As confirmation that Peter is not sharing anything new, he tells the believers that they know about God’s power and the need for godly living (2 Peter 1:1–11)1 since they are firmly established in the truth. The Christians to whom he is writing know the truth of the gospel, both the apostolic (2 Peter 1:16–18) and the prophetic (2 Peter 1:18–21) witness.2 Though it might seem as if Peter is personally acquainted with the believers to whom he is writing, it is unlikely that he has met them in person. Instead he assumes that they will be familiar with the basic Christian teaching that has been shared and taught by the apostles.3
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.