Analytical Exposition of Peters Epistles, Letter 2 · Chapter 1 · Verse 12-15
Verse 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be stablished in the present truth.
Verse 13. Yea, I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stirre you up, by putting you in remembrance:
Verse 14. Knowing that shortly, I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me.
Verse 15. Moreover, I will endeavour, that you may be able after my decease, to have these things alwayes in rem…mbrance.
The Analysis.
IN the former words the Apostle had given a reason of his exhortation, why all the faithfull should imbrace it: and in these words he gives a reason of the same, why he should use it unto them; which reason he delivers by way of anticipation, whereby he meets with a close objection by a kinde of modest excuse, or by removing the cause which they might suspect, why he should put them in remembrance of these things, namely, because he did think they were ignorant and unstable. Now he shewes that this was not the cause, in these words, though ye know them, and be stablished in the present truth. And then he brings divers true causes that moved him to make this exhortation unto them. 1. The great profit that would redound unto them by the performance of these duties whereunto he exhorts them. This reason is intimated in that causall particle, whereby he joynes these words with the former, wherefore, that is, for those benefits sake which you shall receive by this meanes, I thought it my part to put you in remembrance of these things after this manner. 2. The second reason, which depends upon the former, is the desire and care that he had to further their good; this is intimated in these words, I will not be negligent. 3. The third reason is t… ken from the duty of the Apostle, because justice and equity required this of him, in these words, I think it meet. 4. The fourth reason is taken from the opportunity of time, which he had now, and was not long to continue; that he had it now, he shewes in these words, as long as I am in this tabernacle; that it was not long to continue, in these words, Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, which he confirmes by the testimony of Jesus Christ. 5. The fifth reason is taken from the fruit which this exhortation might bring forth; which is set forth by the adjunct of time, that it would be profitable unto them, not only while Peter lived, but also after his death, after my decease to have these things alwayes in remembrance, verse 15.
The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doct. 1. In our exhortations and admonitions, we must not only looke unto it, that that which we say be just and right, but also that we speak it with a right minde and good intention, and that it may so appeare also unto those with whom we have to do.
This is gathered from the scope of this text.
Reason 1. The first reason is taken from our duty; for that which is good in it selfe, becomes evill unto us, and our duty is turned into sinne, unlesse quod bonum est bene agamus, we do that which is good after a good and right manner: as if a man out of anger, hatred, envie, or a desire to disgrace him, or pride, should tell his neighbour of any vice, or stirre him up to do his duty.
2. From the profit of our neighbour, or the benefit of our admonition and exhortation. For it depends oftentimes upon the mind or manner of doing it, which is chiefly looked unto in such like duties; so that they do either make way for our neighbours receiving it, or cast an obstacle in the way to hinder him from receiving it.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that never exhort others but for revenge sake, when there is some contention and strife betwixt them; and then they please themselves most in reprooving other mens vices, when they should not, and when they should, they are altogether silent.
Doct. 2. We must put our neighbours in remembrance of those things which make most for their good.
This is gathered from that particle, Wherefore.
Reason. Because admonition and exhortation are according to their nature, workes of charity, and tend unto the good of our neighbour: therefore we should use it most unto those from whom we may expect most good.
Vse 1. This may serve to reprove those, who, if their neighbours do any thing unseemely or uncivilly, or to the losse of their honour, or some outward profit, do presently take notice of it in them; but never looke after those things that doe most pertaine to the kingdome of God: those things indeed should not be neglected, but these things should chiefly be looked after.
2. To exhort us, in those things which pertaine to the kingdome of God, and the salvation of soules, to have an especiall care of our duty towards our neighbour. Hitherto belongs that which Peter saith, that he would not be negligent, that is, that he would never lay aside the care of these things: which although it did in a speciall manner pertaine to the duty of Peter, an Apostle, and other Ministers of the word, yet it is proportionably to be extended to the common duty of all Christians, because the reasons which strengthen it, are for the most part common.
Doct. 3. In justice and equity we are bound to put one an… ther in remembrance.
This is gathered from these words, I think it meet: for although it doth not pertain unto that particular justice, which consists in the equality of the thing received and repayed, yet it is called justice, because it hath as strong an obligation, as any thing that is due by justice, Rom. 1. 14.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those that account it a sinne to be negligent in paying debts, but make no account of the neglect of this duty.
Doct. 4. They that are learned and also stablished in the truth, do yet stand in need of admonitions and exhortations.
This is gathered from these words, though ye know them and be stablished in the present truth.
Reason 1. Because they are not so learned and stablished, but that they may be yet farther instructed and stablished.
2. Because if they had all knowledge and also faith, yet their will and affections must be by these meanes stirred up unto their duty. For our will is like unto a slow and dull servant, to whom it is not enough once to heare the commands of his master, but they must be often told him. Then againe, if they had not only all knowledge and saith, but also a most ready will and affections, yet because they are continually assaulted by temptations, they have need on the other side of continuall remembrances and puttings in mind, to strengthen them. The speech of the Captaine and the sound of the Trumpet, and such like excitements, do put some courage even into the most valiant souldiers.
Vse 1. This may serve to reprove the pride of those men, that put such confidence in themselves in their own knowledge and faith, that they do utterly contemne such kinde of helpes.
2. To exhort all to be constant and diligent in the hearing of Sermons. For if there be any that abound in knowledge, and perhaps exceed the Preacher himselfe, so that they cannot be taught any more by him, yet they may be stirred up by admonitions and exhortations, and in that respect they should alwayes be present there; but much more should they, that are not yet learned and stablished in the truth.
3. To direct, as well the Preachers as the hearers, not only to teach the truth, but also to bring a word of exhortation alwayes, that is, to apply it to the use of the truth which they deliver, and then the hearers, to come unto Sermons, not as being greedy of novelty or speculation, but being prepared before hand and ready to receive exhortations and admonitions, and to turne them into practise.
Doct. 5. We must take hold of the opportunity of time, which we have, diligently to exercise such Christian duties.
This is gathered from these words, As long as I am in this tabernacle. So Gal. 6. 10. John 9. 4. & 12. 35.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to deferre or put off the time of our repentance and obedience, 2 Cor. 6. 2. Psal. 95. 7, 8.
Doct. 6. The neerer we come to the end of our life, the more diligent should we be in Christian duties.
This is gathered from the words following, Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, alwayes to be diligent, for as much as we are never farre from putting off this our tabernacle; for although we are not expresly told, as Peter was, how soone this shall be, yet we are told that it shall not be long; and it may happen sooner unto us, then it did unto Peter, who wrote this Epistle.
Doct. 7. We should labour in our life, that some fruit of our life may remaine in the Church after our death.
This is gathered from verse 15. We cannot all profit the Church by our writings, as Peter did, but yet through Gods grace we may either by some other workes, or at least by our good example leave some sweet smelling favour behinde us, that may be pleasing and accepta…e unto those that remaine.
Vse 1. This may serve to condemne those, that live so corruptly and wickedly, that even after their death they are a scandall and offence unto those that knew them.
2. To exhort us, (and to comfort our selves in it,) to carry and behave our selves piously and holily while we live, because Gods glory is thereby advanced, not only while we live, but also after our decease.