DEATH OF THE APOSTLE PETER

Many if not most of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ suffered martyrdom for their faith. However, the death of the Apostle Peter is the only one of the twelve where our Lord Jesus foretold Peter by what type death he would die. At least one historical account describes his death upon a cross and perhaps even upside down. Is this what Jesus said would happen to him? We begin our review of this event by looking in the New Testament Gospel of John which was written by the Apostle John - - -

John 21
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were YOUNGER, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are OLD, you will Stretch Out Your Hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."
19 This He spoke, signifying by what DEATH he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."

The phrase "Stretch Out Your Hands" signifies his appeal for assistance in girding himself. This has nothing to do with stretching out his hands on a Roman Cross. Jesus is making a contrast between the days of Peter's youth when he was fully capable of taking care of himself and the days of Peter's old age when he will require assistance in daily living. When the Apostle Peter grows old, he will no longer have the ability to care for himself. An "Assisted-Living Senior Care Center" is in view here.

The idea that "Stretch Out Your Hands" refers to a Roman cross is foreign to Bible language. It appears that this idea has been biased from one or more historical accounts. Peter will ultimately die as an old man due to complications from old age. A natural death is in view here. Doesn't appear to be much GLORY associated with this type of death, however, Jesus our Lord is saying that when this event occurs, it WILL GLORIFY GOD. What Glory could possibly be associated with dying from old age or natural causes? The Apostle Paul answers that for us - - -

Romans 8
36 As it is written:
" For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
37 Yet in all these things (EVEN DEATH) we are more than conquerors through HIM (JESUS) who loved us.

After reading the above prophecy that our Lord gave concerning the Apostle Peter's death, the conclusion is certain that he died of Old Age. A nursing home scenario is in view here where a little old man in a wheel chair, so to speak, can no longer care for himself, but requires the aid of others to care for him. Peter makes mention of his impending death in the following:

II Peter 2 (Peter's Approaching Death)
12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.
13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,
14 knowing that shortly I must PUT OFF MY TENT (die), just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.
15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

Peter is giving his "Last Will and Testament" so to speak. He is here reminding the saints to remember the words which he has recorded for us in I and II Peter which have been divinely inspired by the Spirit of God.

Peter's reference to "his Tent" speaks of the temporary dwelling that he has while on earth in a living human body. As a temporary resident on earth who dwells in a tent, he regards himself and other believers as "PILGRIMS". . .

I Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the PILGRIMS of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

I Peter 2:11
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and PILGRIMS, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

Notice what our Lord Jesus himself said about His own impending death:

John 3
13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man BE LIFTED UP,
15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

The phrase "LIFTED UP" refers to death on a (Gentile) Roman Cross as opposed to death by stoning which was a Jewish custom. Jesus clarifies this for us - - -

John 12
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
32 And I (Jesus), if I am LIFTED UP from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
33 This He said, signifying by what DEATH He would die.

Our Lord's Death on a Roman Cross is being described in the following - - -

John 18
31 Then Pilate said to them, "You take Him and judge Him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not Lawful for Us (Jews) to put Anyone to Death,"
32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, Signifying by WHAT DEATH He would DIE.
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"

The Jews under Roman rule were stripped of the ability to render and execute judgment via the Death Penalty. Only the Romans could do that at this particular time in Israel. The death of Stephen by stoning (recorded for us in the book of Acts) at the hand of the Jews was a case of Murder. Stephen was awarded no Trial judgment before the Jewish council. Even if Stephen had been tried by the Jews and found guilty and sentenced to Death, it would have been necessary (lawful) for the Romans to grant permission for the execution.

The verses in the gospel of John regarding the Lord Jesus refer to death by crucifixion. The phrase "Lifted Up" refers specifically to just such a Death on a Roman Cross. If it is unclear from the above passages about "Death on a Cross", then the following New Testament verses clarify what type of death our Lord died - - -

Philippians 2
7 but made Himself (Jesus) of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the DEATH of the CROSS.
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,

Hebrews 12
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him ENDURED THE CROSS, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

If Peter was to die in a similar fashion as our Lord Jesus on a Roman cross, our Lord would have made reference to Peter's being "Lifted Up", but he did not. So why is it important to know that our Apostle Peter died of old age?

It is important to know this, because it signifies that dying of Old Age also gives GLORY to God. We all desire to live to a ripe old age, but just as important, we desire to do so gracefully and without being a burden to anyone else. Having someone attend to our necessities in our time of Old Age is humbling, humiliating, and deplorable - a situation we would rather avoid.

