Four Exhortations to the “Beloved” (1)—Be Mindful - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.
2 Peter 3:1-2

Four Exhortations to the "Beloved" (1)—Be Mindful
Second Peter 3 contains Peter's very last words to the saints. He had already told them that he would soon be martyred (1:14; cf. Jn. 21:18). Four times in this chapter the apostle addresses the saints with the title of endearment, "Beloved" (vv. 1, 8, 14, 17). Seeing this, it would be very profitable for us to consider these final words of the Lord's servant.

Peter gives his purpose statement here: "I now write to you this second epistle" as a reminder. He wanted the "beloved" to be "mindful." This is a recurring theme in the epistle; it is important for us to remember the things we have heard (see 1:12, 13, 15). They had heard the words of the prophets and of the Lord Jesus, yet they needed a reminder. The early Christians did not have personal copies of the Bible, so it was important for them to remember; but it is still important for us who have the Bible. The tendency is to grow complacent, neglectful, or dull to things, even by our very familiarity with them—we need to be stirred up regarding them (1:13).

Peter desired the beloved to remember that "scoffers will come in the last days," who would mock the idea of the second coming of Christ (v. 3). We are now living in those days. How common it is that people say, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (v. 4). Our own hearts, although not scoffing, can grow cold and dull to this truth. The world can cause our spirit to become jaded at times. Beloved, we need to remember our blessed hope!

Brian Reynolds