Peter’s admonition for his readers was to remember and consider what they already knew of their responsibilities toward God. This is an important part of preaching, reminding brethren of what they already know! Doing so helps to guard against regression (cf. Hebrews 5:12).
In this context, the specific problem potentially surrounded their confidence in Christ’s second coming. This second advent was promised to man at Jesus’ ascension following His resurrection. Two angels told His disciples “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
But time had passed and some were doubting that promise. Their claim was wrong, but it is one that carries weight in every generation. “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (4).
In the next section, Peter successfully argues against that doubt. Paul did as well, in 1 Corinthians 15. He wrote, “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (52).