When our Lord Jesus returns from Heaven and we are transformed into his glorious image in our resurrected bodies, then it will become evident of the Victory that our Lord obtained for us. Secondly, it gives encouragement to know that for some Christians, death in old age is appointed. It can be considered that Our Lord is saying the same thing to our senior citizen saints who will undergo the same situation - - - "This He spoke, signifying by what death he (YOU) would (WILL) glorify God."

2 Cor 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing (decaying, growing old), yet the inward man is being renewed day by day

The toll that Sin takes on aging human bodies results in sickness, disease, weakness, and frailty. The effects of Old Age are generally suffering, shame and dishonor if we live long enough. The Apostle Peter was Appointed by our Lord Jesus to this type of death as opposed to Crucifixion on a Roman cross. He would suffer such consequences and undergo Death from Old Age, as countless other Christians today Are and Will be Appointed.

So where is the Glory in death from Old Age?

1 Corinthians 15
41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in CORRUPTION, it is raised in INCORRUPTION.
43 It is sown in DISHONOR, it is raised in GLORY. It is sown in WEAKNESS, it is raised in POWER.
44 It is sown a NATURAL body, it is raised a SPIRITUAL body.

The bad news. . . Death is an awful thing and is the result of sin which we inherited from our forefather (Adam). A dead decaying body is the epitome of corruption and is in a state of dishonor, powerless, and repulsive. There is no glory or honor attributed to dead decaying human bodies buried beneath the soil.

The good news. . . But the resurrection and redemption of our human bodies at the return of Jesus Christ will reverse all of that. These old dead bodies will be raised in honor, in power, and in glory ! ! ! The Apostle Paul explains this clearly and says this future event is what we HOPE for . . .

Romans 8:23
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, EAGERLY WAITING for the adoption, the

"REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY . . ."

24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

We get a glimpse of God's glory when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead - - -

John 11
3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love (Lazarus) is sick."
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of GOD, that the SON of GOD may be GLORIFIED through it."

The Hope for the Christian is Eternal Life in a New, Resurrected, Redeemed, Glorified body . . .

We will someday share in God's Glory in our New Spiritual (Redeemed) body. In the meantime we . . .

"EAGERLY WAIT"

Philippians 3
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also EAGERLY WAIT for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will TRANSFORM our LOWLY body that it may be conformed to His GLORIOUS body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

God will be GLORIFIED at OUR RESURRECTION because he will have transformed our decayed corruptible bodies into his glorious image. In the event we are living when He comes, he will transform our MORTAL LIVING BODIES into his glorious image.

1 Corinthians 15
53 For this corruptible (dead body) must put on INCORRUPTION, and this mortal (living body) must put on IMMORTALITY.
54 So when this corruptible has put on INCORRUPTION, and this mortal has put on IMMORTALITY, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in VICTORY."
55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"

What he is saying in the above passage is that at the Rapture when the dead in Christ are raised in their new glorified bodies . .

Those of us who are alive at Christ coming will sing:

Those raised from the dead at His coming will sing:

Therefore, our HOPE is not in vain:

Romans 2
6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds":
7 Eternal Life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for GLORY, HONOR, and IMMORTALITY;
8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath,

At the RESURRECTION of the dead, those who are SAVED will share in the Life and Glory of our resurrected Lord Jesus in REDEEMED bodies...

Colossians 3
3 For you died, and your Life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is our Life appears, then you also will appear with Him in GLORY.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

1 John 3
2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

The Word of God purifies us, conforms us to his image, and reaffirms our Hope of Eternal Life . . .

2 Timothy 2
9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the Salvation which is in Christ Jesus with ETERNAL GLORY.
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we Died with Him, We shall also LIVE with Him.

However, before GLORY, comes SUFFERING. You will note that this is NOT being taught today. A well known and popular Christian book being sold today is entitled "Your Best Life NOW". This is contrary to what the scriptures teach - - -

1 Peter 4
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's SUFFERINGS, that when His GLORY is revealed, you may also be GLAD with exceeding JOY. (because you will share in His GLORY)

The death of the Apostle Peter as prophesied by our Lord has application to Christians today who suffer the effects of Old AGE whether mild or severe. The death of the Apostle Peter gives us encouragement and HOPE even in times of old age. The false conclusion that Peter was crucified on a Roman Cross effectively removes the very purpose for which our Lord intended...

Even the Old Testament speaks of old age:

Psalm 71
8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, And with Your GLORY all the day.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of OLD AGE; Do not forsake me when MY STRENGTH FAILS.

