Peter explicitly refers to this being his second letter, probably referring to 1 Peter. The fact that 1 Peter is not really a "reminder" is thought by some to mean it must be referring to some other letter. However, I am not really convinced by this objection. The dominant theme in 1 Peter is a "reminder" of the way that Jesus dealt with suffering and injustice, the only difference is that 2 Peter explicitly uses the term "reminder".
Whatever the case, the purpose of this letter is to "stimulate you to wholesome thinking". Our minds are very important, and the way that we think is important. One of the most important ways of doing this is to study the word of God. Here Peter refers to the "holy prophets" (probably a term referring to all or most of the Old Testament"), and the "command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles". This latter part puts the apostolic teaching on a par with that of the OT prophets.
A key part of Peter's warning is that there will be false teachers and scoffers in the last days. Now Paul and Jesus Himself also warned about this, it is a consistent teaching of the New Testament. We also need to remember that we are still in the last days. The church always needs to be on its guard against false teaching.
Whatever the case, the purpose of this letter is to "stimulate you to wholesome thinking". Our minds are very important, and the way that we think is important. One of the most important ways of doing this is to study the word of God. Here Peter refers to the "holy prophets" (probably a term referring to all or most of the Old Testament"), and the "command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles". This latter part puts the apostolic teaching on a par with that of the OT prophets.
A key part of Peter's warning is that there will be false teachers and scoffers in the last days. Now Paul and Jesus Himself also warned about this, it is a consistent teaching of the New Testament. We also need to remember that we are still in the last days. The church always needs to be on its guard against false teaching.
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