The concept of remembering the teachings and messages of the prophets and apostles is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the divine revelations given through these chosen vessels of God. This reminder serves as a call to faithfulness, obedience, and perseverance in the Christian life.

Old Testament Prophets

The prophets of the Old Testament were God's messengers, tasked with delivering His word to the people of Israel. They called the nation to repentance, warned of impending judgment, and foretold the coming of the Messiah. The role of the prophets was crucial in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 18:18-19 , God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses: "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name."

The writings of the prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, are filled with reminders of God's laws and His expectations for His people. These reminders were intended to guide Israel back to faithfulness and to prepare them for the fulfillment of God's promises.

New Testament Apostles

In the New Testament, the apostles are the primary witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were commissioned by Christ to spread the Gospel and establish the early Church. The apostles' teachings, as recorded in the New Testament, are foundational to Christian doctrine and practice.

The apostle Peter, in his second epistle, emphasizes the importance of remembering the words spoken by the prophets and the commandment of the Lord delivered through the apostles. In 2 Peter 3:1-2 , he writes, "Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles."

Purpose of the Reminder

The reminder of the prophets and apostles serves several purposes:

1. Preservation of Truth: By recalling the teachings of the prophets and apostles, believers are anchored in the truth of God's Word, safeguarding against false teachings and heresies.

2. Encouragement in Faith: The reminders encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, especially in times of trial and persecution. The apostles often wrote to strengthen and encourage the early Christians, as seen in the epistles.

3. Moral and Spiritual Guidance: The teachings of the prophets and apostles provide moral and spiritual guidance, helping believers to live lives that are pleasing to God. The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently reminds the churches of the ethical implications of the Gospel.

4. Hope in Fulfillment: The reminders also point to the fulfillment of God's promises, both in the coming of Christ and in the future hope of His return. The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, and the apostles testified to His life and work, providing assurance of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the reminder of the prophets and apostles is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to remember and adhere to the divine revelations given through these chosen messengers of God.