Undergoing the detrimental effects of AGING is a matter of Endurance and Perseverance by which some Christians are called ... Christians who walk by Faith, must realize that suffering the weakness, sickness, shame, and frailty of AGING must be considered an APPOINTMENT by our Lord Jesus just as it was to the Apostle Peter. As such, we MUST endure it for His sake so that later we share in the Triumph and Glory over the bodily corruption in the Grave that afflicted us and whereby Death overtook us.

Romans 8:18
For I consider that the SUFFERINGS (including old age) of this present time are not Worthy to be compared with the GLORY which shall be (after old age and death) revealed in us.

The purpose of our Lord Jesus foretelling the death of Peter was meant to be an encouragement to our aged Saints. By Faith, they must realize that they are fulfilling a divine appointment as from Jesus Christ our Lord Himself ...

From another aspect, we are aware the Jesus Christ was tempted just as we are tempted to sin but He was without sin. Not only could He keep THE LAW and be found innocent, guiltless, and sinless with respect to the old testament Mosaic Law, He also . . .

CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH

Romans 8:3
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He . . . CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH

OTHER SUFFERINGS

Our Lord never suffered the consequences of Old Age, from an unreasonable boss, from a nagging wife, from a worthless husband, from a rebellious child, from a low paying job, etc. etc. But the Apostle Paul states by his own example, we will accomplish and undergo what he (Jesus) didn't . . .

Colossians 1:24
I now rejoice in my SUFFERINGS for you, and FILL UP in my FLESH what is Lacking in the Afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

We are THE BODY of Christ and are called upon to FILL UP the rest of the Sufferings of Christ . . . Old Age is just one aspect of this calling and must be considered such. There are of course many other types of suffering . . . Fortunately, in the Church, by the Love of Christ, there is found consolation for such sufferings:

1 Cor 1
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our TRIBULATION (including old age), that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the SUFFERINGS of Christ abound in us, so our CONSOLATION also abounds through Christ.
6 Now if we are AFFLICTED, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for ENDURING the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are PARTAKERS of the SUFFERINGS, so also you will partake of the CONSOLATION.

Suffering and tribulation is not pleasant, but joy and peace is found in our Great Hope . . .

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And when Hope is realized . . .

Revelation 21
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be NO MORE DEATH, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be NO MORE PAIN, for the former things have passed away."
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things NEW." And He said to me, "Write, for these WORDS are TRUE and FAITHFUL."

The following words of our Lord Jesus to Peter was meant to be an encouragement to the elderly. They should be used as such. . .

"This He spoke, signifying by what death he (Peter) would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus . . ." Rev 22:20

PETER'S NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

Some time after our Lord's resurrection and ascension back to heaven, Peter had a NEAR DEATH experience. The exact year of this event may be unknown but we can be sure that Peter was NOT an old man as he sat bound in prison awaiting execution. Acts 12 records the account - - -

Acts 12
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

Peter Freed from Prison:

5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands.
8 Then the angel said to him, "GIRD YOURSELF and tie on your sandals"; and so he did. And he said to him, "PUT ON YOUR GARMENT and follow me."

Did you notice that the Angel told Peter to dress himself and to follow him? Peter is not yet an Old Man. He can at this time gird himself and walk where he wishes - - -

9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.

This above account reveals to us a couple of things. First, the prophesy of Jesus regarding Peter's death was true. Jesus' prophecy would have failed had Peter been executed at this time. Peter must not undergo execution because we have been told IN ADVANCE what the WILL of the LORD is concerning Peter's death. This may account in part why Peter was so sound asleep before his scheduled execution rather than he be filled with fear, anxiety, sleeplessness, etc.

Secondly, we are privileged to see what is occurring behind the scenes as this event unfolds. The Church is praying for Peter's release and God will honor their request because the Will of God is KNOWN in advance. Whether THEY knew this or not is not what is important. What is important is that WE KNOW in advance because the scriptures revealed it to US. Peter may have never confided in anyone else at the Church concerning Jesus' prophecy concerning his own death! So the Church's prayer and God's Will for Peter are working together and we are able to see this while the Church members who were praying for Peter did not.

