4. The scope and argument of the Epistle. It is the swan song of Saint Peter.
It was the intention of the Apostle, with death, or the putting off of his tabernacle, at hand, ὑπομιμνήσκειν, to put in remembrance, and διεγείρειν ἐν ὑπομνήσει, to stir up by putting in remembrance, so that they might be established ἐν τῇ παρούσῃ ἀληθείᾳ, in the present truth, 2 Peter 1:12-14.[1] Therefore, thus building upon the fullness and perfection of that present truth, or the Gospel, he exhorts to all Christian virtue, confirms them in the true faith, both by the Divine voice heard from heaven,[2] and from the Prophetic word;[3] and he, commanding them to avoid the company of those, who, erring, seducing, and being impious, attempt to draw others from the truth, threatens grievous judgment against the same,[4] and shows the approaching judgment against mockers, rejecting the coming of the Judge.[5] This is certainly the swan song of the Apostle, most sweetly breathing the ardor of the Spirit, the love of Christ, zeal for piety, martyrdom, and heavenly things.
[1] 2 Peter 1:12-14: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance (ὑμᾶς ἀεὶ ὑπομιμνήσκειν) of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth (ἐν τῇ παρούσῃ ἀληθείᾳ). Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance (διεγείρειν ὑμᾶς ἐν ὑπομνήσει); knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.” [2] 2 Peter 1:18. [3] 2 Peter 1:19-21. [4] 2 Peter 2. [5] 2 Peter 3.