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)
It's easy to see "predictions" and think only of future events, but Peter's emphasis here is on remembering the entire message from God's prophets and apostles. This includes God's character, His covenants, and His commands, all of which point to Christ and equip us for the present.
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 to warn believers about false teachers who mockingly question Jesus' promised return. He's urging them to recall the trustworthy words of both the Old Testament prophets and the apostles, which consistently speak of God's judgment and the day of the Lord. This remembrance serves as a vital anchor against the deceptive voices that seek to sow doubt and lead people astray.
Ever wonder if God really sees the future? The Bible says He does, and He's been sharing glimpses of it for ages. These aren't just guesses; they're divine blueprints.
The Value of Prophecy
Peter reminds us to remember the words spoken by "the holy prophets." This wasn't just about predicting events; it was about revealing God's character, His plans, and His heart for humanity throughout history. These prophecies served as a constant reminder that God was, and is, in control, even when circumstances looked bleak.
God's Consistent Voice
Think about it: God didn't just start speaking clearly with Jesus. He's been communicating His will and His promises through prophets for centuries. Remembering their words helps us see the continuity of God's message and faithfulness across different eras.
Jesus didn't leave His followers hanging. He gave them specific instructions, and those instructions carry weight even today. What does it mean to follow the commands passed down through the apostles?
The Apostles' Role
Peter then points to "the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles." This isn't about new rules for rules' sake. The apostles were Jesus' chosen witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit to faithfully transmit His teachings and His very authority to the early church.
Authority Rooted in Christ
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Their commands weren't their own; they were the Lord's. This highlights the divine authority behind the New Testament message. When we remember the apostles' teachings (found in the New Testament), we are remembering the direct commands and the loving guidance of Jesus Himself, passed on through His trusted messengers.
Understand the original words
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.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers Israel from slavery, establishing His covenant and giving the Law through Moses. This event marks the beginning of the prophetic tradition and the formation of God's chosen people.
c. 8th century BC
Ministry of Major Prophets
Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah deliver God's messages of judgment and hope to Israel and Judah, foretelling future events including the coming of the Messiah and periods of exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population. This catastrophic event fulfills many prophetic warnings and highlights the consequences of disobedience.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This period sees the work of prophets like Haggai and Zechariah, encouraging the people.
c. 400 BC
Period of Silence
Following the Old Testament prophets, there is a significant period without divinely appointed prophets in Israel, known as the 'Silent Years'. The people relied on the existing Scriptures.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus proclaims God's kingdom, performs miracles, and teaches His disciples. His death and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and His ascension marks the beginning of the Church Age.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Writing of 2 Peter
Peter writes his second letter, likely from Rome, to encourage believers facing persecution and false teachings. He urges them to remember the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets and the teachings of the apostles, grounded in Christ's commands.
Peter echoes the idea that the Old Testament prophets foretold the coming salvation, guiding us to see the continuity of God's message through both covenants.
Jude 1:17-19Jude warns believers about scoffers who disregard the apostles' teachings, reinforcing Peter's call to remember and hold fast to the apostolic message.
Acts 2:42This verse describes the early church devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, highlighting the vital importance of the message Peter urges believers to recall.
Deuteronomy 18:18-19This Old Testament passage foreshadows a prophet like Moses, which connects to Peter's reminder of the divine authority behind the prophets' predictions.
It's easy to see "predictions" and think only of future events, but Peter's emphasis here is on remembering the entire message from God's prophets and apostles. This includes God's character, His covenants, and His commands, all of which point to Christ and equip us for the present.
Peter is writing to warn believers about false teachers who mockingly question Jesus' promised return. He's urging them to recall the trustworthy words of both the Old Testament prophets and the apostles, which consistently speak of God's judgment and the day of the Lord. This remembrance serves as a vital anchor against the deceptive voices that seek to sow doubt and lead people astray.
Peter is writing to warn believers about false teachers who mockingly question Jesus' promised return. He's urging them to recall the trustworthy words of both the Old Testament prophets and the apostles, which consistently speak of God's judgment and the day of the Lord. This remembrance serves as a vital anchor against the deceptive voices that seek to sow doubt and lead people astray.
"that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles," — It's easy to see "predictions" and think only of future events, but Peter's emphasis here is on remembering the entire message from God's prophets and apostles. This includes God's character, His c…
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Last reviewed October 2026