2 Peter 1:12-15

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, 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.

We learn by repetition. Both Peter and Paul understood the importance of this principle, and it is incumbent that ministers of the gospel today follow their example. Paul writes to the Philippians, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1). It is safe to repeat the Word of God because the saints have different degrees of understanding. — Sadler, page 186.

established (v.12) = strengthened, propped up, supported by a support that fixes something in place.

stir you up (v.13) = wake out of sleep, arouse completely, render active

Peter knew that he must soon put off his tabernacle, as the Lord had shown him. A tabernacle was a tent in biblical times. in this context, we are to understand the physical body is merely the tent that houses the soul and spirit. …

What the Lord had shown Peter concerned the manner of death he would experience. “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.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me” (John 21:18-19). The day would come, while Peter was attending to the needs of the sheep, that he would be carried away to suffer a violent martyr’s death. This is what the Lord meant by the phrase they will “carry you where you do not wish.” In short, it would not be a natural death, but one premature and repulsive to the flesh. Through it all, the Lord adds, his death would ultimately glorify God. — Sadler, page 188.

I’ve never been entirely convinced that the Lord foretold a violent death for Peter. I think John 21:18 could be interpreted to mean that Peter would grow old and lose either his ability to make decisions for himself or at least his ability to get around on his own—perhaps in infirmity or senility. But Sadler (above) could be right also. At least he didn’t propagate the Catholic tradition that Peter was crucified upside-down. It’s possible, but there’s no biblical or historical support for that view.

The Apostle knew that there would be no Apostolic succession (vs.13 and 15). Therefore he wrote these two epistles. Like the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:30-32) he handed them the Bible as the rule of faith, and told them that false apostles would succeed him. — Williams, page 1007.