 10:10 – Trumpets sounded “for your remembrance before your God.” • Joshua 4 – Twelve stones at the Jordan to provoke future questions and answers. Peter, steeped in this Jewish memory-theology, imitates Moses and Joshua by leaving a written monument. New Testament Pattern of Reminders Paul employs similar language: “Remind them of these things” (2 Timothy 2:14). Jude echoes Peter’s concern (Jude 17). The Lord’s Supper itself is commanded “in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). The pattern is apostolic: verbal teaching crystallizes into written Scripture for continual recollection. Reliability of the Written Testimony 2 Peter belongs to the corpus recognized in early canons such as the Muratorian Fragment (late 2nd c.) and cited by Origen (Hom. in Joshua 7.1). Over 100 Greek manuscripts reproduce the epistle with remarkable uniformity; textual variants do not affect the sense of 1:15. The coherence of the manuscript tradition guarantees that the “reminder” Peter intended is the reminder believers still read today. Implications for Canon Formation Peter’s intention anticipates the close of the apostolic era. As eyewitnesses die, written documents become the Spirit-inspired repository of faith (cf. John 20:31). The church’s later recognition of a New Testament canon fulfills Peter’s purpose: every generation can “always have” an unchanging reminder. Practical Application • Read – Scripture is the God-ordained memorial; engage it daily. • Rehearse – Catechize family and church in the virtues of 1:5-7. • Recall – Use ordinances (Lord’s Supper, baptism) as living reminders. • Resist – False teaching thrives where the apostolic reminder is neglected (2 Peter 2:1). Conclusion When Peter pledges to ensure believers “always have a reminder of these things,” he vows to leave an enduring written witness that anchors doctrine and life after his death. That promise is kept every time the church opens 2 Peter and the rest of Scripture, rehearsing the glory of Christ, cultivating virtue, and awaiting the coming kingdom. |
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