2 Peter 3:2: That You Should Remember The Predictions Of The Holy Prophets And The Commandment Of The Lord And Savior Through Your Apostles.

2 Peter 3:2

[2] That you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, (ESV)

Peter is reminding his readers of the the words given by prophets and apostles. These words are in contrast to the false words given by the false teachers whom he has been speaking against in the previous chapter. Where the people gained their information was important. God has always spoken through men and women appointed by him to deliver truth. The false teachers were imposters.

Peter mentions the predictions of the holy prophets. The false teachers would have used Scripture as something to be twisted to accommodate their own sinful behaviors. Much of what God's prophets spoke of in the Old Testament had to do with a pronouncement of God's judgment on his people for following after false teaching and immorality.

In addition to the holy prophets speaking of coming judgment, they were also speaking of Christ's advent. Not only did they predict his first coming, but there were also predictions of Christ's second advent. This will speak directly to the false teachers denial of the second coming of Jesus. Peter rightly reminds us to take seriously the predictions of the holy prophets.

The apostles, in the New Testament, did not deny or contradict the words of the holy prophets in the Old Testament. Rather, they also predicted the coming of the Savior. We are all to remember what the prophets said, and also what the apostles taught. Ephesians 2:20 tells us that the church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."

We should consider the source that we listen to. Apostles and prophets have been given to us to declare the truth of God.  As you read their words, be encouraged.