John Calvin Commentary 2 Peter 1:13

"And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;" — 2 Peter 1:13 (ASV)

Yes, I think it fitting, or right. He expresses more clearly how useful and necessary admonition is, because it is necessary to arouse the faithful; for otherwise, lethargy will creep in from the flesh. Even if, then, they might not have lacked teaching, he says that the goads of admonitions were useful, lest complacency and indulgence (as is usually the case) should weaken what they had learned, and finally extinguish it.

He adds another reason why he was so intent on writing to them: because he knew that a short time remained for him. “I must diligently use my time,” he says, “for the Lord has made known to me that my life in this world will not be long.”

From this we learn that admonitions should be given in such a way that the people whom we wish to benefit may not think that they are being wronged, and also that offenses should be avoided in such a way that the truth may still have a free course and exhortations may not be discontinued.

Now, this moderation should be observed towards those for whom a sharp reproof would not be suitable, but who should instead be kindly helped, since they are already inclined to do their duty. We are also taught by Peter’s example that the shorter the time of life remaining for us, the more diligent we should be in fulfilling our office.

We are not usually able to foresee our end. However, those who are advanced in years or weakened by illness, being reminded by such indications of the shortness of their life, should be more persistent and diligent, so that they may in due time perform what the Lord has given them to do. Indeed, even those who are strongest and in the prime of their lives—since they do not render to God as constant a service as they should—ought to spur themselves on to the same care and diligence by remembering that death is approaching, lest the opportunity for doing good pass away while they attend negligently and slothfully to their work.

At the same time, I do not doubt that it was Peter’s aim to give more authority and weight to his teaching when he said that he would endeavor to make them remember these things after his death, which was then near. For when anyone, shortly before leaving this life, addresses us, his words have, in a way, the force and power of a testament or will, and are usually received by us with greater reverence.