The Story:Peter’s “every effort” here involves putting his most important thoughts into written form. He knows that what he has to say matters, not only for the persecuted believers in Asia Minor, but for the Church in every age. Here is a glimpse into the mindset of the apostle, who understood that his words were needed for the Church in his day, but perhaps also beyond his day.

It is easier for people to recall something important when it’s written down for them. Peter’s letter would have been readin the churches of his day, and many copieswould have been made and distributedto other churches and Christians. This was the same with all the other apostolic writings, which is why so many thousands of manuscript copies from the first few centuries still exist today. It would be difficult to understate the importance of writing and reading in advancing the faith of Jesus Christ.

He, the Word of God, is pleased to use words– beginning with those of the apostles and prophets – as the foundation on which He will build His Church (Eph. 2.19-22). We neglect those inspired words to our own peril, and to the disruption of Christ’s work in our midst.

The Structure:Peter’s example shines for us in another way in this verse. He was eager to make sure that the Word God had given him would be available after he was gone. Do we think in those kinds of term? Are we even now ministering to others and teaching the Word in such a way as to ensure that this great work will continue after the Lord has called us home? Paul said we should think about making disciples to the third generation of believers beyond ourselves (2 Tim. 2:2). Thus the teaching of grace and truth forms an unbroken chain from the apostles to us – and from us to the future?

How do you expect the ministry you are doing in Jesus’ name to survive once the Lord has called you home?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “The Word More Sure: 2 Peter 1.12-21,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.