Peter emphasizes he's not introducing new ideas, but "stirring up your sincere mind" – meaning he's waking up and reminding them of truths they already possess. It’s a gentle nudge, not a lecture, aiming to rekindle their existing faith and understanding.
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is writing this letter because he knows his time is short and he wants to remind believers of the truth concerning false teachers and the Lord's return. He's addressing the same audience he wrote to in his first letter, urging them to recall what he's already taught them so they won't be swayed by deceptive doctrines. This reminder is crucial as the scoffers Peter warns about are actively working to undermine their faith.
Ever feel like you're hearing the same message over and over? It might be God's way of keeping you sharp.
Peter's second letter isn't just a repeat; it's a strategic "stirring up" of the believers' minds. He wants to rekindle their understanding and commitment to the truth.
Why Remind?
What does it mean to have a 'sincere mind,' and why is it so precious to God?
Peter specifically mentions stirring up a "sincere mind." This isn't just about being intelligent; it's about a mind that is pure, genuine, and willing to receive God's truth.
Characteristics of a Sincere Mind:
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Peter's goal is to activate this genuine disposition within believers, ensuring they are rooted in truth.
Understand the original words
agapētos · Greek Adjective
A term of endearment used by New Testament authors to describe fellow believers, emphasizing their status as objects of God’s love and the resulting fraternal affection among Christians.
apostolos · Greek Noun
A person authorized and sent by Christ to proclaim the Gospel and establish the Church, holding foundational authority in the New Testament.
Peter's second letter is written in a climate of intense persecution and the spread of dangerous false teachings, making his call to remember sound doctrine and stand firm especially urgent.
c. AD 62-64
First Letter (1 Peter) Written
Peter writes his first epistle from Rome, likely to Christians in Asia Minor facing persecution.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Emperor Nero blames Christians, intensifying persecution against them.
c. AD 64-67
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Following the Great Fire, Nero launches a brutal campaign against Christians in Rome, setting a precedent for future Roman persecutions.
c. AD 67— this verse
Second Letter (2 Peter) Written
Peter pens his second letter, likely from Rome shortly before his martyrdom, to encourage believers amidst rising false teachings and persecution.
c. AD 67
Peter's Martyrdom
Tradition holds that the Apostle Peter is martyred in Rome, likely executed by crucifixion under Nero's orders.
This passage echoes the idea of remaining in what you were taught from the beginning, highlighting the importance of foundational truths that should continue to dwell within believers, just as Peter aims to stir up the sincere mind.
Jude 1:3Similar to Peter's letter, Jude emphasizes that he felt compelled to write to urge believers to contend for the faith, showing a shared concern for reminding and strengthening the community of God's truth.
Philippians 3:1Paul expresses a similar sentiment of joy in writing to remind the Philippians of truths they already know, demonstrating a common pastoral approach of reinforcing core beliefs to ensure spiritual stability.
Hebrews 10:32This passage speaks of remembering the difficult times the recipients have already gone through, implying that past experiences and teachings are valuable resources for present encouragement and steadfastness, much like Peter's reminder.
Peter emphasizes he's not introducing new ideas, but "stirring up your sincere mind" – meaning he's waking up and reminding them of truths they already possess. It’s a gentle nudge, not a lecture, aiming to rekindle their existing faith and understanding.
Peter is writing this letter because he knows his time is short and he wants to remind believers of the truth concerning false teachers and the Lord's return. He's addressing the same audience he wrote to in his first letter, urging them to recall what he's already taught them so they won't be swayed by deceptive doctrines. This reminder is crucial as the scoffers Peter warns about are actively working to undermine their faith.
Peter is writing this letter because he knows his time is short and he wants to remind believers of the truth concerning false teachers and the Lord's return. He's addressing the same audience he wrote to in his first letter, urging them to recall what he's already taught them so they won't be swayed by deceptive doctrines. This reminder is crucial as the scoffers Peter warns about are actively working to undermine their faith.
"This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savio…" — Peter emphasizes he's not introducing new ideas, but "stirring up your sincere mind" – meaning he's waking up and reminding them of truths they already possess. It’s a gentle nudge, not a lecture,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
