Figures Friday
God bless you in the delightful name of Jesus Christ, who both cared and exerted a diligent effort on behalf of God’s people (Mark 4:35-39; John 10:10-15).
As Peter approached the end of his life, he became even more concerned about God’s Word continuing beyond his lifetime. He wanted God’s Word to always be available to God’s people. He cared about God’s Word and God’s people. But it didn’t stop there. Not only did he care, he demonstrated his love and care and concern by making diligent effort on behalf of God’s people.
II Peter 1:12-15:
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
“Negligent” is the Greek word, “ameleō”. This is a compound word which comes from “a,” a negative particle meaning “not” or “without,” and melō meaning “care.” Ameleō means “without care” or “careless.” This could be called a double negative: “not” and “not caring.” If you are “not-not caring,” then you care. This is the figure of speech antenantiosis. It uses the negative in order to express the positive in a very high degree.1 Peter’s care was not anxiety or nervousness or distracting care. It was a heartfelt love and concern for God’s people.
Because Peter cared, he resolved “to put them always in remembrance of these things.” He did this even though he knew that they already knew them and were established in the present truth. This phrase, “the present truth” in the NIV is “the truth that you now have.” “Present” means “to have arrived” or “to be at hand.” Certainly, if it has arrived, it is present. “Present,” not in the sense of time, but of location. The Word was present ― it was there.
The “present truth” is not set in opposition to a “former truth.” It simply means “the truth you now have.” What is the truth that they now had that they didn’t have before? (We will have to keep reading in the context to find out.) It was the revelation of the great mystery which was kept secret until it was revealed to Paul.
II Peter 3:15-16:
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written [that’s past tense] unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
The “present truth” to which Peter referred in chapter 1, is here identified as Paul’s epistles which was the revelation of the great mystery. Peter noted here that even at that time people were fighting the revelation of the mystery. It is still being fought today. It is Christ in each and every one of us, no difference between Jew and Gentile. God can work in every one of us to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Peter cared enough to put God’s people in remembrance.
II Peter 1:12-15:
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, [righteous, just, right.] as long as I am in this tabernacle, [“Tabernacle” refers to one’s individual body. “Temple,” in contrast, refers to the body of Christ or the Church as a whole.] to stir you up [Wake-up, arouse, and render active. How did he plan to wake them up…] by putting you in remembrance; [Verse 14 is parenthetical. It explains and emphasizes the urgency of his mindset and determination.] 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour [spoudazô, to expend a diligent effort remembering the brevity of time.] that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Peter didn’t merely care. He demonstrated his care by exerting an effort on behalf of God’s people. Of course, he had learned this from the master. Jesus Christ both cared and exerted a diligent effort on behalf of God’s people. (Mark 4:35-39; John 10:10-15). People knew that Jesus cared because he acted on their behalf. He laid down his life for his people. As members of the Body of Christ we should have that same genuine care for one another.
I Corinthians 12:18, 24b-25:
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 24 . . .God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
Peter worked diligently so God’s people would have the truth as a living reality in their lives.
II Peter 1:12-15:
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Notice the three times “remembrance” is used. That’s the goal. That’s what Peter has in mind. How does he get there? First, it starts with his care for people. We care enough to put people in remembrance of the Word and the greatness of the revelation of the mystery. Second, it is righteous, just, and right to arouse people by putting them in remembrance. People are established as we wake them up or arouse them by continuing to bring the Word to their remembrance. Thirdly, to complete it, it is more than just repeating it when it is convenient. We must seek an occasion, look for opportunities, endeavour with all our strength to expend a diligent effort remembering the brevity of time.
Peter was encouraged to put forth the effort because he knew his days were drawing short. For us the anticipation of Christ’s return provides the reality of the urgency of the times we have to put people in remembrance. It is always the right time to care enough about God, His Word, and His people to put each other in remembrance of the greatness of the Word of God and the great mystery.
Putting each other in remembrance requires that we speak to one another. Let’s desire to present words fitly spoken… words that minister grace… words that are the power of God unto salvation. What a calling we have. Although our collective Messenger For Christ Adventures are over, we are still messengers for Christ bringing God’s wonderful Word of deliverance to all who will hear.
1. Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, E. W. Bullinger, p. 160