Did the Church NOT pray for James, the brother of John, prior to his execution by Herod? Sure they did, but they did NOT KNOW the SPECIFIC WILL of GOD for James in the same situation and neither do we. . . We can conclude, however, in hindsight from the events that happened and recorded in scripture that the will of God for James was NOT the same as that for Peter. Whether we know in advance or not, we DO KNOW that we can TRUST the LORD in ANY situation because he HEARS our PRAYERS - - -

Many of us make the mistake of equating God who "Hears our Prayer" with "Give Me What I Want". This is the mark of a childish and immature Christian. Our prayers should be considered like "Radar" which works even in the black of night. As the Lord answers some prayers in accordance with our desires, and others He does not - We are therefore guided in accordance with HIS desire. This is why Jesus taught us to conclude our prayers with - - -

Ephesians 1:11
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who WORKS ALL THINGS according to the counsel of HIS WILL,

1 Timothy 4:10
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we TRUST in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

1 John 5:15
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

THE RUMOR

Back to John chapter 21, Peter learned about his future death through the prophecy given to him by our Lord. Now Peter turns to his fellow disciple John, and says:

John 21
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?"
21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, WHAT ABOUT THIS MAN?"

The "Disciple whom Jesus Loved" is referring to the Apostle John. John never refers to himself in the first person in this Gospel.

Peter has a curious concern for John, his fellow Apostle, and would like to know what kind of death he would undergo. Jesus, therefore, reminds Peter to keep his focus on Himself (Jesus) and not on others . . .

22 Jesus said to him, "If I WILL that he remain till I come, WHAT IS THAT TO YOU? You follow Me."

This seems like a rather harsh statement, but our Lord is just making the point that it is OUR purpose to follow His WILL and perform the work that HE has for us to do.

The Apostle Paul makes the following statements as his own life is drawing to a close - - -

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Evidently, some of the other disciples overheard Jesus' statement to Peter . . .

"If I will that he

to literally mean that the Apostle John would not die. A rumor is about to be circulated that the Apostle John would not die. John looking back at this incident as he writes this gospel account must intervene and straighten things out for us by saying - - -

23 Then this saying (rumor) went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did NOT say to him (John) that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?"

If John is like us, in a way he is hoping that he would not die, but he knows that this is not the case. John will therefore write under inspiration of the Holy Spirit - - -

THE TESTIMONY

The Gospel account of Peter's death as well as all scripture WAS TRUE and IS TRUE. Most importantly, John says that the testimony he gave concerning Jesus Christ is true - - -

24 This is the disciple (John) who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that His (Jesus) testimony is true.

There are three testimonies given which conclude and prove that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the World:

1. Testimony of Jesus Christ (Himself)
2. Testimony of God the Holy Spirit (Works of the Holy Spirit)
3. Testimony of God the Father (the Word of God thru Moses)

John 8:14
Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness(testimony) of Myself, My witness is TRUE, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going.

John 10:25
Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me.

John 5
46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.
47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

John 21
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

CONCLUSION

Archaeology and historical writings continually validate what we as Christians already believe and know to be true about the Bible because God's Word is True. On occasion there is a conflict between historical writings and the Word of God. The account of Peter dying upside down on a Roman Cross is just one example. The common understanding and interpretation of scripture regarding Peter's death has been distorted in this case in an attempt to support a false historical account.

Why is the death of the Apostle Peter so important? Actually, his death is not any more important than any of the other apostles. However, the historical report that Peter died on a Roman cross has a purpose. Its purpose was and is to undermine the Word of God and render the words and prophecy of Jesus Christ null and void. Had the historical report never surfaced, there would be little discussion today of how the Apostle Peter died. Scripture plainly tells us how he died.

Therefore, the interpretation of the description of Peter's death is marred when it is reported that according to history, the Apostle Peter was a martyr, crucified on a cross, and perhaps even crucified upside down. The historical record may be true regarding Peter, but it was not THE Apostle Peter. The name Peter was a very common name similar to our Bob, Bill, John, etc. There may have been someone else who underwent that particular fate. However, it was NOT THE APOSTLE PETER. The above passages do NOT describe "Death on a Roman Cross".

The report that Peter died upon a Roman cross and perhaps upside down serves only to glorify the FLESH. Christians seize upon this opportunity to elevate the Apostle Peter to a high human plain and glory in the fact of his martyrdom. They praise his courage, his unyielding faith, and uncompromising determination to follow Christ in the face of such a dilemma. But this was not what God had in mind for Peter, for Jesus said - - -

This He spoke, signifying by what death he (Peter) would GLORIFY GOD".

The false account of the Apostle Peter's death has succeeded in drawing many (otherwise) good Bible Teachers away from the facts and words of scripture and into a world of supposition and conjecture. It is because of this departure from scripture that the Apostles and New Testament writers left us with this final warning . . .

Jude 1:17
But you, beloved, REMEMBER THE WORDS which were spoken before by the APOSTLES of our Lord Jesus Christ: - - -

Even Peter himself chides us for the same reason - - -

II Peter 3
1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),
2 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,